When Your Pet Won't Drink Water: A Vet's Guide for Dogs & Cats

Key Takeaways in 1 Minute

• A good baseline is about 60–70 ml of water per kg of body weight per day
• Adequate hydration lowers the risk of heat stroke, especially in flat-faced breeds
• You can check for dehydration at home with the skin turgor test and by touching the gums
• If your pet suddenly drinks far more than usual, it may signal kidney disease, diabetes, or a hormonal issue — see your vet

Low water intake is no small matter — particularly for cats and certain dog breeds — because water is essential for metabolism, kidney function, and, most importantly, body-temperature regulation. As a veterinarian, I'd like to lay out a simple, practical guide to keeping your pet well hydrated.

1. How Much Water Per Day

In general, dogs and cats should get roughly 60–70 ml of water per kg of body weight per day to maintain fluid balance and support the kidneys.

• Example: a 10 kg dog should drink about 600–700 ml a day (roughly one small water bottle)
• This rises if your pet eats mostly dry food, exercises outdoors, or on very hot days

2. Water, Heat Stroke & How to Check for Dehydration

In Thailand's climate, heat stroke is one of the top dangers. Sufficient water helps pets cool down through panting and the sweat glands in their paw pads. The highest-risk group is flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds such as Bulldogs, Pugs, French Bulldogs, and Persian cats, whose airways dissipate heat less efficiently.

You can do two quick at-home checks for dehydration:

• Skin turgor test: gently lift the skin at the scruff and release. If it snaps back instantly = normal; if it returns slowly or stays tented = dehydration is starting.
• Gum check: healthy gums are moist and slippery. If they feel sticky or dry, your pet needs water urgently.

3. Tips to Get Your Pet to Drink More

For cats

• Try a cat water fountain: many cats dislike still water but love moving water (thei instinct), which encourages drinking
• Room-temperature water is best — cats often prefer it to very cold water
• Location matters: place the bowl near resting spots or quiet corners, and always "keep it away from the litter box"
• Spread out bowls in several spots so pets can drink comfortably without competing

For dogs

• Add an appealing aroma: stir in a little unsalted chicken broth or tuna water — but wash the bowl daily to prevent bacteria
• Praise and reward when you see your dog drinking, so they learn it's a good thing
• Small ice cubes to chew on are fun on hot days and add hydration
• Add water to meals or switch to wet food so they get water through food directly

4. Dog Breeds That Especially Love Water

Some breeds were developed for work in water and are therefore more comfortable with and fond of it — for example Labradors and Golden Retrievers, the Newfoundland (with webbed feet and a water-resistant coat), the Standard Poodle (originally a water retriever), and the Portuguese Water Dog. Although they love water, these breeds often drink fast, so watch for bloat, and always dry their coat thoroughly after swimming to prevent skin disease and fungal infection.

A Final Note from the Author

Fresh water, changed daily, is one of the cheapest yet most important "medicines" you can give your pet. If you've tried these tips and your pet still drinks less and less — or far more than usual — don't ignore it, as it can be an early sign of a hidden illness. An early veterinary check-up is always the safest path.

References

1. How Much Water Should Dogs and Cats Drink? Hill's Pet. Hill's Pet
2. Dehydration in Dogs. VCA Animal Hospitals. VCA
3. Heatstroke in Dogs. American Kennel Club (AKC). AKC
4. Water Dogs: Breeds That Love to Swim. Science. Science Wisdom Panel. Wisdom Panel