What happens if a dog eats but doesn’t drink water?

A dog eating but not drinking water can lead to a series of health problems. First, the kidneys rely on adequate water to filter waste and excess substances from the blood, so long-term insufficient drinking increases the burden on the dog’s kidneys and may lead to kidney disease.

Second, a dog’s cooling system is relatively poor; if it drinks too little in summer, it may become dehydrated or suffer heatstroke. Finally, a lack of water in the intestines also easily causes dry stools, which may lead to constipation, reduced appetite, and other problems.