Hi.. I have an older dog that was acting very lethargic. I thought he was drinking but was not eating... after closer examination and study, it turns out he will eat wet dog food of certain flavors, and won't drink water. He looks very interested, visiting the water bowls I have set out contantly, but each time, he appears to sample once, or twice, or up to four times and then pulls away like the water is too warm or cold or not what he expected. Vet visited the house (first time I have used a house-call vet) but at that time, I thought the dog was drinking, and just not eating and acting his usual self. A few hours later, I called to say I had it wrong. Those trips to the water bowl were not resulting in any consumption. He will take soaked-in-water french bread, wet dog food of some types, sliced chicken and he will eat ice shavings. This how he is getting by now... he appears to be able to swallow, as he likes the ice, likes the wet food and the soaked french bread. I realize bread isn't the best for dogs, but he gets a good 8 ounces three times a day with that method. If he can swallow fine, what is it? I swear he has a problem with the front of his mouth but I can't imagine what it would be. I asked the vet about a stroke perhaps, but she said there is not test for that, and I would notice something on one side of the dog or the other that might indicate a problem.

Why would a dog that likes to eat wet food and ice not drink, even when he seems very very interested in drinking... up to the time he samples it a few times and pulls back? Almost like he is nauseated. But he is not lethargic now, and he still does not seem like he can drink.

Obviously my first suggestion would be to get him to a vet to make sure there is nothing medical going on but it seems you have done that.

Next suggestion is to try running water.
Some dogs just don't seem to like drinking from still water out of a bowl.
You can buy special water bowls which have a sort of fountain coming out the top of them and the water constantly trickles down the sides... most dogs love them.

Here is a photo of one... the water comes out the top and trickles down the blue sides:

http://www.zooplus.co.uk/bilder/1/37165_1.jpg

If Shaz's idea doesn't work there are always drops you can get from your vet that add a little flavor (chicken, beef or mint) I know they don't like to sue it, because it is harder to get them to drink plain water after that.

If you are feeding water soaked bread, and wet food, they are getting water. If you feel that he is not drinking enough, try a little pdealyte. You can get the pedialyte freezies, seeing as he likes to eat ice.

You can also put a DROP of milk in the water to make it change color, it kind of tricks your dog into thinking he is getting a new treat. Do not feed him plain milk. Just use a drop to change the color of the water.

Thank you to both of you. So far, the add milk trick has not worked, nor the flavoring... it is almost as if the texture is something not enticing.. this is a 16.5 year old Aussie that has never done this before. I really appreciate the suggestions though... I am going to try running water, but I have the feeling it will not work as well.

THANK YOU!

Well, In my opinion, at 16, bread and water may not be the healthiest, but at least he is getting water.

Try the pedialyte, or keep up with the ice cubes.

Good luck! :)

Something to check on, has your water company recently changed the way they process the water. About a year ago, mine went from using one method to another and it definitely changed the taste/'feel' of the water.

You may want to check the water quality coming out of the pipes. He may be picking up on something that with our limited senses wouldn't detect.

Good luck. :)

Thank you, all, again.

As far as thinking this through, I had not thought about water quality, but it is a possibility. However, he like the ice made from the same water, but the novelty of the cold may be overpowering something he doesn't like.. will check.. never know if something is backflowing into the system. Hadn't thought of that one... and yes on the old dog and bread. I asked the vet about it too and she said better that he gets the water, but it could be a concern at some point.

Thank You again everyone.