Vet warns dog owners who give pets tap water to be aware of important winter habit

A vet has issued a warning to dog owners about an important winter habit that could help keep their pets properly hydrated during the colder months

Dog owners are being urged to monitor an essential behaviour as winter sets in. Veterinary experts warn that dogs typically consume less water during colder months, and pet owners need to take active steps to ensure their companions remain properly hydrated.

The decline occurs because cooler temperatures mean pets lose less fluid through their bodies, and similar to humans, they don’t experience the same thirst levels as during summer.

The issue is gaining significant attention, with Google searches for ‘dog dehydration’ surging by 144% in the past month alone, according to specialists at Forthglade.

Dr James Greenwood, brand ambassador and media vet, said: “Throughout the colder months, it’s completely normal for dogs to drink less water. As temperatures drop, their bodies conserve moisture more efficiently.

“They pant less and don’t sweat as much, which means they lose far less fluid than in summer. Additionally, the sensation of thirst tends to feel less urgent in cooler weather, so they simply don’t feel the same need to drink.

“While this seasonal change is to be expected, dry air can affect your dog’s hydration, and water is important to support regulating their body temperature and keep their digestive system ticking along nicely.”

Here are 4 easy ways to encourage your dog to drink more water in winter.

Offer room-temperature water

While a cold glass of water might seem appealing to us, your dog may not share the same sentiment, particularly during winter.

To coax your dog into drinking more water and stave off dehydration in the colder months, try offering them lukewarm or room-temperature water to make it more enticing.

Switch to wet dog food

Wet dog food, which contains more water than its dry counterpart, is an excellent alternative during winter when your dog might not feel as thirsty.

Wet dog food boasts a moisture content of 60-80%, compared to just 3-12% in dry food, reports the Mirror.

By making the switch to wet food, your dog will naturally become more hydrated without having to rely solely on drinking water.

Provide more water bowls

A straightforward yet effective method to encourage your dog to drink more water is by placing additional water bowls around the house. For many dogs, the old adage ‘out of sight, out of mind’ applies to drinking water.

If they’re comfortably settled in their favourite spot, they might not be inclined to venture to another room for a drink, especially if they’re not feeling thirsty. By providing extra water bowls in various locations, they might be more tempted to have a sip.

Use play to make drinking water seem more fun

If your pooch is turning up its nose at water, consider a pet water fountain to pique their interest. Other options include water-filled interactive toys and lick mats, which not only hydrate but also provide mental stimulation and release endorphins.

However, if these tricks don’t work and your dog remains disinterested, vets recommend a check-up to identify any underlying issues.

Winter warning

But temperature isn’t the only concern for pet owners. We recently highlighted a 4pm alert from a vet urging owners to ‘stay alert’.

As the nights draw in earlier, our furry friends are at increased risk of road accidents. The Blue Cross reports that each year, vehicles claim the lives of around 80,000 dogs and 200,000 cats, prompting calls for immediate action.

Pet owners are also advised against walking their dogs when temperatures plummet below certain levels. Just like us humans, dogs have varying tolerances to cold weather.

While some breeds are well-equipped for the chill, others struggle with even a slight drop in temperature.