Drinking behaviour of the dog

One important factor is food. A dog that consumes dry food must automatically consume more fluid, as the water content of dry food is just about ten percent. This is different if your dog consumes wet food. Wet dog food has a water content of about 80 percent. Therefore, a large part of the necessary liquid requirement can be absorbed by eating the food. So, make sure that your dog consumes enough water during the day when he is fed with dry food.

Another factor that influences how much your dog drinks, is exercise. The daily walk belongs to the routine. It is important that the exhausted energy is balanced by nutrition and water. If your dog moves a lot, he will need more water afterwards. This means that the activity level of the dog is decisive. In addition, the size and weight of the dog also play an important role in how much water the dog needs.

But what can you do if your dog doesn't drink enough?

• If your dog eats dry food, you can fill it with water in the bowl. This not only gives the food a different consistency, but also compensates for the lack of liquid in the dry food.
• You can naturally switch to wet food.
• A little secret tip is buttermilk. With the help of a small shot the water becomes tastier for your furry friend and can be digested easier.
•  You can also try to change the location of the water bowl. Your dog will be challenged to look for the bowl first and may even drink more than usual.
• Be patient! Even if these tips don't work directly, give your dog time to get used to drinking more.

However, if you are still unsure whether your dog's drinking habits are normal, ask your vet for advice. He will be able to explain how much fluid your dog should drink depending on the above-mentioned factors.