Water is life and that's not just a motivational poster slogan. For our dogs and cats, proper hydration is the foundation of nearly every bodily function, from regulating temperature and cushioning joints to flushing out toxins and keeping kidneys healthy. Yet despite how essential water is, many pet owners are surprised to discover that their beloved animals simply don't drink enough of it. If you've ever watched your dog walk past a full water bowl without a second glance, or noticed your cat looking anywhere but at the water dish, you're not alone. Learning how to encourage pets to drink more water is one of the most impactful things you can do for their long-term health.
Why Hydration Matters More Than You Think
Before diving into practical strategies, it helps to understand why dehydration is such a serious concern. Dogs need roughly one ounce of water per pound of body weight per day, while cats need a slightly lower amount but both species can fall short of that target more often than most owners realize. Cats, in particular, evolved from desert-dwelling ancestors and have a naturally low thirst drive. They were built to get most of their moisture from the prey they ate, not from standing water. This biological quirk means that even a perfectly healthy cat may not rush to the water bowl the way a dog might.
Chronic low-grade dehydration in pets can contribute to urinary tract infections, kidney disease, bladder stones, and digestive issues. In cats, inadequate water intake is one of the leading risk factors for feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD), a painful and sometimes life-threatening condition. For dogs, dehydration strains the kidneys, slows digestion, and can make existing health conditions worse. Recognizing the problem early and knowing how to encourage pets to drink more water can genuinely add years to your pet's life.
Signs Your Pet May Not Be Drinking Enough
Spotting dehydration isn't always obvious until it becomes serious. One of the most reliable home tests is the "skin tent" check gently pinch the skin at the back of your pet's neck and release it. In a well-hydrated animal, the skin snaps back immediately. If it stays tented or returns slowly, that's a warning sign. Other indicators include dry or sticky gums, sunken eyes, lethargy, reduced skin elasticity, and a noticeable decrease in urination. In cats, you might also notice that the litter box is drier than usual.
It's worth monitoring how often your pet actually drinks throughout the day. A healthy adult dog typically drinks several times daily, especially after meals, play, or outdoor activity. A cat may drink far less frequently, which is why their food source matters so much more. If you notice a sudden increase in drinking, that's also worth flagging to your vet, as it can signal diabetes or kidney disease.
Choosing the Right Water Bowl
Something as simple as the water bowl itself can make a significant difference. Many pets refuse to drink because of the material, depth, or placement of their bowl. Plastic bowls, while cheap and lightweight, can harbor bacteria in their micro-scratches and may leave a taste or smell that sensitive animals find off-putting. Stainless steel and ceramic bowls are generally better choices they're easier to clean thoroughly, don't retain odors, and don't leach chemicals into the water.
Bowl size and depth also matter, particularly for cats. A cat's whiskers are highly sensitive, and when a bowl is too narrow or too deep, pressing their whiskers against the sides causes discomfort a phenomenon known as "whisker fatigue." Wide, shallow dishes often dramatically improve a cat's willingness to drink. For dogs with long ears, like Basset Hounds or Cocker Spaniels, narrower, taller bowls can keep ears out of the water and make drinking more pleasant.
The Placement Factor
Where you put the water bowl is just as important as what the bowl is made of. Many pet owners place food and water dishes side by side, which seems logical but cats especially often prefer their water source to be away from their food. In the wild, water near a kill site can be contaminated, so instinct drives cats to seek water from a separate location. Try placing a water bowl in a different room, on a different floor, or in a quiet corner away from feeding areas. You may be surprised how quickly your cat starts drinking more.
For multi-pet households, having multiple water stations throughout the home removes the need for animals to compete or feel anxious about accessing a single bowl. Dogs in busy households may be deterred from drinking if they feel they need to "guard" the bowl from other pets. Spreading water sources around the home removes that stress entirely.
The Power of a Pet Water Fountain
If there's one investment that consistently helps owners figure out how to encourage pets to drink more water, it's a circulating pet water fountain. Running water is instinctively more appealing to many animals it signals freshness and safety in a way that still water doesn't. Cats in particular are often drawn to the sound and movement of flowing water, which is why so many of them try to drink from a running faucet.
Pet fountains keep water oxygenated and moving, which genuinely keeps it fresher for longer. Many models include activated carbon filters that remove impurities and reduce chlorine taste, making the water more palatable. The gentle sound of flowing water also acts as an auditory cue that encourages animals to approach and drink more frequently throughout the day. While fountains do require regular cleaning and filter replacement, the impact on daily water intake can be remarkable many owners report that their cats began drinking two to three times as much after switching from a standard bowl.
