How much water should your dog drink a day? Whether your dog is full of energy or just lounging around, knowing how much water they need to stay hydrated is key to keeping them healthy. Don’t worry – it’s not as hard as it sounds.
By the end of this you’ll know how much water your dog should be drinking and have some practical tips to make sure they get it.
Why Water Is A Lifesaver For Dogs
Water is the foundation of your dog’s body. Just like humans, dogs use water for almost every bodily function. It regulates their body temperature, lubricates their joints and aids digestion. But water also helps their kidneys filter out toxins and prevent build ups in their system.
How Much Water Should A Dog Drink A Day? – Keep Body Weight In Mind!
Let’s get to the basics. On average an adult dog should drink around 1 ounce of water per pound of body’s weight per day.
So if your dog weighs 20 pounds they should be drinking about 20 ounces of water a day which is roughly 600ml. This may seem like a lot but it’s actually pretty doable. But just like with people, your dog’s water needs can change based on diet, activity level, age and weather.
Here’s a simple guide:
Small dogs (under 20 lbs): 300-600ml of water daily.
Medium dogs (20-50 lbs): 600-1500ml daily.
Large dogs (over 50 lbs): 1500ml or more daily.
But that’s not the whole picture. Dogs are affected by their environment and lifestyle. On hot days or after intense exercise they’ll drink more. When it’s hot your dog’s body is working harder to cool down which can lead to increased thirst. Panting helps dogs release heat but it also causes them to lose moisture so they’ll need to drink even more to stay hydrated.
And a dog that’s constantly running around or playing will need more water than one that spends most of the day lounging indoors. Always take into account the ambient temperature and your dog’s activity level when calculating how much water your dog should drink.
How Diet Affects Your Dog’s Water Intake
Ever noticed your dog drinks more when they’re eating kibble than when you give them wet food? There’s a good reason for that! Wet food or canned food already contains a lot of water – up to 75-80% water – while dry food (kibble) contains only around 10% water. So dogs on a dry diet need to drink more water to make up for the lack of water in their meals.
Here’s a comparison of how different types of food affect your dog’s hydration:
Dry food:
Dogs eating dry food will need to drink more water as kibble doesn’t provide much hydration. Make sure they always have access to a fresh water bowl.
Wet food:
If your dog eats wet or canned food they’re already getting a good amount of water through their diet. This can reduce the amount of water they need to drink directly.
For dogs on a dry diet you can increase their water intake by mixing water into their kibble or even switching to a food with higher moisture content. If your dog is eating wet foods but not drinking much from their bowl they might still be getting enough water. Always monitor their hydration levels by checking their gums, skin elasticity and overall behaviour.
The Age Factor: How Older Dogs Drink
As dogs age their bodies go through changes that can affect their thirst levels. Older dogs may drink less water either due to reduced activity levels or age related health issues like arthritis which makes it harder for them to get up and walk to their water bowl frequently.
This reduced drinking can lead to chronic dehydration which isn’t always obvious. An older dog’s ability to sense thirst may diminish with age which means it’s even more important to make sure they’re getting enough water. If you notice your senior dog isn’t drinking enough consider placing multiple water bowls around your home or trying a pet fountain to encourage them to drink more.
On the other hand increased thirst in older dogs can be a sign of underlying issues like kidney disease, diabetes or Cushing’s disease. If your older dog is suddenly drinking more water than usual it’s a good idea to get your vet to check.
How Do I Know If My Dog Is Dehydrated
While most dogs are good at regulating their water intake there are times when they may not drink enough and dehydration can creep up on them. Signs of dehydration in dogs are often subtle but important to catch early. Some common signs are:
Can My Dog Drink Too Much Water?
While not as common for a dog to drink too much water, drinking too much and developing water intoxication can happen. The underlying cause is when a dog drinks too much water in a short period of time which can dilute their body’s sodium levels and cause serious health problems.
Symptoms include bloating, lethargy, vomiting and in severe cases seizures. This is more likely to happen during playtime in water – like if your dog is drinking constantly while swimming.
How to Keep Your Dog Hydrated
Keeping your dog hydrated doesn’t have to be hard. Here are some simple tips to get a healthy dog drinking enough:
Fresh clean water always: Dogs will drink from a clean bowl. Refill and clean the water bowl at least once a day.
Get a pet fountain: Some dogs prefer running water and a fountain will encourage them to drink more.
Flavor enhancers: Add a splash of low sodium broth or a few ice cubes to their water.
Wet foods: If your dog doesn’t drink much water consider adding more wet foods to their diet to help boost their hydration.
Multiple bowls: Place water bowls in different areas of the house especially if you have a big house or your dog has limited mobility.
By checking your adult dogs water intake and adjusting as needed you can keep them happy and hydrated all year round.
Its The FAQ!
What kind of water should I give my dog?
Filtered water, tap water (if safe for human consumption) or bottled water are all fine for dogs and cats. If your local drinking water is not good quality filtered water may be better for your dog’s health.
How much water should a dog drink daily?
To avoid a dehydrated Dog, they should drink about 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight per day. So a 20 pound dog should be drinking around 600ml of clean water per day.
Tap water or bottled water?
Tap water is fine for most dogs but in areas with poor water quality bottled or filtered water is safer.
Is 2 Litres too much water for a dog?
For a little dog yes, but larger dogs or very active dogs may need this much water on hot days or after exercise. Check with your vet if you’re unsure.
How much water in 24 hours?
In 24 hours dogs should drink 1 ounce per pound of body weight with variations depending on diet, weather and activity level. This will avoid excessive thirst.
How much water should my dog drink?
A small dog may need 0.5 Litres a day, a larger dog may need up to 2 Litres or more depending on weight.
How many ml of water does my dog need?
A small dog will need 300-600ml daily, a larger dog may need more than 1500ml depending on size and activity. A pet’s water intake depends on the size and activity.
How much water for a 20kg dog?
A 20kg dog should drink around 1,000ml of water daily or 1 Litre although this may increase with activity or hot weather.
In summary: Hydration is key to your dog’s health
Water is one of the most important part of your dog’s overall health. By knowing their water needs, keeping their bowls fresh and watching for signs of dehydration or overhydration you’ll keep your dog hydrated and healthy.
Now you’re a water expert for your dog. Remember to adjust according to their diet, weather and activity level. Next time you see your dog drinking from their bowl take a moment to appreciate how simple this is for their overall health.
