Dog owners have been warned about a crucial habit concerning their pets. Experts warn that dogs may drink less water during the winter months, and it’s important for owners to ensure their beloved furry friends stay hydrated.
This change in behaviour occurs as the temperature falls, leading our pets to lose less fluid. Much like humans, they don’t feel the need to drink as much as they would in the summer. Brand ambassador and Media Vet, Dr James Greenwood, explained: “Throughout the colder months, it’s completely normal for dogs to drink less water.
As temperatures drop, their bodies retain moisture more efficiently.
“They pant less and don’t sweat as much, which means they lose far less fluid than in summer.
“Additionally, the sensation of thirst tends to feel less urgent in cooler weather, so they simply don’t feel the same need to drink.
“While this seasonal change is to be expected, dry air can affect your dog’s hydration, and water is important to support regulating their body temperature and keep their digestive system ticking along nicely.”
Here are four simple ways to encourage your dog to drink more water in winter, as reported by The Mirror.
Give them room-temperature water
While a cold glass of water might seem refreshing to us, your dog may not think so, especially during winter. To ensure your dog stays hydrated in the colder months, consider offering them lukewarm or room-temperature water to make it more appealing.
Consider switching to wet dog food
Wet dog food has a higher water content than dry dog food, making it an excellent option during winter when your dog might not feel as thirsty. Wet dog food boasts a moisture content of 60-80%, compared to just 3-12% in dry food.
By opting for wet food, your dog will naturally become more hydrated without having to rely solely on drinking water.
Increase the number of water bowls
An easy yet effective method to encourage your dog to drink more water is by placing additional water bowls around the house. For many dogs, if water isn’t immediately visible, they may forget about it.
If they’re comfortably settled in their favourite spot, they might not be keen to move to another room for a drink, especially if they’re not feeling thirsty. By strategically placing more water bowls, you could entice them to drink more frequently.
Make drinking water fun through play
If your dog is showing a lack of interest in drinking water, consider introducing a pet water fountain. The movement of the water can stimulate your pup’s desire to drink.
Other options include interactive water toys that can be filled with water and lick mats, which can trigger endorphin release while mentally engaging your dog.
However, if these enrichment activities fail to pique your dog’s interest, vets recommend scheduling a visit to your local vet to identify any underlying issues.
