Using Water Thickener for Dogs? Top Brands Made Simple!

Okay, so my dog, he’s a big boy, a golden retriever named Max, and he’s got this issue where he just doesn’t drink enough water. I noticed he was getting dehydrated, especially during the summer. He just wasn’t interested in drinking as much as he should. And let me tell you, a dehydrated dog is not a happy dog. So I started looking into ways to get him to drink more.

First, I tried making sure his water bowl was always full and fresh. I changed the water like three times a day. I even tried adding a bit of salt-free chicken broth to his water. It worked for a little while, he seemed to like the taste, but it didn’t really solve the problem long-term. He’d drink a bit more, but not enough to make a real difference.

Then, I got this idea from somewhere online, I don’t even remember, they suggested mixing a little plain gelatin into the water. The idea is that it makes the water more interesting for them to drink, and it’s supposed to be good for their joints, too. Max seemed to like it. He’d lap up the gelatin water like it was a treat. But I wanted to be sure, so we did some experiments.

I started with a small amount of gelatin, just a tiny bit. I’d dissolve it in warm water first, then mix it into his regular water bowl. He didn’t seem to mind the change in texture at all. I gradually increased the amount over a few days, just to make sure he was okay with it. He kept drinking it happily, so I figured it was working.

But then I found this other stuff called “Thick-It.” I read online that some people use it for dogs who have trouble swallowing. They call these dogs “ME dogs”, which stands for megaesophagus. It basically just thickens the water. I figured it could work for regular dogs who need encouragement to drink more, too. This seemed easier than making gelatin all the time.

So, I bought a can of Thick-It, and I started adding just a little bit to Max’s water. I made sure to follow the instructions on the can, you know, so I didn’t make it too thick. I started with just a tiny pinch, and then I watched him. He went right over to his bowl and started drinking, no problem! Over a few days I increased it just a little bit to get the thickness I wanted.

• First attempt: Fresh water, changed frequently.
• Second try: Added salt-free chicken broth.
• Experimenting: Tried plain gelatin, increasing gradually.
• Discovery: Found Thick-It, a water thickener.
• Implementation: Started with a small amount of Thick-It, then gradually increased.

Now, Max drinks a lot more water. He’s got more energy, and he just seems happier overall. And you know what? His breath is better, too! It is working for now.

It’s really made a difference, and I’m so glad I found something that works for him. I just wanted to share my experience in case it helps other dog owners out there. If your dog isn’t drinking enough water, maybe give one of these a try. It could make all the difference in the world!