What to do if your golden retriever doesn't drink water

Is your golden retriever refusing to drink water?

First, observe if the water is fresh or if your dog is suffering from a health condition. Water is a vital component of animal blood, intracellular fluid, and extracellular fluid, playing a crucial role in the transport of nutrients and electrolyte regulation. If a dog doesn't consume any water within one to two days, it can lead to severe dehydration, acute damage to kidney and liver function, and even dehydration shock, resulting in death.

What to do if your dog doesn't drink water

There could be several reasons why your dog refuses to drink water: check if the water has an unpleasant smell. Dogs have very sensitive senses of smell, so it's recommended to change the water. When a dog is uncomfortable, it may also dislike drinking water. Check for any other clinical symptoms and take your dog to the vet immediately for inspection. Determine the cause of the discomfort and treat accordingly.

Why doesn't your dog drink water?

Usually, a dog that doesn't drink water is sick. For example, gastroenteritis, distemper, parvovirus, coronavirus, calcium deficiency, trace element deficiency, oral ulcers, hepatitis, pancreatitis, and kidney diseases can all lead to a dog refusing to drink water. Owners should take their dogs to an animal hospital for inspection to determine the illness and treat accordingly.

How long can a dog survive without water?

For small dogs, it may last about 3 days, and for larger dogs, it's 3-5 days. First, if your dog stops eating and drinking, consult a veterinarian promptly, especially for small young dogs which are prone to dehydration. Treating dehydration after it occurs increases the difficulty of the process. Second, if vomiting occurs alongside stopping eating and drinking, it's even more advisable to seek veterinary care. Vomiting in addition to not eating or drinking exacerbates dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Early detection and treatment are crucial for a successful recovery.