Ветеринары рекомендуют подогреть воду для собак в холодное время года

This is something that many of us won't even consider - but it makes so much sense Money and Lifestyle Writer Dog owners should keep a close eye on their pet’s drinking habits and consider a small change to their usual tap-water routine. ‌ In autumn and winter, many dogs naturally drink less. With lower temperatures, they often lose less fluid and, much like humans, may not feel as thirsty as they did during warmer months. ‌ That can make it easier for owners to miss early signs that their pet isn’t taking in enough water. And one simple way to encourage them is to rethink the water temperature you’re offering. ‌ Instead of filling the bowl with water straight from a cold tap, it may help to let it reach room temperature first or slightly warm it, as some dogs find that more inviting and are more likely to drink, the Daily Record reported. Forthglade brand ambassador and media vet, Dr James Greenwood, explained: “Throughout the colder months, it’s completely normal for dogs to drink less water. As temperatures drop, their bodies conserve moisture more efficiently. ‌ "They pant less and don’t sweat as much, which means they lose far less fluid than in summer. Additionally, the sensation of thirst tends to feel less urgent in cooler weather, so they simply don’t feel the same need to drink. "While this seasonal change is to be expected, dry air can affect your dog's hydration, and water is important to support regulating their body temperature and keep their digestive system ticking along nicely.” This isn’t just something being flagged by pet-food specialists like Forthglade - it also appears to be on owners’ minds, with people frequently turning to Google for advice on “dog dehydration”. ‌ Searches for “dog dehydration” jump at certain times, with a clear spike in mid-August 2026, particularly between August 9 and August 16, suggesting increased concern during that week. According to Google Trends, "dog dehydration signs", "dehydration in dogs symptoms" and "dehydration in dogs" are all common queries within the last year, too. 3 easy ways to get your dog to drink more water Article continues below Swap to wet dog food - Wet dog food has a much higher moisture content than dry kibble. Wet food is typically about 60–80% water, compared with around 3–12% in dry food. So mixing wet food into meals, or swapping to it, can help support hydration without your dog depending solely on the water bowl. Provide more water bowls - Put extra water bowls around the house to help your dog drink more. Dogs may not get up to find their usual bowl, especially if they’re comfy. Having bowls in a few rooms makes it easier and encourages more regular drinking. Use play to make drinking water seem more fun - If your dog still isn’t drinking much, a pet water fountain may help, as moving water can catch their attention and encourage sips. You can also try interactive water toys or lick mats, which can help with hydration while giving them a calming, rewarding activity and a bit of mental stimulation. If your dog is still not interested in drinking after trying these tips, vets recommend booking an appointment to check for any underlying health issues and find the cause.