I have a question about my nine year old black lab. She is a very healthy and well-cared for member of our family. The kids think she is the greatest thing since sliced bread.

Her water bowl is checked at least three times a day and refreshed. We have noticed that after refilling her dish, she has a very strange habit of dipping one of her front paws in the dish a few times before she drinks out of it for the first time following the refill.

Is this just a quirky habit, or is there some significance to this behavior?

Thanks!

 

It could be at 9 years old, her eyes are not what they use to be. Maybe she's haveing trouble with depth perception or even seeing if there is any water in the bowl. Have her checked for cateracts or other eye problems the next vet visit just to be safe. You can also test her vision yourself if you play with her awhile you should detect any vision problems if they're very bad. It could be anything though. Maybe she's testing the temperature of the water. My dogs dont like water too cold. Especially if it's already cool in the house.
I could also guess since Labs tend to love water, maybe she want's to play in it just for fun. Good luck and let us know if you figure it out