We are in a massive heat wave here in Ga. Most of my 2 acre back yard is wooded so there is plenty of shade. Even though his water bowl is in the shade also, he never drinks much if any. Not sure if it's a "protest" to us leaving him to go to work or if he just won't drink the water as it warms up. When he comes in, he laps water up after I re-fill it from the tap. Generally, he has little interest in food or water and just wants to play ball or go on our daily 2mi walk. Should I be looking for a device or way to keep his water cool for the 4-6 hrs he is outside or is there some way to train him to drink more often? Thanks in advance for any opinions.

D.D.

I would just give him fresh clean water everyday..He will drink what he needs.

Thanks for the replies so far. His water IS in the shade and gets changed 2-3 times/day. I leave him at 9am and and on of us usually can get back to him by 2-4pm. On really hot days the water is warm to the touch and seems like has not drank any.

Never thought of that

 Cooper (16 mo.) isn't much of a drinker, either. He can play outside in the hot sun all day long and will rarely sit still, his tongue hanging out of his mouth... but even with coercion he won't drink very much. I know with my dog he is always in hunting mode, even if it's just chasing butterflies, fireflies and birds through the yard. Like you, I also keep his water in the shade and refill it when I can to entice him. But I know he's a healthy dog, and I trust that he'll drink when he's thirsty. Perhaps just be extra sure that he's getting enough fluids when you are home with him.

...BTW, Coop is the same way about coming inside. He'd rather be outside panting in the hot sun than inside relaxing on a cold tile floor underneath a ceiling fan. We have to force him inside most nights when it gets dark. Sounds like Dex might be like this, too?!

Thanks everyone for sharing your info. Glad it's not just Dexter. I did not realize this breed would be so athletic and require so little in the way of human type comforts. He is a beloved pet/friend/child to me since I don't hunt or hunt him. I have given him the job of ridding my back yard of birds, squirrels, dear and anything else that moves. I think that satisfies some of his instincts anyway.

D.D

Looks like you're not alone. My GSP, Jasper, isn't a big drinker either. He can go and go and go and go, without stopping for a drink. If your dog isn't looking lethargic or acting funny, I don't think I'd worry about it much. If yours is anything like mine, he probably just finds some shade and sleeps all day while you're at work, and they don't work up much of a thirst doing that.