Water is the main component of healthy, living cells in the body. Without water, your dog’s body will not function properly. More specifically, your dog will become dehydrated.
The amount of water a dog should drink can vary based on factors such as the dog’s size, age, activity level, and overall health. As a general guideline, dogs typically need about 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight per day. However, this is just an average, and individual needs can vary.
Here are some factors to consider:
Size: Larger dogs generally need more water than smaller dogs.
Activity Level: Dogs that are more active or engage in strenuous exercise may require more water to stay hydrated.
Weather Conditions: Hot weather may increase a dog’s need for water, as they may pant more to cool down, leading to increased fluid loss.
Health Conditions: Certain health conditions, such as diabetes or kidney disease, can affect a dog’s water intake. Always follow your veterinarian’s recommendations for dogs with specific health concerns.
Diet: The type of food your dog eats can also influence their water needs. Dry kibble, for example, may require more water consumption compared to wet food.
It’s important to monitor your dog’s behavior and habits. Signs of dehydration in dogs include lethargy, dry gums, sunken eyes, and a loss of skin elasticity. On the other hand, excessive water intake could be a sign of an underlying health issue.
Always ensure that fresh, clean water is readily available for your dog. If you have concerns about your dog’s water intake or notice any changes in behavior or health, it’s advisable to consult with a veterinarian for personalized advice based on your dog’s specific needs.
How much water does a dog need?
There are several ways to estimate how much water an individual dog needs and this tends to vary depending on individual circumstances.
In general, dogs should drink about 1 ounce of water (1/8 cup) for every pound of body weight each day. However, many factors can affect how much your dog will drink, so you should not limit your dog’s water intake.
Unless directed by your veterinarian, it is not necessary to measure the exact amount of water your pet drinks. Just make sure your dog gets plenty of fresh, clean water every day.
Why Your Dog Might Drink Less Water Sometimes?
Here are some common reasons why a dog may drink less water than usual.
Your dog eats wet food or a homemade diet:
Dogs that are fed canned food or a homemade diet will receive some moisture through their food, as it is about 65-80% water. You may notice that your dog drinks less than if he only eats dry kibble every day.
Your dog may be sick or in pain:
If your dog is sick from another underlying cause or has mobility issues or pain, he may not even drink the amount of water he needs. Talk to your vet to understand why your dog isn’t drinking enough water and how you can help.
Your dog is hot or exercising:
Depending on the temperature and amount of exercise your dog gets, more water may be needed. This is because water is lost through excessive panting and salivation.
Can dogs drink tap water?
Tap water that is safe for people is also safe for dogs. In most cases, tap water is fine for your dog. However, if you live in a place with unsafe tap or well water, discuss options for providing bottled or filtered water for your dog with your veterinarian.
What happens if a dog doesn’t get enough water?
Many important body functions require water, so without an adequate supply, your dog can quickly become ill and dehydrated.
Organs will eventually be damaged by prolonged water deficiency, and if it lasts long enough, the kidneys, liver, and other organs will begin to stop working. Death follows shortly thereafter.
In general, a healthy dog will drink enough water each day to stay well hydrated, but there are some cases where dehydration can occur.
Here are some situations where a dog may be at increased risk for dehydration:
- Nephropathy
- Metabolic disorders (such as diabetes)
- Cancer
- Pregnant or nursing animals are at risk of becoming dehydrated more easily, as they may have higher needs
How to control your dog’s dehydration?
Follow these steps to see if your dog is dehydrated:
- Gently pinch the skin between your shoulder blades.
- Gently pull the skin up and release.
- Make sure the skin snaps back into place.
The skin should quickly snap back into place without any hesitation. If dehydration is present, the skin will slowly return or may even remain raised for a while before returning to its place.
Here are some other signs of dehydration in dogs:
- The gums appear dry, sticky or pale
- Dry and sunken eyeballs
- Dryness of the nose and mouth
What happens if your dog drinks an excessive amount of water?
If you notice your dog drinking or urinating more than usual, let your vet know. There are many causes for this problem, as many disease processes show this symptom.
“A thorough physical exam along with blood or urine tests can help direct your vet’s next steps. You may be asked to measure your pet’s water intake; if so, you may need to separate them from other pets.”
You should still provide an excess amount of water, but measure how much you add to the bowl and how much is left at the end of each day, plus any added to your dog’s meals, so you can estimate the total amount of water your dog drinks in a day.
How often should you clean your water bowl?
Water and food bowls should be washed daily with soap and water. Because these bowls are in contact with your pet’s food and saliva, they tend to be good places for bacteria to grow.
“The bowls should be smooth and easy to clean, with no nooks and crannies or even scratches where bacteria can hide and survive.”
If you are concerned that your dog is not getting enough water to stay healthy or is drinking too much water, seek advice from your vet. Maintaining proper hydration is too important to your dog’s health to ignore.