Dogs have interesting and occasionally entertaining ways of expressing themselves. For example, breeds that love the water, also known as “water dogs,” have no shame in showing their humans and fellow dog friends just how much they adore playing with and swimming in any body of water.
Of course, love of the water is not limited to any specific breed. Indeed, some dogs aren’t great swimmers genetically, and others just prefer to stay dry, but if you’ve got a dog that loves the water, you know all too well the excitement that comes from a trip to the lake or a walk along the river.
If you’re wondering why your dog constantly bites water, whether he be splashing in a pond or snapping at the hose, you’re not alone. Humans have been documenting the hilarity of dogs biting at the water for years, but the question is, why do they do it?
Why does my dog bite water?
If your pup is a water lover, any water source will likely suffice to keep them playing and happy. But, at some point, you’ve probably witnessed your water dog biting, snapping, barking, and splashing in the water.
You might also encourage them to do so, as swimming to fetch a ball and jumping ocean waves are fantastic summertime exercises for most dogs! Still, you wonder, what’s the deal with biting the water?
Your dog is playing
Water play is so much fun, especially if your dog can’t get enough of being wet. Many dogs that love spending time in the water bite it in an attempt to play or “catch” it.
It’s uncommon for there to be another reason behind trying to bite at water during water play, but some issues pop up when constantly ingesting water. Dog owners should proceed with caution if they’ve got a water-loving pup.
Dogs don’t always know when their bodies have had enough. Excitement, engagement, and adrenaline from play get in the way of realizing that they’re tired. So it’s up to you to know when your dog is expressing exhaustion and divert him from play.
Also, it’s crucial to ensure that your pup isn’t ingesting too much water. Snapping at a hose and chasing a ball or stick into a lake or pool leaves plenty of room for them to take in too much water, sometimes to the point of toxicity.
Water toxicity happens when a dog has consumed one-third of its body weight in water in a short time, which means that this phenomenon is more common in smaller breeds. But, of course, it can happen to any breed, so owners must be diligent if they own a water-loving pooch.
A few signs of water intoxication include bloating, vomiting, pale gums, lethargy, and lack of coordination. If you suspect your dog is suffering from an intake of too much water, get him to a vet immediately.
Don’t let the fear of medical complications keep your dog out of the water. If they genuinely love it, then it’s a fantastic exercise for them. Just remember to keep an eye on how they play and how long they’ve been playing.
Why does my dog bite at his water?
If you find that your dog is constantly biting and splashing in his water bowl, then you know all too well the mess and amount of wasted paper towels that come with this behavior. Likewise, having a pup that is constantly spilling water all over the floor can get old pretty quickly.
The good news is waterbowl biting is typically easy to correct. In addition, a little basic training and putting less water in the bowl can keep your dog from turning your kitchen into a wet, slippery danger zone. You might be wondering, however, why your dog is biting his water bowl in the first place?
Your pup wants to play
If your dog loves water, chances are he will try to play in any water he can! Unfortunately, his water dish will not be an exception to this rule. Dogs that like to play in water will often bite, splash, and turn over their water dishes in an attempt to play with the water inside.
Your dog might be too hot
If it’s too warm outside or in your home, and your dog keeps biting and flipping his water dish instead of drinking out of it, he may be trying to tell you something. Dogs that are too hot may splash or tip their water bowls to lay down in the spilled water and cool themselves off.
When this is the case, cooling your pup down right away is the priority. Take him in out of the heat, or place a fan on him.
Your dog sees his reflection
It’s possible that your dog can see his reflection in the bowl you’re using, primarily if it’s stainless steel, which is a popular pet bowl material among owners. Stainless steel is easy to clean and durable, but it also shows reflection!
Plenty of dogs that love to bite and dig at their water bowls do so because they can see themselves at the bottom! A switch to ceramic will eradicate this issue.
Why does my dog bite pool water?
According to water-loving dogs (and humans), pool water is just as much fun as any other body of water and should be played with at leisure. If you’ve got a dog that won’t stop biting at pool water and loves to swim, he’s playing in 99% of cases.
However, there is always a chance that he’s nervous about his humans being in the pool while he’s left on the deck or patio, but if that’s the problem, you’ll likely notice that he’ll avoid putting his entire body in the water. Instead, he’ll try and bite at the water from outside of the pool.
Why does my dog bite hose water?
Is your dog constantly biting at the hose when you’re trying to water plants, fill a kiddie pool, or spray the grass? Well, that’s because he’s having the time of his life!
Dogs that bite hose water are trying their very best to get the hose to engage in some play. If you love them, you’ll give them a quick spray and shake the hose all around so they can chase it. This is a great way to cool Fido down on a warm day. Just don’t let him get too hot or have too MUCH water!
Why does my dog attack its water bowl?
It’s common for dogs to bite and play with the water in a bowl, but usually, an all-out attack on the water bowl signals a potentially more significant issue at hand. If your dog is becoming aggressive with his water bowl, this could be due to medical problems.
For example, a dog with a neck injury may associate the pain of bending to drink water with the bowl itself, causing him to show aggression toward it. Furthermore, dogs with eye issues might develop a fear or uncertainty around the water bowl because they can’t see it well. As a result, dogs often express this fear as aggression.
So, if your pup suddenly starts attacking his water dish, and you’re sure it’s not playful, you’ll want to schedule a consultation with your veterinarian. This way, you’ll have peace of mind regarding your pup’s health, and if all test results show a healthy dog, you’ll have a better idea of how to move forward in eradicating the behavior.