Getting a puppy to drink enough water sounds simple, right? Just put down a bowl and let them have at it.
Except sometimes they act like they’ve never seen water before. Or worse, they sniff it and walk away like it personally offended them.

That’s the kind of head-scratching situation that keeps new dog parents up at night, especially when it’s hot out or your vet just told you dehydration’s a real thing.
If your little fluffball is skipping sips more than you’d like, you’re not alone.
Let’s talk about what helps.
How Much Water Should A Puppy Drink Anyway?
Puppies aren’t full-grown tanks yet, but they’re growing machines. Depending on their age, size, and activity level, they usually need somewhere around a half cup to one ounce of water per pound of body weight every day.
So that tiny ten-pound pup? They might need up to ten ounces or more. That’s not including hot days or a dry food switch. It adds up fast.
What Dehydration Looks Like In Puppies
It’s not always about a dry nose. Some signs are sneaky. You might notice your puppy’s gums feel sticky instead of slick. Or maybe their skin doesn’t bounce back right away if you gently pinch the back of their neck.
Sunken eyes, low energy, and peeing less are all red flags.
And when teething hits, they might ignore water just because they’re cranky or uncomfortable.
Where And How You Offer Water Matters
You ever try drinking from a weird-smelling glass in someone else’s kitchen? Puppies feel the same way.
If the water bowl is tucked in a corner near loud laundry machines or food bowls they’re weird about, they might not bother.
Try a few spots around the house. Some pups like a quiet area, others want their water where the action is. And bowls? Stainless steel’s usually a safe bet. Plastic sometimes messes with taste or picks up smells.
One rescue worker I know uses shallow ceramic dishes for her youngest fosters. She says it reminds them of how they first learned to lap.
Make Water Fun Again
Some puppies just need a little encouragement. Toss a few ice cubes into the bowl and suddenly it’s a game. Others get curious when you offer a puppy-safe broth or splash of goat’s milk in their water dish.
The trick is not to overdo it. You want to flavor the water enough to get them interested, not train them to expect a full-on stew every time.
Got a teething pup? Frozen treats made with water and a little no-salt broth can do double duty. Keeps them busy and sneaks in hydration.
Picky Pup? Try These Tricks
If your puppy acts like water’s beneath them, try offering it from your hand. Some pups just need that bit of connection. You could also use a clean syringe to give small amounts if they’re really resisting and you’re worried.
Another sneaky trick? Wet their kibble or make a mushy mix during meals. It’s not the same as drinking straight water, but it helps when you’re building up the habit.
Travel Or Crate Time? Keep It Flowing
On road trips or during crate training, it’s easy to forget how little water a puppy’s actually getting. If they nap a lot or you’re spacing out potty breaks, their intake can drop quick.
Bring along a portable bottle with an attached bowl or spout. There are some smart designs now that let them lick the water as it dispenses. You can even teach them how to use it like a sippy cup.
One couple I met at the dog park swears by setting alarms every couple hours during crate training to offer water. It became part of their puppy’s schedule, just like meals and walks.
How Diet Or Teething Plays A Role
Puppies on dry kibble naturally need more water than those on wet food. Switching from canned to dry? That alone might explain the sudden drop in drinking.
Teething can mess everything up too. Some pups chew on cold stuff to soothe their gums, others avoid everything. If they’re being weird about food and water, teething might be behind it.
Adding moisture to meals helps, especially when they’re going through that grumpy, toothy stage.
Build A Water Routine That Sticks
Just like potty breaks and playtime, water should have a rhythm. Offer fresh water after meals, after play, and before naps. Make it part of their routine so they start expecting it.
Some folks even say “drink” like a command when the puppy sips, so it becomes a learned behavior later.
Consistency helps. That means cleaning bowls daily, keeping the water cool, and staying alert to any days where they’re drinking way more or less than usual.
When To Call The Vet
If your pup’s not drinking for a full day, or you’re noticing serious signs of dehydration like vomiting, weakness, or gums looking pale and dry, call your vet. Same goes for if they’re drinking loads more than usual with no reason.
It’s one thing to be picky. It’s another to be in danger. Trust your gut. You know when something feels off.
Tried And True Tricks That Actually Worked
There was this border collie pup at a foster home who refused to drink from a bowl but went wild every time someone filled the mop bucket.
Turns out, she liked tall containers. Her new family started using a tall water dispenser with a spout, and suddenly she was guzzling like a champ.
Another case? A bulldog puppy who only drank when he heard the sound of running water. His owner ended up buying a little dog fountain and it made all the difference.
Not every trick works for every pup. But finding that one thing that clicks? Feels like a win.
Safe Flavor Boosters Worth Trying
If your vet says it’s okay, you can try low-sodium chicken broth, bone broth made for dogs, or even the water from plain canned tuna or sardines. Just a splash, enough to give a scent or taste.
Make sure there are no onions, garlic, or added spices. Keep it simple. The idea is to tempt, not mask.
Even crushed blueberries or a dash of plain yogurt stirred into the water bowl can add curiosity. The more natural, the better.
Don’t Panic, Just Keep Offering
Some puppies just take a while to get the hang of things. They’re adjusting to a new environment, different bowls, unfamiliar smells. Or they’re too busy chasing their own tails to bother drinking.
It helps to take a breath. Offer water calmly and regularly. Try new spots or containers. Let them watch an older dog drink if you’ve got one around.
And always trust your instincts if something feels wrong.
What To Avoid When Encouraging Water Intake
Skip sugary drinks, sports drinks, or flavored human broths. They’re full of stuff puppies don’t need. Same goes for adding treats to water bowls.
That gets messy real quick and can lead to moldy leftovers if you miss cleaning a spot.
Don’t punish a puppy for knocking over a water bowl or ignoring it. They’ll just build weird associations around it. Keep it positive, even when it’s frustrating.
And please, no force-drinking unless a vet tells you to. Gulping too much too fast can lead to other problems.
Give It Time And Keep It Chill
Getting a puppy into the habit of drinking enough water isn’t a race. It’s one of those things that often sorts itself out once they feel safe, settled, and familiar with their surroundings.
You’ll get there. So will they. In the meantime, trust small wins. An extra sip here, a curious lick there. That’s progress.
Puppies can be tiny mysteries with giant personalities. And sometimes, they need us to decode the puzzle of something as basic as drinking water.
But once you figure out what motivates them, it becomes less of a guessing game and more of a rhythm.
You’ve got this. Every pup’s different, but with a little patience and a few tricks up your sleeve, yours will be lapping up water like a champ before you know it.
Now, what little change will you try first to help your pup stay cool and hydrated?