How Much Water Should a Dog Drink?

The ideal amount of water for a dog to drink depends on their unique individual circumstances. Here are some factors to consider when determining how much water your dog should drink every day:

• Activity level: An active dog requires more water than a sedentary dog. Always bring water whenever you take your dog out for exercise. If your dog gets winded from exertion, give them ice cubes or a little water at a time to avoid bloating or vomiting.
• Age: Growing puppies are more active than adult dogs and need approximately four ounces (a half-cup) of water every two hours. You should monitor a puppy’s water intake closely, and you may have to encourage them to drink. As they age, they’ll learn to drink water when they need it.
• Medications: Certain medications may affect your dog’s water intake. Check with your veterinarian about potential medication side effects.
• Pregnancy: If your dog is pregnant or nursing new puppies, she will need more water per pound of weight. Check with your veterinarian to determine the right amount of water for a pregnant or nursing dog.
• Temperature: Your dog will naturally require more water on a hot summer’s day—when they have a higher body temperature—than when it’s colder. Some dog types thrive in the heat, while others might require a short haircut, air conditioning, a cooling mat, or a breathable cot in the summertime.
• Type of food: If your dog eats wet food, they will require less water than if they ate dry food. You may notice, for example, that your dog drinks less water after switching from kibble to fresh homemade dog food. No matter which food you serve your dog, monitor the sodium content. Salty food leads to a thirstier dog.
• Weight: A healthy dog usually drinks about an ounce of water per pound of body weight per day. A ten-pound dog will require ten ounces of water. Regardless of size, always supply your dog with unrestricted access to fresh, clean drinking water.

If your dog drinks a lot of water for a day or so, it’s usually not a cause for concern. Excessive thirst (also known as polydipsia) may happen for several benign reasons, including boredom. However, if the behavior continues over several days, it’s crucial to determine the cause of excessive drinking, as overhydration can be a symptom of a life-threatening illness. Consuming too much water can cause hyponatremia, a severe condition causing water intoxication in dogs. Here are some reasons your dog might be drinking more water than usual:

• Diabetes: Diabetes mellitus is a disease caused by insulin deficiency or resistance, causing excess glucose in the blood. High blood sugar gets excreted via the kidneys into the urine, causing excessive urination and, as a result, excess thirst.
• Diarrhea or vomiting: Any time your dog vomits or has diarrhea, they lose bodily fluids. Your dog will instinctively drink more water after a bout of these short-term conditions.
• Dietary change: If you’ve recently changed your dog’s diet, it may be that the food or treats you’re supplying have a higher sodium content or a lower water content. Always check the label to avoid too much salt in your dog’s diet.
• Disease: Excessive thirst can be a symptom of many different conditions, including cancer, Cushing’s disease, and kidney disease. If your dog’s thirst lasts more than a day, make an appointment for a check-up with your vet.
• Heat: The most common reason your dog might be drinking more water is to cool down. Just like you, your dog will naturally require more water to avoid dehydration when they overheat.
• Hypercalcemia: Hypercalcemia means there is too much calcium in your dog’s blood. Excess calcium can cause excessive peeing due to polyuria and, thus, increased water intake.
• Hyperthyroidism: Thyroid hormone regulates your dog’s metabolic rate. Hyperthyroidism is a disease that causes the thyroid to release too much thyroid hormone, causing your dog to feel thirsty no matter how much water they drink.
• Medications: If your dog takes medicine for a medical condition, excessive drinking may be a side effect. Check with your vet to learn more and rule out an underlying health problem.
• Overexertion: If your dog has recently exercised, they will naturally consume more water to recoup lost fluids and electrolytes.
• Urinary tract infection: UTIs cause frequent urination and increased thirst. If your dog excretes their urine in small amounts or if the urine is bloody or has a foul odor, make an appointment with your vet.
  

Here are some common causes why your dog might be drinking less water than usual:

• Another water source: Your dog’s lack of thirst may mean they get some of their water from another water source, such as a toilet, sprinkler, or rain puddles.
• Change in dog food: If you’ve recently switched from dry food to wet food, your dog may be getting more hydration from the high water content of fresh or canned food and may not need to drink as much. Wet food contains sixty-five to eighty percent water, so your dog will drink less water than when eating dry kibble.
• Illness or pain: If your dog is ill or in pain due to mobility issues or other underlying causes, they may not be in the mood for water consumption. Always check with your vet if your dog stops drinking water for an extended period.
  

Like humans, a dog’s body can usually survive for about seventy-two hours (three days) without water but will begin to show signs of dehydration after twenty-four hours.

To check your dog for dehydration, gently hold and lift a pinch of your dog’s skin near its shoulders, then release gently. If your dog is well-hydrated, the skin will quickly drop back into place. In a dehydrated dog, the skin will tent and take much longer to return to its normal tautness. Other signs of dehydration include dry, sticky, or pale gums from a lack of salivation, sunken eyeballs, and dry nose and mouth.

If you’ve ruled out severe medical conditions but still find that your dog drinks a little less water than you’d like, there are some steps you can take. Here’s how to encourage your dog to drink water:

1. 1. Add an enticing flavor. There are pet-designed flavor packets, such as chicken, beef, or bacon, that you can add to your dog’s water to make it tastier.
2. 2. Use broth for hydration. Serving poultry or beef broth to your dog is a great way to keep them hydrated when they refuse water. You can gradually dilute the broth with water to get your dog used to plain water.
3. 3. Supply fresh, clean water. Always give your dog fresh water in a clean bowl. Check the bowl for debris regularly, and clean the bowl with warm water and soap daily to avoid bacteria growth that can lead to health issues. Some dog owners opt for a pet water fountain (typically marketed to cats) to ensure a constant supply of fresh running water.
4. 4. Place water in more than one place. If you have a dog that isn’t very active due to age or health conditions, they may not want to walk around the house looking for their water. Strategically place your dog’s water bowls in multiple locations, such as next to their food and wherever they relax or sleep. If your dog spends a lot of time outdoors, you may want to put a water bowl in the backyard.
5. 5. Praise good behavior. If your dog is an under-drinker, give them praise or even a treat whenever they get a drink.

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