Cross Breeds - How do I get my dogs to drink water, instead of eating snow?

How do I get my dogs to drink water, instead of eating snow?

We got a lot of snow in the state I live in. I have 4 dogs (two of which there are no problems) and 2 that won't touch water, unless I stand there and keep encouraging them to drink it. My 4 y/o black lab and my 8 y/o rottie refuse to drink the water no matter what temp. it is (I've tried luke warm, cold, and cold with ice). I refuse to try hot water because then I know they won't drink it. I know there's nothing wrong with the water and this is the first time I've had a problem with an animal not drinking water. I've never seen anything so strange. Anyone ever had this problem and how do ya handle it? This can't be good for their body. I spoke with a couple vets in my area and they thought I was making it up.

Public Comments

Animals are smart- keep water availible for them, they'll drink when they need to.
Make it look like the only thing that is good to drink so he will in a way be forced to drink it
if its not bothering them whats the problem, when the snow melts and is gone they will have to drink water
Most dogs do not like very cold water - stick with the lukewarm. They'll drink if they're thirsty. What they are eating may be affecting them. For example, dogs who eat dry food only tend to drink a lot, whereas dogs on the BARF diet drink very little water.
My dogs loves chewing ice cubes. If she were to chose between ice cubes and water, she would go for the ice cubes! I think it feels cool and they like it. I don't worry too much unless she doesnt drink anything at all. Im sure that when the snow is gone your dogs will start drinking water again, let them enjoy the snow!
If water is available, your dogs will drink it if they are thirsty. They will. I promise. All 3 of mine eat snow, though .. just because it's fun and something different, I think.
You could give them a little chicken broth, try to find some that is low salt. Even if it isn't, they will find the chicken broth so much more exciting than the plain water, it won't take much - you can dilute it. You just don't want to give especially an older dog a lot of salt. I know one dog that will start to bloat if he eats snow - which by the way contains a LOT of bacteria- so he needs a muzzle when he goes out. But usually, the others just go out and snack on snow, then have snow diarrhea the next day. No, you're not making it up - dogs are all different, like people, and they all have snack preferences...
they'll have to drink it in the summer or die of thirst. just keep water out. you don't have to sit and make them drink it. they WILL drink it if they get thirsty, i promise you. even if you have a totally stupid dog, it still knows when to drink. if they like snow, that's okay! don't let them eat the yellow snow.
Leave the water out, and they will drink when they are thirsty. If they eat a lot of snow, they won't be thirsty, though, so just keep an eye on them and make sure they are either in the snow or in the water dish. If you are really worried, you can try putting a little chicken or beef broth in the water to entice them to drink.
Keep them inside where they can't get to the snow. Dogs are a lot smarter than we give them credit for. They'll get water when they're thirsty. Just be sure to keep the water bowl out all the time and a place where they'll know to find it. Good luck :D