Dog wont drink

Question
I have a 5 year old chessy. he used to be normal and full of energy. This last winter he had a partial paralysis. We took him to emergency and the next day to his regular vet. After $750 they couldn't find anything wrong with him. It sort of wore off after a few hours, but he has never been the same. I always took him for runs and swims, and still do, but he is slow as can be. The thing that bothers me most is he won't drink after a long run when he should obviously be thirsty. Tonight I took him for a run. It wasn't that hot but we went a long way. he simply wouldn't drink after! I was thirsty, how could he not be? I never see him drink more that one or two laps and NEVER after exercise... He's a chessy for god sake, he should LOVE the water! Even when I take him swimming he doesn't drink. Is an aversion to water a symptom of something?

Answer
Aversion to water does not indicate ill health from a conventional standpoint. When I had only my conventional training I would have said not to worry. I would have taught you how to do a skin and gum test for dehydration. This would be the main complication of not drinking enough. I would have said that some dogs just do not drink much and are fine. As a conventional veterinarian I would not have been able to offer you much. Overdrinking does indicate many diseases.

My profile does say I am a holistic veterinarian, so for me, a dog that is not drinking much would be worth questioning some more. I would be suggesting treatment.

Even though you did not want to hear about holistic approaches, I hope something in it was useful in the long run for your dog's health - maybe at least the early warning signs.