Dogs drip water after drinking because of the way they drink: they curl their tongue backward like a ladle and flick water up into their mouth, so a lot splashes out, and loose lips, jowls and beards hold extra water that drips off as they walk away. You can’t change how your dog drinks, but a mat under the bowl, a splash-proof or slow-drinking bowl, and trimming muzzle hair can cut the mess a lot. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the best ways to deal with water drips from your dog’s mouth. Keep reading to learn more!
Dogs and water drips: The problem
As mentioned, one of the most annoying things about dogs is that they tend to drip water all over the place after taking a drink. This can be especially problematic if you have hardwood floors, as the water can damage the wood and leave behind pesky stains. Even if you have tile or linoleum flooring, the water can still cause problems by making the surface slippery and creating an unwanted mess.
Solutions to your dog dripping water all over the floor
1Use a mat
Placing a mat under your dog’s water bowl is an easy way to help absorb any water that drips while your dog is drinking. This is especially helpful if you have hardwood floors, as it will protect the floor from any potential damage.
It is an easy solution that can make a big difference in keeping your floor clean and dry. The problem is that a mat cannot protect other parts of the house.
2Wipe down your dog's mouth
After your dog takes a drink, take a moment to wipe down their mouth with a towel. This will help remove any excess water before it has a chance to drip onto the floor.
Although it is an easy solution, it is very time-consuming.
3Train your dog to drink slower
If your dog tends to gulp their water down too quickly, it can cause them to dribble water all over the place. A slow-drinking or splash-proof bowl, for example one with a floating disc that only lets a little water through at a time, makes it harder for them to drink quickly and keeps the splashing down. Avoid putting rocks or other objects in the bowl, as dogs can chip teeth on them or try to swallow small ones.
4Give your dog a haircut
If your dog has long hair or a beard around the muzzle, it soaks up water like a sponge and then drips it all over the floor as your dog walks away. Consider trimming the hair around your dog’s mouth and chin, especially during the summer months when they are more likely to be taking frequent trips to the water bowl.
Invest in a dog bowl with a raised rim
Another option is to invest in a dog bowl that has a raised rim. This will help keep water from spilling over the edge and onto the floor.
Train your dog to drink in a different location
If you’re struggling with water drips, you may want to train your dog to drink in a different location. This could be outside, in the laundry room, or in the bathroom. By having your dog drink in a different location, you can help keep your important floors clean and dry. Just make sure your dog always has easy access to fresh water: never limit how much your dog drinks to reduce the mess.
Which solution is best for you?
The best solution for you will depend on your situation. If you have hardwood floors, you may want to invest in a mat to protect the floor from any potential damage. Or, you may want to train your dog to drink in a different location. And if you have a long-haired or bearded dog, consider trimming the hair around their mouth.
No matter which solution you choose, the important thing is that you take action to minimize the mess caused by your dog’s water drips. If you use a water dispenser, here's how to clean a dog water dispenser so it stays fresh.
FAQ
Why do dogs drip water all over the floor after drinking?
Dogs drip water because they lap it up by curling their tongue backward and flicking water into their mouth, which naturally splashes. Dogs with loose lips and jowls (like Boxers, Mastiffs and Labradors) or long facial hair hold extra water that drips out afterwards, and dogs that drink fast make even more mess.
Is my dog drooling on purpose?
No, your dog is not drooling on purpose. They may just be drinking too fast, or water caught in their lips and facial hair is dripping out. If your dog drools a lot when they haven’t been drinking, or suddenly starts drinking much more water than usual, talk to your vet, as this can be a sign of dental problems, nausea, or conditions like diabetes or kidney disease.
What if my dog doesn't have long hair?
If your dog doesn’t have long hair, you can still try using a mat, wiping down your dog’s mouth, a slow-drinking bowl, or investing in a dog bowl with a raised rim.
After the haircut, my dog is still dripping water all over the floor, what should I do?
If your dog is still dripping water all over the floor, you may want to train them to drink in a different location. This could be outside, in the laundry room, or the bathroom. By having your dog drink in a different location, you can help keep your important floors clean and dry.
Conclusion
Dogs dripping water all over the floor after drinking is a common problem that many dog owners face. But there are a few solutions that can help, including using a mat, wiping down your dog’s mouth, a slow-drinking bowl, trimming their muzzle hair, or investing in a dog bowl with a raised rim.
If you’re struggling with water drips, try out a few of the given solutions and see which one works best for you and your dog.
