Water and hydration
How to encourage a dog to drink more water in summer?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
Add a splash of low-sodium broth or a few ice cubes to the bowl, place extra bowls in shaded spots around the house and garden, and try a pet fountain if your dog seems drawn to moving water. Small, repeated encouragements through the day work better in summer than a single large bowl a dog is expected to visit on their own.
Flavor and temperature tricks
A splash of unsalted broth or the liquid from tinned fish can turn a plain bowl into something a summer-lazy drinker actually seeks out. Adding a few ice cubes not only cools the water but also seems to draw curious dogs over simply because the ice moves and clinks.
Placement and access in summer
A shaded outdoor bowl near a favorite lounging spot removes the effort of coming back indoors for a drink, and a second indoor bowl on a different floor helps dogs that spread their time across the house.
Moving water and routine
Some dogs drink noticeably more from a fountain than a still bowl, since moving water seems more appealing to them, and building a habit of offering water right after any activity, even a short garden visit, reinforces the pattern over the season.
Key takeaways
- Broth, fish liquid, or ice cubes can make summer water more appealing.
- Shaded outdoor and multi-floor indoor bowls reduce the effort to find water.
- Fountains encourage some dogs to drink more than a still bowl.
- Offering water right after any activity builds a helpful summer habit.