Hydration struggles are common with active dogs. These clever tricks encourage better water intake without forcing or stressing your German Shepherd.
Convincing a German Shepherd to do something they don’t want to do is like negotiating with a furry, four legged lawyer. They’ve got opinions, and they’re not afraid to enforce them. When that opinion involves ignoring their water bowl for hours on end, it becomes your problem real fast.
The average German Shepherd should drink roughly one ounce of water per pound of body weight daily. That means your 70 pound GSD needs about 70 ounces, or more than half a gallon, every single day. Sounds like a lot, right? That’s because it is a lot, especially when your dog acts like drinking water is some kind of optional hobby rather than a biological necessity.
1. Upgrade Their Water Bowl Game
Not all water bowls are created equal, and your German Shepherd knows it. If you’re still using that ancient plastic bowl from ten years ago, it’s time for an intervention. Plastic bowls can harbor bacteria, develop scratches that trap gunk, and even retain odors that make water taste funky to your dog’s super sensitive nose.
Switch to stainless steel or ceramic bowls and watch what happens. These materials don’t absorb odors, they’re easier to clean thoroughly, and many dogs simply prefer drinking from them. Size matters too; German Shepherds are big dogs with big snouts, and a shallow bowl can be awkward and uncomfortable.
Consider getting a fountain style water bowl that keeps water circulating and fresh. Many dogs are instinctively drawn to moving water because in nature, flowing water is generally safer than stagnant puddles. The gentle bubbling sound and constant movement can turn drinking into something genuinely interesting rather than boring.
| Bowl Type | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stainless Steel | Durable, easy to clean, no odor retention | Can be noisy on hard floors | Most German Shepherds |
| Ceramic | Heavy (won’t tip), stylish, stays cool | Can chip or crack if dropped | Calmer dogs, indoor use |
| Water Fountain | Circulating water, filters debris, enticing | Requires electricity, needs regular cleaning | Picky drinkers |
| Elevated Bowl | Better for digestion, easier on joints | More expensive, takes up space | Senior GSDs or those with arthritis |
Location is another sneaky factor people overlook. Place water bowls in multiple spots around your home, especially in areas where your dog spends the most time. After a play session in the yard? Water bowl right there. Hanging out in the living room? Another bowl within lazy walking distance. Make hydration convenient, and you’ll see results.
When water is everywhere and always accessible, drinking becomes a natural part of your German Shepherd’s routine rather than a deliberate choice they have to make.
2. Turn Meals Into Hydration Opportunities
Here’s a sneaky trick that works like magic: add water directly to your dog’s food. Whether you feed kibble or wet food, moisture is your secret weapon. For dry food feeders, try adding a quarter to half cup of water (or even low sodium chicken broth) to their kibble about ten minutes before serving. This creates a tasty gravy situation that not only makes food more appealing but also ensures they’re getting extra hydration with every meal.
Wet food naturally contains more moisture (typically 70 to 80 percent water compared to kibble’s 10 percent), so incorporating some canned food into your GSD’s diet is an automatic hydration boost. You don’t have to switch entirely; even mixing in a few spoonfuls of wet food with their regular kibble adds meaningful moisture content.
Ice cubes can be surprisingly entertaining and hydrating. Some German Shepherds love crunching on ice cubes as treats, especially on hot days. You can take this further by making “pupsicles” – freeze low sodium broth, watermelon chunks (seeds removed), or even small pieces of their favorite treats in ice cube trays. It’s hydration disguised as playtime.
Another mealtime strategy: feed smaller, more frequent meals. This encourages your dog to drink more often throughout the day rather than guzzling a bunch of water all at once (which can actually lead to bloat in large, deep chested breeds like German Shepherds). Three smaller meals create three natural drinking opportunities instead of just two.
The best hydration strategy is one your dog doesn’t even realize is happening. When water becomes part of something they already love, like mealtime, resistance disappears.
