How Much Water Should My Dog Drink?

Too Much Vs. Too Little – How Much Water Should My Dog Drink?

Do you know how much water your dog should drink every day? Do you even know how much water your dog currently drinks each day? The first day of summer has just passed and temperatures are heating up. This is a time when it’s even more important to make sure your dog is staying adequately hydrated. However, there are other reasons to monitor your dog’s water intake. Read on to learn more about how much water your dog should take as well as what could go wrong if your dog drinks too much or too little (water that is).

First, there are underlying illnesses associated with drinking too much as well as too little. If your dog is doing either of these, consult your vet as soon as possible to rule out any underlying illnesses. You wouldn’t want to delay diagnosis of illness such as parvo, leptospirosis, pancreatitis, diabetes or bladder infections. These are all illnesses linked to over or under-drinking. On the other hand, drinking too much water can lead to bloat, water toxicity and electrolyte imbalances while not drinking enough can lead to dehydration, organ failure, and death. It’s imperative to your dog’s health to monitor water intake.

6 Key Factors that Impact the Amount of Water Your Dog Drinks:

Amount of Exercise – Just like humans, more exercise equals more fluid that is lost and needs to be replenished.
Weather/Seasons – When temperatures are highest, dogs need more fluids to keep them from having heat stroke especially if they spend a lot of time outdoors.
Medications – Consult your vet if your dog is on any medications.
Age of the Dog – Puppies general need about ½ cup every two hours.
Size of the Dog – The general rule is one ounce of water per pound per day.
Daily Diet – Dry kibble diets vs. canned food. Dry kibble diets require higher water intake. Read labels for sodium levels.