Dogs drink less for many reasons, from spending less time out in the heat or eating wet food to nausea, pain, dental problems or illness.1,2 A healthy dog needs about 0.6 to 1.2 ounces of water per pound of body weight a day, less if it eats canned food.3,4,2 Call your vet the same day if your dog drinks nothing for a day, and sooner for puppies or if your dog is vomiting, weak or has diarrhea. Going several days without water is life-threatening.5,1
See your vet now if your dog isn't drinking and:
What the Research Says
- Food counts as water. Canned food contains 60% to over 87% water, so dogs eating it drink less from the bowl.2
- Newborn puppies are most at risk. Water makes up over 80% of a newborn puppy's body weight, and its water turnover is double an adult's.7
- Oral fluids work for mild cases. Veterinary guidelines prefer fluids by mouth whenever a dog can take them, and recommend canned food and free access to water.8
Why Is My Dog Not Drinking Water?
- Normal reasons: less time outside in hot weather, or a wet-food diet.1,2
- Nausea or stomach upset, from gastroenteritis, kidney or liver disease or other illness.1,5
- Pain: arthritis can make reaching the bowl hard.1
- Mouth problems: dental disease, or teeth that are sensitive to cold water.1
- Stress, anxiety or depression.1
- A dirty bowl with slimy buildup.1
- Reduced thirst as a condition: rare, and reported most often in Schnauzers.5
How Long Can a Dog Go Without Water?
Sources differ. One says dogs that haven't had any water for more than 24 hours need emergency care. Another says it generally becomes an emergency after three to four days.5,1 The safest approach is to call your vet the same day if your dog drinks nothing for a day, and right away if they're a puppy, are vomiting or have diarrhea, or seem weak.5,1 A dog that drinks nothing at all can become dehydrated quickly.5
Signs of Dehydration
See dehydration in dogs for how to check and what vets do.
How to Get Your Dog to Drink More
Once your vet has ruled out illness, try:1,2
- Washing the bowl every day and offering fresh water
- Putting extra bowls around the house
- A pet water fountain
- A spoonful of unsalted chicken broth with no onion or garlic in the water
- Switching to canned food, or adding water to dry food
Never force water into your dog's mouth.1 Your vet may give fluids under the skin or by IV if your dog is dehydrated.1,8
Puppies
Young puppies lose water fast and have little stored energy, so they can quickly become dehydrated and develop low blood sugar. Signs include trembling, crying, then weakness. Call your vet the same day if a young puppy isn't drinking or nursing.7 Older puppies under about 16 weeks normally drink more than adult dogs for their size.4
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my dog not drinking water but eating?
It may be eating wet food, spending less time in the heat, or there may be a problem with the bowl. If it lasts more than a day or your dog seems unwell, see your vet.
How long can a dog go without water?
Call your vet the same day if your dog drinks nothing for a day. Several days without water is life-threatening.
How do I get my dog to drink more water?
Keep the bowl clean, try a fountain or a little unsalted broth, and feed wet food.
Does wet food hydrate dogs?
Yes. Canned food is 60% to over 87% water.
Should I worry if my puppy isn't drinking?
Yes. Young puppies dehydrate quickly. Call your vet the same day.
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Sources and further reading
This article was rewritten and fact-checked on October 28, 2026 against current veterinary references and specialist guidelines:
- Kleszynski B. Dog Not Drinking Water? Possible Causes and When To Call Your Vet. PetMD, August 2024.
- Sanderson SL. Nutritional Requirements of Small Animals. Merck Veterinary Manual, updated September 2024.
- Collins B. Canine Polyuria and Polydipsia (PU/PD). Riney Canine Health Center, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, April 2024.
- Fatcheric E. How Much Water Should Your Dog Drink? Whole Dog Journal, November 2022.
- Vetster Editorial Team; verified by Ricard M. Decreased Thirst (Hypodipsia and Adipsia) in Dogs. Vetster, updated July 2026.
- American Animal Hospital Association. Fluid Therapy for Pets. AAHA, accessed October 2026.
- Veterinary Information Network. Paediatric emergencies in neonatal puppies (proceedings). VIN, accessed October 2026.
- Pardo M, Spencer E, Odunayo A, Ramirez ML, Rudloff E, Shafford H, Weil A, Wolff E. 2024 AAHA Fluid Therapy Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association, 2024.
About this article
Last updated : written using the 2024 AAHA Fluid Therapy Guidelines, the Merck Veterinary Manual, Cornell University, PetMD, Vetster, Whole Dog Journal and veterinary proceedings.
This page is for general information and is not a substitute for an exam by your veterinarian.
