One of the leading reasons dogs end up at the vet is urinary tract infections (UTIs), bladder stones, or kidney disease. In many cases, these are preventable with proper hydration.

When dogs don’t drink enough, their urine becomes more concentrated, leading to crystal and stone formation. A study published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine found that dogs with chronic low water intake were significantly more prone to developing kidney disease and urinary blockages.

Many breeds, including Dalmatians, Bulldogs, and Miniature Schnauzers, are particularly prone to bladder stones, which can lead to painful urination, emergency blockages, and costly surgery. One of the first things we recommend to prevent this? Increasing water intake.

A constant flow of fresh, filtered water encourages dogs to drink more frequently, flushing out the bladder and reducing the concentration of minerals that can turn into painful stones or infections.

In older dogs, arthritis and joint pain are some of the most common reasons pet owners bring their dogs to the clinic. What many people don’t realize is that hydration plays a role in joint health too.

The tissue that cushions joints is about 80% water. When dogs are mildly dehydrated, the joints lose lubrication, leading to stiffness, inflammation, and pain over time.

This is especially true for large breeds prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, such as Labradors, German Shepherds, and Golden Retrievers. Keeping them properly hydrated helps maintain joint lubrication, which reduces wear and tear and improves mobility.

Many cases of bloating, constipation, and slow digestion in dogs can be directly linked to insufficient water intake.

Water is essential for breaking down food, absorbing nutrients, and moving waste through the intestines. When a dog is dehydrated, the colon absorbs more water from food waste, leading to hard stools, constipation, and discomfort.

Breeds like Boxers and Great Danes, which are prone to gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat), often benefit from a more consistent water intake to keep digestion running smoothly and prevent excessive air swallowing while eating.

Pet owners often overlook subtle signs that their dog isn’t drinking enough, assuming that as long as water is available, their dog is fine. However, dehydration can cause noticeable changes in behavior and energy levels.

Studies on canine hydration levels have shown that even mild dehydration (under 5%) can cause lethargy, loss of focus, and irritability.

Common signs that vets look for include:

- Dogs seeking out unusual water sources (licking floors, drinking from toilets)
- Decreased appetite (water helps regulate digestion and saliva production)
- Dry, sticky gums instead of moist pink gums
- Loss of skin elasticity
- Increased panting or restless behavior

Many pet owners bring their dogs in for low energy, sluggishness, or unexplained discomfort, and in some cases, simply increasing access to fresh, moving water has a noticeable improvement in their behavior.

When we advise pet owners on how to encourage their dog to drink more, we don’t just tell them to fill a water bowl. It’s about making water more accessible, appealing, and clean.

1. Moving water over still water – Dogs are instinctively drawn to flowing water, as it mimics safe, natural sources. A fountain encourages frequent, small sips throughout the day, instead of large gulps all at once.

2. Filtered water over tap water – Some dogs avoid drinking due to chlorine, heavy metals, or odd smells in tap water. A 4-stage filtration system removes these contaminants, making the water taste and smell better.

3. Large capacity for uninterrupted hydration – Many owners forget to refill bowls frequently, leading to times when the dog has access to water, but it’s stale, dirty, or too low to drink comfortably. A large-capacity fountain ensures fresh water is always available.

4. Cooler, oxygenated water – Studies show that dogs prefer water at cooler temperatures, and flowing water stays naturally cooler and more oxygenated than stagnant bowl water.

As a veterinarian, I always tell pet owners that preventing health problems is far easier than treating them.

Encouraging proper hydration is one of the simplest things you can do to support your dog’s kidney health, digestion, and overall well-being.

A pet fountain is not just a convenience, it’s a practical way to ensure your dog stays consistently hydrated in a way that aligns with their natural instincts.

For pet owners looking to proactively support their dog’s health, providing fresh, filtered, moving water is an easy and effective step in the right direction.