How Much Water Should My Dog Drink?
Updated
Providing your dog with fresh, clean water at all times is essential for their health and wellbeing.
How Much Water Does a Dog Need?
The amount a dog needs to drink depends on their size, activity level, diet and the outside temperature. As a general guideline, dogs should drink 25-50ml of water per kg of body weight in a 24-hour period:
๐พ 10kg dog โ 250-500ml per day
๐พ 33kg dog โ 825-1,650ml per day
Previously Fed a Raw or Wet Diet? Dogs switching from raw or wet food will naturally drink more, as raw meat and wet foods contain high water content (e.g., chicken breast is 70% water).
Best Practices for Keeping Your Dog Hydrated
โ Use the Right Bowl โ Choose a stainless steel or ceramic bowl over plastic, which can leach chemicals into the water.
โ Monitor Water Intake โ Fill the bowl at the same time each day to track consumption. Refresh rather than top up, and keep it clean.
โ Never Remove Water โ Your dog should always have access to water, even if you remove uneaten food.
โ Encourage Drinking โ Some dogs prefer freshly run, filtered, or cooler water. If your dog is reluctant to drink, consider a filtered bowl or water fountain.
๐ซ Avoid Puddle Drinking โ Outdoor water sources can contain bacteria or parasites that cause tummy upsets.
๐ซ Limit Salty Foods โ Human foods high in salt can make dogs excessively thirsty and should be avoided.
When to Seek Veterinary Help
Excessive thirst could indicate an underlying issue. If you're concerned, consult your vet.
- Dehydration โ Can result from hot weather, illness, or excessive exercise. Dogs cool down by panting, losing moisture in the process.
- Dehydration Test โ Gently pinch the loose skin on the back of your dog's neck and release it. Hydrated skin returns to normal quickly, while dehydrated skin stays tented or sags.
- Illnesses โ Conditions like kidney problems, diabetes, Cushingโs syndrome, UTIs, diarrhoea, or vomiting bugs can increase thirst. Consult a vet if you notice unusual drinking patterns.
- Medication Side Effects โ Some medicines cause increased thirst or dry mouth. Your vet should inform you of this, but check if youโre unsure.
Keeping an eye on your dogโs hydration levels helps maintain their health and happiness!
Wolfworthyย is theย dry alternative to raw, providing all theย health benefits without the hassle.
- No mess, no fussย โ easy to store, serve, and travel with
- Loved by fussy eatersย โ irresistible taste for even the pickiest dogs
- Gentle on sensitive stomachsย โ supports healthy digestion
