Water is an integral part of a dog’s life and it needs an ample amount to stay healthy. This is why a lot of dog owners remain organized when it comes to how much water a dog is given and when it is available to them.
This is also going to make you wonder, can you start withholding water from dog at night?
You should start withholding water 2-3 hours before a dog’s bedtime at night. This ensures they are fully hydrated and do not have to go for a potty break in the middle of the night when you’re sleeping.
It is not wrong to withhold water from a dog at night.
They will get used to this schedule and it’s going to be easier for you over the long haul. Keep this in mind as you start figuring out what is safe for your dog and what is not.
This article will take a look at whether or not it is smart to start withholding water from dog at night along with what to consider during the process.
Table of Contents
Best Water Fountain For Dogs (EDITOR’S CHOICE)
- CUSTOMIZE WATER FLOW: Adjustable flow control lets you choose how fast the water flows from the stream; turn off the water...
- 2-GALLON WATER CAPACITY: This durable plastic pet fountain is great for big dogs and multi-pet families
- ENCOURAGES HYDRATION: A falling stream of water entices pets to drink more and helps support kidney health in pets through...
Last update on 2023-09-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Tips For Withholding Water From A Dog At Night
1. Start 2-3 Hours Before Bedtime
You will want to withhold water 2-3 hours before a dog’s bedtime.
This will ensure the dog doesn’t get dehydrated before going to bed and will still have the opportunity to avoid potty breaks at random hours of the night. This will take a bit of getting used to as it is common for dogs to want a good amount of water.
Dog owners can start worrying when it comes to their dog. It is naturally assumed that dogs should always have water at their disposal but this is untrue.
They don’t require water all the time as long as you are keeping them safe indoors and they are getting enough water during the day.
If that is the case, you are going to be good to go by removing the water bowl 2-3 hours before the dog’s bedtime. In a lot of situations, dogs will need a week or so to adjust to this change.
They will get used to it and that is when you are going to be good to go.
For the average dog owner, it’s recommended to start this early on in the dog’s life so they get used to it quickly.
2. Create a Schedule
You should take the time to create a schedule as that is going to be easier for the dog as time goes on.
You don’t want them to struggle with different schedules where you are making water available at night on some days. This will frustrate the dog and they won’t know what to do. It is also going to ruin their bathroom schedule right away.
You have to be meticulous about this and ensure you are focusing on specific hours of the day to remove the water bowl.
If you don’t do this, the dog is going to get confused.
This can lead to urine all over the house because the dog doesn’t know what to do. This is the last thing you are going to want especially with a younger dog at home.
3. Maintain Safe Temperature Indoors
How hot is it in the house?
You don’t want a situation where the dog is starting to burn indoors and needs water. This is going to be incredibly uncomfortable for them due to their fur.
You have to be mindful of this when it comes to water availability for dogs.
If it is too hot then there should be water available for the dog at night. It is simply unsafe for the dog not to have water as a way to cool down a bit.
If it is cool indoors and the AC is on, you should continue with the schedule as listed above.
Related Questions
1. How Long Before Bed Should I Take My Dog’s Water Away?
It is best to take your dog’s water away 2-3 hours before bedtime. This ensures the dog is hydrated but will not have to go for a potty break in the middle of the night.
2. Why Does My Dog Get So Thirsty At Night?
Some dogs get thirsty at night because it’s too hot indoors, they are not receiving enough water during the day, and/or they are dealing with kidney disease.
Final Thoughts
Follow these tips when it comes to withholding water from dog at night.
It’s best to take the time to implement this advice and make sure you are working towards a safer situation for your dog.
Here’s more on dogs – finding the right harness for dogs, finding the right dog food for dogs, using scented wax melts for dogs, and finding the right jacket for dogs.