Rescue dog not drinking water

[Ilsie]

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My little 2 year old rescue doggy has not drunk any water since she arrived almost 3 days ago. She eats her advised diet food (which I now mix with a little weak chicken stock to get some liquid into her) and is happy, interacting and playful. Please can you advise how to get her to drink water?

 

[JudyN]

Try adding some chicken stock to her drinking water - but not a standard stock cube, which would be salty. A good way would be to boil up some chicken portions in water for half an hour or longer, strain it, and use that stock (you can use the meat for treats, but don't give her the bones). You want to find an amount that will tempt her to drink, but not so much that she drinks too much and spends the rest of the day widdling everywhere!

Actually first, though, it would be worth seeing if she just doesn't like the water bowl - sometimes they can be put off by reflections in a metal bowl, or their tag hitting the bowl. Try different types, e.g. plastic or china.

 

[JoanneF]

I sometimes add some of the water from a can of tuna in spring water (not brine or oil) to the water bowl. In fact, I freeze some in an ice cube tray for times I need it. A tablespoons to a pint is enough to tempt my dog (he won't drink it all).

 

[Ilsie]

Try adding some chicken stock to her drinking water - but not a standard stock cube, which would be salty. A good way would be to boil up some chicken portions in water for half an hour or longer, strain it, and use that stock (you can use the meat for treats, but don't give her the bones). You want to find an amount that will tempt her to drink, but not so much that she drinks too much and spends the rest of the day widdling everywhere!

Actually first, though, it would be worth seeing if she just doesn't like the water bowl - sometimes they can be put off by reflections in a metal bowl, or their tag hitting the bowl. Try different types, e.g. plastic or china.

Thank you.
I will have to go buy chicken which means leaving her on her own. But I'll see what I can do. Her water bowl looks identical to her food bowl (ceramic). I don't think that is the problem. I've taken her on her first little walk this morning, hoping it would make her thirsty, but it didn't seem to do that. I have also started introducing a bit of dry food, hoping it makes her thirsty, but not so. At least she gets some liquid in with her rice and chicken mixture and she has a little wee every time I take her out. I'll try get hold of some chicken ASAP and try your suggestion. Thanks again.

 

[Ilsie]

Thank you.
I will have to go buy chicken which means leaving her on her own. But I'll see what I can do. Her water bowl looks identical to her food bowl (ceramic). I don't think that is the problem. I've taken her on her first little walk this morning, hoping it would make her thirsty, but it didn't seem to do that. I have also started introducing a bit of dry food, hoping it makes her thirsty, but not so. At least she gets some liquid in with her rice and chicken mixture and she has a little wee every time I take her out. I'll try get hold of some chicken ASAP and try your suggestion. Thanks again.

Feedback - I've tried your suggestion and it worked! She drank quite a bit. Thanks again so much!

 

[JudyN]

That's good news Once she's in the habit of drinking from her bowl, you can gradually use less and less stock until she's just drinking plain water.

 

[Hemlock]

That's such good news. Well done!

 

[Ilsie]

Please - I need help again... Although I am getting a bit of water into my rescue doggy and she eats very well, she has not poo-ed for 4 days.) That is from the morning after she arrived.) I am now getting very concerned. Please can you advise? Thank you so much.

 

[RGC]

For what it’s worth - when we first got Mabel, our rescued whippet, she was in one helluva emotional state. I’m not saying that your new mite’s the same but Mabel took about three days before she passed any solids, and that was hardly solid. She needed some adjustment time (with Mabel it seemed to take ages) but she’s now fine - definitely one of the family. I’m sure yours will get through it. Any photos?

 

[JudyN]

I think you should speak to your vet - she might just be saving it up for a special occasion but it she has become constipated, your vet should be able to feel this and decide if she needs anything to get things moving.

 

[JoanneF]

You may find now she is drinking more, her stool will soften and pass.

My go-to home remedies include a good portion of pumpkin (give plenty, because a small portion could make things worse) or oily fish - sardines in oil will help. I sometimes also give milk or cooked green beans.

 

[JoanneF]

Sorry @JudyN , cross posted.

 

[Ilsie]

For what it’s worth - when we first got Mabel, our rescued whippet, she was in one helluva emotional state. I’m not saying that your new mite’s the same but Mabel took about three days before she passed any solids, and that was hardly solid. She needed some adjustment time (with Mabel it seemed to take ages) but she’s now fine - definitely one of the family. I’m sure yours will get through it. Any photos?

Ahhh... Thank you for your encouragement. Waggy (she never stops wagging her tail!) spent three days in a, crate in a van from Romania. Upon arrival she poo-ed as she had obviously been keeping it in. But nothing since. She settled extremely quickly, is full of love and joy. I've started taking her on walks from yesterday as she yearns to be outdoors and I can only take her out on a lead in my little back garden which is part of an elderly council estate. I give her as much exercise as I can.
I have been advised to give her a bit of lactulose to soften her stool which I will purchase today and try but am cautious as she hardly gets in sufficient liquid.
Any more/other advice is so welcome.
I'll attach a few photos.

 

[JudyN]

She is gorgeous - and not unlike JoanneF's Timber (who is poodle x loo brush).

 

[JoanneF]

She is his image, even down to the little white beard, bib and paws! What size is she?

 

[RGC]

She is gorgeous - and not unlike JoanneF's Timber (who is poodle x loo brush).

JudyN, you always have le mot juste.

 

[Ilsie]

You may find now she is drinking more, her stool will soften and pass.

My go-to home remedies include a good portion of pumpkin (give plenty, because a small portion could make things worse) or oily fish - sardines in oil will help. I sometimes also give milk or cooked green beans.

Thanks. I'm taking note for sure. I'm just concerned as she doesn't seem to be constipated as such (trying to poo but can't). She's not every trying. I've made an appointment with the vet. I think it's safest?

 

[JoanneF]

Yes, if in doubt always see the vet. We can take educated guesses but we can’t see the dog like the vet can.