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My dog is sick, on bland food, and now won't drink water. Why?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Yorkshire Terrier | Female | spayed | 14 lbs

My dog started getting sick last week with vomiting white foam once and diarrhea here and there. She refused to eat last week so I started feeding her bland foods, like chicken and rice or 90% fat free beef and rice, starting Monday. She's eating great but she now refuses to drink water. The only way I'm keeping her hydrated is with a small amount of milk mixed with mostly water. She's was a stray when we got her in 2012 and we think she is a Yorkie terrier 7+ yrs old. I cant afford a vet bill.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jenny, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 5th, 2018

She is going to drink less on that bland diet because those foods hold a lot of moisture. She is getting liquid and water through the food so her intake is less. You can add chicken broth or extra water to the food to encourage her to get more if she is eating well.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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