3. Make Water More Interesting
Plain water is boring. There, I said it. While we humans might appreciate the crisp, clean taste of pure H2O, your German Shepherd might feel differently. The solution? Jazz it up a little. Adding low sodium chicken or beef broth to their water bowl transforms boring liquid into something worth getting excited about. Just make sure it’s truly low sodium and doesn’t contain onions or garlic, which are toxic to dogs.
You can also try adding a splash of goat’s milk (many dogs tolerate this better than cow’s milk) or a tiny bit of tuna water from a can of tuna packed in water. The key word here is “splash” or “tiny bit.” You want to flavor the water, not turn it into soup. Start with just a teaspoon or two per bowl and see how your dog responds.
Fruit infused water is another option, though you’ll need to be selective. Small amounts of apple slices (no seeds), blueberries, or watermelon can add a subtle flavor that some dogs find appealing. Let the fruit sit in the water for 30 minutes to an hour, then remove it before serving. Never use grapes, raisins, or citrus fruits, as these can be harmful to dogs.
Temperature matters more than you might think. Some German Shepherds prefer cool water, especially in warmer weather, while others actually drink more when water is room temperature. Experiment with different temperatures to find your dog’s preference. In summer, adding a few ice cubes not only cools the water but gives them something to interact with.
4. Create Hydration Habits and Routines
Dogs thrive on routine, and you can use this to your advantage when it comes to hydration. Establish specific drinking times throughout the day and stick to them. After morning potty breaks, after walks, after playtime, before bed – these all become natural opportunities to offer fresh water and encourage drinking.
Make a big deal out of water time, especially in the beginning. Use an upbeat voice, walk over to the water bowl with enthusiasm, and even pretend to be excited about it yourself. Your energy is contagious, and if you act like drinking water is the best part of the day, your GSD might start believing it too.
Positive reinforcement is incredibly powerful. Every time you see your German Shepherd drinking water unprompted, offer calm praise. You don’t need to throw a parade, but a gentle “good dog” and maybe a quick ear scratch creates a positive association. Over time, this reinforcement makes drinking water feel rewarding.
Consider using a hydration tracker (yes, they make apps for this) or simply keep a log for a week or two. Note when your dog drinks, how much, and what seemed to trigger it. You might discover patterns you hadn’t noticed before. Maybe they drink more after certain activities, at certain times of day, or when you’ve done something specific with their bowl or water.
Consistency transforms random actions into ingrained habits. When drinking water becomes part of your German Shepherd’s daily rhythm, you won’t have to think about it anymore.
5. Address the Underlying Issues
Sometimes a German Shepherd’s reluctance to drink isn’t about preference; it’s about an actual problem that needs solving. Check for dental issues that might make drinking uncomfortable. Sore gums, loose teeth, or mouth pain can all discourage a dog from wanting to put their face in a water bowl.
Monitor your dog’s overall behavior and health. Sudden changes in drinking habits can signal medical issues like kidney disease, diabetes, or urinary tract infections. If your previously good drinker suddenly stops, or if your reluctant drinker becomes obsessively thirsty, a vet visit is warranted. Don’t play the guessing game with potential health problems.
Anxiety and stress can also impact drinking habits. Some German Shepherds are sensitive souls who might avoid water bowls placed in high traffic areas or near noisy appliances. If your dog seems nervous around their water bowl, try moving it to a quieter, more secure location where they feel safe.
Consider whether your dog is actually getting adequate exercise. A properly exercised German Shepherd naturally drinks more water because they’re genuinely thirsty from activity. If your GSD is sedentary, they simply won’t feel the need to hydrate as much. Sometimes the solution isn’t about the water at all; it’s about increasing activity levels that naturally drive thirst.
Finally, be patient with senior dogs or those with mobility issues. Arthritis can make bending down to a floor level bowl painful. Elevated bowls or placing water in multiple locations, including higher surfaces, can make a massive difference for older German Shepherds who want to drink but find it physically challenging.
The bottom line? Getting your German Shepherd to drink more water usually requires a combination of these strategies rather than just one magic bullet. Pay attention to what works for your specific dog, be willing to experiment, and don’t give up. Proper hydration is one of the simplest yet most impactful things you can do for your dog’s longterm health and happiness.
