Your shih tzu doesn’t want to drink water? Here are some creative ways to work around the situation! You noticed that your shih tzu doesn’t want to drink water? That could be a problem. Just like humans, shih tzus also need adequate water intake every day to ensure the proper functioning of their bodies.
In addition to preventing dehydration, consuming water helps maintain your shih tzu’s health and prevent some diseases, such as kidney failure.
Therefore, it’s good to observe if your little dog is visiting the water bowl few times and find ways to reverse the situation. To help you, we’ve gathered 6 tricks that can encourage your dog to drink more water. Check it out!
1) Invest in a water fountain for the shih tzu
Just like humans, shih tzus also love fresh water! In this case, investing in a fountain for the shih tzu is a great idea to encourage them to drink more water.
This is because the accessory allows constant water circulation and keeps it fresh. But it’s important to pay attention to the type of accessory before buying it, okay?
The ideal is to look for a fountain that has a carbon filter to avoid dirt and bad odors. Also, if you have more than one pet at home, make sure there are at least two drinking areas.
2) Pay attention to the cleanliness of the water bowl
It’s not only cats that are bothered by dirt, you know? Therefore, another important factor in encouraging your shih tzu to drink more water is to pay attention to the cleanliness of the bowl. After all, dirty water will not be healthy or tasty for your friend.
So, make sure to wash the bowl well every day before refilling it with fresh water. During the process, try to use cold water, as it is more refreshing and attractive, especially on hotter days.
3) Put a water bowl in each room of the house
Just like cats, some dogs can be very lazy. In this case, the distance to the water bowl becomes a major obstacle, and you already know the result, right?
To overcome this situation, a good trick is to leave a water bowl in each room of the house. That way, your friend won’t have any excuses not to drink water when thirst strikes. It’s worth a try!
4) Take a water bottle when walking your shih tzu
It’s common for your shih tzu to get more tired and thirsty when playing and walking. Therefore, it’s important for the owner to always have a water bottle on hand to offer to the shih tzu.
This way, you prevent your friend from becoming dehydrated and help him return to normal body temperature. Additionally, when you return home, it’s important to change the water in the bowl to encourage the dog to drink plenty of liquid.
5) Is it okay to offer coconut water to your shih tzu?
One of the main doubts among owners is whether they can give coconut water to shih tzus. The answer is yes, but moderation is key.
This is because it is rich in potassium and its excessive consumption can cause imbalances in the animal’s body, resulting in diarrhea and stomach aches. Therefore, coconut water should be offered in small doses to your friend and always with the recommendation of a veterinarian.
A good way to control intake is by preparing ice cubes made from coconut water. But remember: coconut water should not be used as a substitute for mineral water, okay?