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How to get a puppy to drink water after starting puppy food?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 1 year old | 1lb

How do I start giving a puppy water he need it cause he started puppy food and I want to make sure he has water but I don’t know how to give it to him

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on February 26th, 2018

Hi and thanks for visiting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I understand your concern here. I also assume that the age you put on here is incorrect since it says that Louis is already 1 years old. A puppy is considered to be under 1 year.
You can simply place water from the faucet into a regular dog bowl and offer it to him. He should drink readily and know what to do from there. If he doesn't seem interested at first, you can place a few drops on your finger and offer it to his lips for him to lick off. Do this a few times and he should begin to drink on his own. You can also give him canned puppy food in the beginning, just in case he doesn't drink an adequate amount of water initially, and this can help supplement his water intake. I hope this helps! Best wishes moving forward with your puppy. Take care.
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