Is Your Pet Drinking Enough Water This Winter?

As the weather cools down, many pets naturally drink less water. Unlike the hot summer months when they’re panting and actively looking for a drink, winter often means they simply don’t feel as thirsty.

While this might seem harmless, dehydration can quietly creep in and affect your pet’s health more than many owners realise.

Why do pets drink less during winter?

There are several reasons:

• They’re not losing as much water through panting. Cooler temperatures mean they naturally feel less thirsty.

• Less activity. Many pets are less active during winter, reducing their perceived need to drink.

• Cold water isn’t always appealing. Just like us, some pets don’t enjoy drinking icy-cold water on chilly mornings.

• Indoor heating. While heaters keep us warm, they can dry out the air and actually increase fluid requirements without pets realising it.

Why is hydration so important?

Water is involved in almost every process in your pet’s body. Even mild dehydration can have an impact.

Good hydration helps:

• Support healthy kidneys.

• Flush waste products from the body.

• Maintain healthy digestion.

• Keep joints lubricated.

• Regulate body temperature.

• Support healthy circulation.

• Keep skin and coat in good condition.

Long-term poor water intake may contribute to urinary problems, constipation, and place additional strain on the kidneys—particularly in older pets or those with existing health conditions.

Signs your pet may not be drinking enough

Keep an eye out for:

• Dry or sticky gums

• Thick saliva

• Dark yellow urine

• Urinating less often

• Constipation or firmer stools

• Lethargy

• Reduced appetite

• Loss of skin elasticity (the skin stays tented briefly when gently lifted)

• Sunken-looking eyes (more noticeable with significant dehydration)

If your pet seems unwell, is vomiting, has persistent diarrhoea, or you suspect significant dehydration, it’s important to contact your veterinarian promptly.

Simple ways to encourage more drinking

The good news is there are plenty of easy ways to boost your pet’s fluid intake.

1. Add warm water to meals

This is one of our favourite tricks.

At Pawsome Grub we do this every day for our own little Bichon, Pudsey. We simply pour warm (not boiling) water over his casserole before serving.

It gently warms the meal, makes it even more aromatic and delicious, and increases his daily water intake without him even noticing.

2. Offer bone broth

Pudsey absolutely loves chicken bone broth.

He enjoys around ⅓ cup each day, and it’s become one of his favourite winter treats.

A good-quality bone broth can be an excellent way to encourage extra fluids while adding flavour to meals. Just be sure it’s made specifically for pets or is free from onions, garlic, excessive salt and other ingredients that aren’t safe for dogs.

3. Keep water fresh

Some pets can be surprisingly fussy.

Refresh their water at least once or twice daily and wash bowls regularly to remove any build-up that may affect the taste.

4. Try different bowls

Believe it or not, some pets have preferences.

Glass, ceramic and stainless-steel bowls all taste slightly different to animals. Some pets simply drink better from one type over another.

5. Offer multiple water stations

If your pet has to walk a long way to find water, they may simply not bother.

Place bowls in several rooms, especially if you have an older pet or a larger home.

6. Try slightly warm water

Some pets are more willing to drink water that isn’t icy cold during winter.

Lukewarm water can sometimes make all the difference.

7. Feed moisture-rich foods

Fresh, moisture-rich foods naturally contribute to daily hydration.

Meals with a high moisture content can make a significant difference compared with dry foods alone.

8. Consider a pet water fountain

Many dogs and cats are attracted to moving water.

A fountain keeps water circulating, helping it stay fresh and encouraging some pets to drink more frequently.

Our winter routine with Pudsey ❤️

Pudsey has always been one of those dogs who barely drinks once winter arrives.

Instead of worrying about how much is left in his water bowl, we focus on increasing his hydration throughout the day.

Every casserole gets a splash of warm water mixed through it, and he enjoys a small serving of chicken bone broth daily.

It’s a simple routine that keeps him happy, hydrated and excited for every meal.

Final thoughts

Hydration is something that’s easy to overlook during winter because our pets often seem perfectly normal.

Small changes—like adding warm water to meals, offering bone broth, providing fresh water in several locations and feeding moisture-rich foods—can make a big difference to their overall wellbeing.

If your pet suddenly drinks dramatically less, stops eating, becomes lethargic or shows signs of illness, always seek veterinary advice.

Sometimes the simplest habits can have the biggest impact on your pet’s long-term health.

Stay warm, stay hydrated, and give your furry friends a little extra TLC this winter.

— The Pawsome Grub Team 🐾