How to get my pup drinking more water?

[Balki & Ellie]

Today is shaping up to be the hottest day of the year here in Toronto. I have noticed over the last few months that my Ellie is not drinking enough water. I used to be filling up her bowl 3-4 times a day, and now we barely fill it up once.

Any tips on how to encourage her to drink more water and keep her hydrated especially during these hot summer days?

Thanks!

[Sally Lehman]

My dog likes ice cubes!! You could put chicken broth in them too or yogurt.

[Balki & Ellie]

She used to really love them, and would come running when she heard the freezer door open. Now, they're more of a fun toy that she plays with and slides around the floor until they melt. I never thought to add something to them though, great suggestion.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Does she like ice? That would be one option.

Some people have also had good luck with frozen juice bars, or with adding a little bit of unsweetened apple juice to their dogs' water bowls when they needed to get them to take more fluids.

[Balki & Ellie]

Thanks Karen!

[Shirley Splude]

I put a little chicken broth in Lillie's water. You can also try some ice cubes.

[Kimberly Cook]

Does she like ice cubes? Add some to her water and see if that will interest her.

Edit: Haha I see many of us had the same idea. ;)

[Kimberly Cook]

For our horses we had a salt lick that helped them drink more. Not sure if it works for dogs.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I wouldn't. Horses lose sodium in hot water when they sweat. Dogs don't sweat. 

[Kimberly Cook]

I found one recommendation for a SMALL amount in an ehow post:
6. Add a small amount of salt or tomato sauce to your dog's food, and always make sure a bowl of water is available while it eats. You can also directly add a small amount of water to the food.

Read more: http://www.ehow.com/how_12036956_make-dog-drink-liquids.html#ixzz2Z...

Like bars that served free salty snacks to encourage patrons to drink ;)

The Himalayan Chews that my pup loves may work for this. All natural ingredients: yak and cow milk, salt and lime juice.

[Anita - Thunder, Noodle, Sparky]

I got this drinking bowl a month ago and I am nothing but happy with it! The water stays fresh and cold.  http://www.amazon.com/Hagen-Design-Drinking-Fountain-Original/dp/B0...

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I don't see how this would encourage a dog who isn't drinking much water to drink more, though. It even says in the product info that it might intimidate some dogs and that they might need time to get used to it. 

My guy's water stays nice and cold in his stainless steel bowl in the air-conditioned house, which is the only place any dog should be on hot summer days. And of course, his water stays fresh because I wash his bowl every day and give him fresh water several times a day. 

[Anita - Thunder, Noodle, Sparky]

It was just a suggestion - just brainstorming here. I appreciate your opinion. It works for me - all 4 of my dogs drank out of it immediately so I thought I would just share what works for me. It isn't right or wrong, just a suggestion.