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My dog won't drink water in summer. What are the best hydration tips?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Male | 1 year and 4 months old | 88 lbs

My dog doesnt drink water adequately. What should do about it?? Its summer here!!

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on April 10th, 2018

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

I find that dogs will drink what they need. If you feed him canned food that has more water and moisture in it thus they drink less water. In warmer weather and with exercise I bet that Toby will drink more to compensate. Always having fresh waster available will allow him to drink when he is ready and needs to. You can add water gradually to his dry food to trick him in to taking in more water. If you find that this doesn't work and he doesn't drink when hot and over heats then
I would have your Vet do an exam.

Here are a few other tips!
You can try different types of bowels and have multiple down, raise the water bowl up since he is a big dog, make sure the bowls are clean, add ice cubes to the water, purchase a water fountain, add low sodium chicken broth or bone broth to the water.

Have a great day!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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