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Drinking isn’t just about sipping down some drops of liquid at random. Several factors, beyond medical issues, influence how much water your pup drinks. While being overweight in dogs might not be a medical issue on its own, it’s a condition worth monitoring closely—mainly to prevent obesity, which can lead to various unpleasant health consequences.
There’s a paradox when it comes to water intake and overweight dogs. On one hand, they’re often less inclined to get up from the sofa, resulting in fewer trips to the water bowl. On the other, eating naturally increases thirst and drinking. But which comes first?
In humans, drinking can stimulate appetite—especially when alcohol is in the mix. Luckily, your pup is hopefully only drinking water, but that also means they rely on you to ensure they’re properly hydrated.
Other factors that influence your dog’s hydration levels include climate and exercise. If you found us after Googling “overweight dog” or “my dog is getting a bit chunky,” it’s unlikely too much exercise is the culprit. But we don’t want to rule anything out!
In this article, we’ll explore the factors that influence your dog’s water intake and share practical methods to keep your dog hydrated.
Water intake isn’t just about thirst; several factors affect how much water your dog consumes. Understanding these factors, especially in overweight dogs, can help you establish a solid hydration routine.
Eating and drinking go together like iced tea and warm weather.
Thirst is naturally stimulated by eating, just like fur and shedding go hand in hand. Dogs tend to drink more when they eat because food consumption triggers thirst—though not necessarily the other way around. More meals, the type of food, and portion sizes all play a role in stimulating drinking, and the nutrient content of the food can make a difference too.
Dry food contains less moisture than wet food, so dogs fed dry kibble generally need more water to stay hydrated. As we consistently measure food portions, it’s equally important to provide enough water. Remember, there’s never a reason to restrict water—unlike food, water has zero calories. Your dog won’t gain weight from too much drinking water.
Where you live decides what to give
Weather conditions are also key in the “hydration equation.” Ambient temperature and humidity play significant roles in water requirements. Hotter weather leads to more water loss through panting as dogs try to cool down. If your dog spends time outdoors or in a warm space, be sure to provide extra water and encourage regular hydration.
Keeping the water cool and refreshed regularly is essential. Just as we wouldn’t enjoy a warm soda on a hot day, your dog will appreciate cool water, and fresh water also helps minimize bacterial growth.
Dogs living in colder regions are often genetically adapted with thick fur and a lower percentage of body water. For example, while the average dog’s body weight is about 60% water, Huskies are known to carry only about 37% of their body weight in water.
Unlike their warm-weather counterparts, these Arctic pups need water in liquid form—not frozen. While a bowl of ice water can be a blessing on a hot summer night, those don’t happen above the Arctic Circle. Boiling water is too hot, of course, but top-tier mushers often add warm broth or water to a meal to aid recovery and keep body temperature optimal.
When not only the water is running
Last but not least, activity level plays a major role. Just like humans, dogs need more water when they’re active. Running, playing, or any physical exertion leads to increased water loss through panting, which needs replenishing.
For highly active dogs—especially working or sporting breeds—be sure to hydrate before, during, and after exercise to prevent dehydration. When I go for a long run (up to 14 miles), I’ll drink at least 16 fl. oz. myself before a run and the same amount when I return.
Drinking isn’t just about sipping down some drops of liquid at random. Several factors, beyond medical issues, influence how much water your pup drinks. While being overweight in dogs might not be a medical issue on its own, it’s a condition worth monitoring closely—mainly to prevent obesity, which can lead to various unpleasant health consequences.
There’s a paradox when it comes to water intake and overweight dogs. On one hand, they’re often less inclined to get up from the sofa, resulting in fewer trips to the water bowl. On the other, eating naturally increases thirst and drinking. But which comes first?
In humans, drinking can stimulate appetite—especially when alcohol is in the mix. Luckily, your pup is hopefully only drinking water, but that also means they rely on you to ensure they’re properly hydrated.
Other factors that influence your dog’s hydration levels include climate and exercise. If you found us after Googling “overweight dog” or “my dog is getting a bit chunky,” it’s unlikely too much exercise is the culprit. But we don’t want to rule anything out!
In this article, we’ll explore the factors that influence your dog’s water intake and share practical methods to keep your dog hydrated.
It can be tricky to monitor exactly how much your dog is drinking from a standard bowl, but if your instincts tell you your pooch isn’t drinking enough, here are some effective methods to help boost hydration.
Skip the salt and avoid “solutions” that create new issues
Adding salt to dry food might seem like a way to increase thirst, but I strongly advise against it unless recommended by your vet. Messing with internal systems can lead to more problems than solutions.
Switching to wet food, canned food, or frozen food is another option, though not always ideal. While these foods do add moisture, they can introduce other complications. Here, we’re focused on solutions that address the root issue, rather than treating symptoms alone
Add water to dry food—but keep it balanced.
The simplest way to add hydration is by adding a little water to your dog’s dry food. Just a light
pour—enough to make the kibble float—can increase water intake without oversaturating the food. Too much water might make your dog feel bloated, which isn’t comfortable for either of you! Remember to give the upgraded bowl pretty quickly to maintain the structure and consistency of the dry food.
This approach also has the added benefit of slowing down your dog’s eating, a bonus in the fight against overweight. (Except, of course, for our Labrador friends, who might inhale the kibble and water all in one gulp!)
We found it best to add water shortly before feeding, maintaining the texture and structure of the kibble. Too much water can make dogs feel bloated, and nobody likes that feeling, right?
Frozen treats for a cool hydration boost
Frozen fruits and other chilled treats make excellent options for summer. These refreshing treats help hydrate your dog, keeping them busy while also adding a bit of water to their diet. This can be especially helpful for overweight dogs, promoting hydration without adding extra calories. Keep in mind that in colder weather, your dog’s water needs might be lower, but summer is a great time to add frozen treats.
Make water accessible
Sometimes, it’s as simple as making water
more accessible. Placing multiple water bowls around your home or yard gives your dog more chances to drink throughout the day.
This is especially helpful for senior dogs or those with mobility issues who might find it harder to reach a single water source.
Variety can also encourage drinking! When I used to play dog frisbee, I’d let my pups sip from a frisbee after each round. We used bottled water so we could keep track of their intake this way.
If you don’t have a disc to fill, try using a toy that holds liquid. Just be mindful of your floors— water spills don’t pair well with a 15th-century parquet!
When raising our pups, we introduced various types of bowls early on (anywhere from 12 to 18 weeks old). Wooden, stainless steel, rubber, foldable bowls for walks—you name it. We even taught them to drink from a bottle if we didn’t have a bowl handy. They were always hydrated, regardless of the situation.
Conclusion
Water intake is an unsung hero in your dog’s overall health, especially for dogs carrying a bit of extra weight. Understanding the factors that influence your pup’s drinking habits—and implementing a few hydration-boosting strategies—goes a long way in supporting their well being.
By keeping your dog well-hydrated, you’re helping them feel their best, stay active, and live a healthier, happier life. For more insights into recognizing dehydration and the essential role of water, check out our article on the signs of dehydration in heavier dogs and simple tips to keep
them hydrated.