Puppy gulps water

off kilter · #1 12-06-2008, 10:14 PM

I am adopting a boxer/fence-jumper mix in a few weeks (we are leaving our pup with the mother till after our holiday travels), and the vet said she was healthy, but I noticed that when she and the other pups were released from their enclosure, they all rushed the water bowl and drank like they were going to die. This happens every time they get near a bowl of water.

Now, my sister in law adopted one of the siblings (the irresponsible owner of the mother belongs to her church), and her little Penny hasn't done this since they took her home. We think that with 6 other siblings still competing for water and food, the water bowl must get tipped over easily, so that's why they slurp like mad when they finally do get water.

However, I'm worried that maybe this is some kind of health issue. Does anyone know if this is a really bad sign? We lost both our boxer and our springer spaniel this summer from old age (13.5 and 14.5 years), and while we don't want this girl to end up in a shelter, we also don't want an unhealthy dog.

We also thought that since we haven't had a puppy in forever that maybe it's a puppy thing we don't remember. If it's just a weird puppy habit, how do we break her of it?

Appreciate your advice!

kathysboxer · #2 12-09-2008, 07:01 AM

I can't remember if Tyson gulped his water or not. But I know if he's outside running or playing, he does drink alot. Do the dogs have water available to them in the enclosure? If not, they could be so thirsty from not drinking. They may have gone hours without water. IMO when you bring the pup home with water available to him/her at all times, there should be no need for gulping. Just giving my 2 cents

**gmacleod** · #3 12-09-2008, 08:18 AM

If all of the puppies were doing it, I'd be more concerned that the breeder isn't giving them constant access to water... Young puppies (well, ALL animals) should have free access to water, and shouldn't actually ever get to the point of thirst that they need to make a dash for the water bowl

The fact that your sister's pup has immediately ceased rushing the water would tend to support the idea that they're not getting enough. That being the case, I wouldn't be so much concerned that there may be an underlying health issue (but would be a bit concerned about their welfare in the meantime).

off kilter · #4 12-11-2008, 08:51 AM

I think it is the lack of available water. Both times I saw them, there was a water bowl there, but it had been tipped over from rambunctious pups. The owner does offer water several times a day, thankfully. (I think calling him a "breeder" is a bit of a stretch since he's a casual BYB and these mixed pups were a total accident anyway).