Keeping Water Fresh and Clean
Even without a fountain, the freshness of water in your pet's bowl has a direct impact on how willingly they drink. Stagnant water that has been sitting for 24 hours can accumulate bacteria, dust, pet hair, and saliva, making it far less appealing. Rinsing and refilling the bowl at least once a day ideally twice keeps the water inviting. Washing the bowl with soap and hot water every couple of days removes biofilm that builds up even when the water looks clean.
Some pets are also sensitive to the taste of tap water, especially if it's heavily chlorinated. Letting tap water sit in an open container for 30 minutes before filling the bowl allows chlorine to dissipate. Alternatively, filtered water from a pitcher or water fountain filter can make a noticeable difference for picky drinkers. It's a small change, but for a cat or dog with a sensitive palate, it can tip the balance toward drinking more.
Wet Food: A Secret Weapon for Hydration
For pets who simply won't drink enough no matter what bowl or fountain you try, wet food can be a game-changer. Wet or canned pet food contains roughly 70 to 80 percent moisture, compared to the 10 percent or less found in dry kibble. Transitioning even partially to wet food or mixing a small amount into dry food significantly increases your pet's overall fluid intake without relying on them to voluntarily drink more water.
This is especially important for cats, who are notoriously resistant to changing their drinking habits. A cat that eats primarily wet food is essentially "drinking" with every meal, which aligns much more closely with how their ancestors stayed hydrated through prey consumption. For dogs, adding warm water or low-sodium broth to dry kibble can boost moisture intake while also making meals more aromatic and appealing. Bone broth, made without onion or garlic, is a particularly popular addition that many dogs find irresistible.
Hydrating Treats and Food Toppers
Beyond wet food, there are creative ways to sneak moisture into your pet's diet through treats and food toppers. Watermelon (seedless), cucumber, and small amounts of unsalted cooked pumpkin are water-rich snacks that many dogs enjoy. Frozen treats made from diluted broth or blended fruit can encourage fluid intake while also providing mental stimulation on hot days.
For cats, food toppers like a teaspoon of water-packed tuna juice or diluted chicken broth drizzled over dry food can tempt even the most reluctant drinker. Hydration gels and broths specifically formulated for cats have also become increasingly popular among veterinary-approved pet nutrition products. These aren't replacements for fresh water, but as part of a broader strategy for how to encourage pets to drink more water, they can make a meaningful contribution to daily intake.
Temperature and Seasonal Adjustments
Water temperature is another factor that often goes overlooked. Some pets, especially dogs, prefer their water slightly cool rather than room temperature. Dropping a few ice cubes into the bowl on a warm day can make the water more refreshing and encourage more frequent trips to the bowl. During winter, some pets particularly older animals who spend more time indoors near heat sources may also benefit from slightly warmed water, which can be more comfortable for animals with joint stiffness.
Seasonal changes in activity and climate directly affect how much water your pet needs. During summer or after vigorous exercise, dogs may need significantly more water than their baseline. Always make sure extra water is available after walks, play sessions, or any strenuous activity. Portable water bottles and collapsible travel bowls make it easy to offer water on the go, turning hydration into a seamless part of every outdoor adventure.
Building a Hydration Routine
Like most healthy habits, consistent hydration is easier to maintain when it becomes part of a daily routine. Offering water at regular intervals after waking up, after meals, after play, and before bed trains pets to expect hydration as part of their day. Over time, many animals begin to seek out their water source at these predictable moments without any prompting.
For dogs especially, incorporating water breaks into training sessions or walks reinforces positive associations with drinking. Praising your dog when they drink or offering a small treat afterward (at least during the initial training phase) can build the habit more quickly. While cats are harder to train in this way, simply ensuring that water is always fresh, accessible, and in multiple locations goes a long way.
When to Talk to Your Vet
Despite your best efforts, some pets may continue to drink very little water due to underlying medical conditions. Dental pain, nausea, kidney disease, or hormonal imbalances can all suppress thirst. If your pet suddenly drinks far less than normal, seems lethargic, or shows other concerning symptoms alongside low water intake, a veterinary visit is essential. Your vet can assess hydration through a physical exam and bloodwork, and may recommend subcutaneous fluids or dietary adjustments for pets with chronic health conditions.
Understanding how to encourage pets to drink more water isn't a one-size-fits-all process it requires paying close attention to your individual animal's preferences, habits, and health status. But with patience, a few simple upgrades to your pet's water setup, and some creative dietary adjustments, you can make a real and lasting difference to their hydration levels and overall wellbeing.