6 Reasons Your Dog Digs in Her Water Bowl — and How to Make Her Stop - Vetstreet

Some dog behaviors may seem confusing to humans, such as trying to understand how to stop a dog from digging a water bowl. Why would a dog splash water everywhere instead of drinking it? Thankfully, many dogs outgrow dish-digging, but some continue the behavior beyond puppyhood.

Instead of scratching your head and wondering why dogs dig, including making a mess with their water bowls, help is here. We’ve outlined six possible motivations for canine dish digging and what you can do to help curb the habit.

How to Stop a Dog From Digging a Water Bowl

Your Dog Is Hot

Sometimes your dog is digging at a water bowl (with water in it), because they are hot. This is the first possible reason if it’s warm outside and your dog needs to feel cool.

Solution: Provide your dog with an outdoor kiddie pool or dog pool to wade in. If she’s a good swimmer, you can also give her plenty of chances to swim at a dog-friendly pool or beach.

How to stop a dog from digging from a water bowl - terrier dog

Your Dog Sees Something in the Water Bowl

Wait, what’s that in her water bowl staring back? Why, it may be her reflection! All that digging can be a sign that your dog is reaching out for the dog in the water bowl. Silly but true!

Solution: Stainless steel dishes reflect light, and your dog may try to catch the reflection by pawing and digging at them. Change her dish to a solid, non-reflective color or put her water in a spill-proof container.

Dogs Dig When They Are Bored

Dogs will sometimes dig out of sheer boredom if there’s nothing else to do. You can maybe prevent your dog from digging if they are simply bored and have nothing to do.

Solution: If you suspect your dog is digging out of boredom, provide them with activities that will stimulate them mentally and physically. Daily walks, food puzzles, doggy day care, and fun activities, such as fetch, tug, and hide-and-seek, are excellent boredom busters and great ways to expend her energy.

Pro Tip: Here’s how to know if your pet is drinking enough water.

Dogs Dig a Water Bowl Because They Prefer Moving Water

Moving water activates a dog’s prey drive. The motion triggers curiosity and excitement like a squirrel darting across the yard. Chasing and biting at water is a safe way to engage that playful, hunting instinct. But then some dogs love oxygenated, fresh water that is moving. Flowing water takes and smells much cleaner.

Solution: Your dog may be digging in the bowl to create movement in the water. For pets partial to moving water, using a pet water fountain that creates a continual fresh stream of water may reduce her need to make waves of her own.

Bonus: Here are Vetstreet’s favorite pet water fountains for good health and hydration.

Your Dog Wants More Attention

Dogs, like children, will do any number of things to get your attention. These include pawing at you, blocking your path, getting a case of the zoomies, barking, or even digging at their water bowl.

Solution: If digging in her bowl elicits your response, your dog may repeat the behavior for attention. To get her to stop, ignore the behavior. Next time you see her splashing in her water dish, walk away.

Your Dog Digs as a Compulsive Behavior

Some dog breeds like to dig, like Terriers, but others may have compulsive behavior issues. Frequent, intense digging or digging at a water bowl regularly can be signs of something behavioral in nature.

Solution: Talk to your veterinarian or a veterinary behaviorist about separation anxiety, stress signs, OCD (obsessive-compulsive behavior), or a neurological issue. It’s always a good idea to videotape the dog in action to further explain the behavior to your veterinarian.

Pro Tip: Some dogs do really well with a CBD supplement under their veterinarian’s guidance. Here are Vetstreet’s top CBD picks for dogs.

What If Your Dog Digs Other Things?

If your dog is digging in places you don’t want them to, it’s important to understand why they are doing it and what you can do to stop it. Sometimes, its water bowl digging but other times, dogs will dig:

Dirt
Burying items in the yard or indoors
Because they are searching for prey

Here are four tips to stop your dog from digging to help get you started on good behavior. If your dog is self-soothing through digging, address this with a caring, loving attitude.

Never hit, slap, or yell at your dog in a condescending way that can harm them physically or emotionally. Dogs react to positive reinforcement and love.