Drinking water
Updated
Provide your dog with access to fresh clean water at all times.
Occasionally we get asked how much water a dog should drink each day. This depends on the size of your dog, how much exercise they do, the temperature outside and their diet.
Generally, a dog should drink 25-50ml for every kg they weigh in a 24 hour period.
So a 10kg dog would have approximately 250-500ml per day.
A 33kg dog would need approximatly 825-1,650ml per day.
If your dog has previously eaten a raw diet they would be expected to drink more water. This is normal, as raw meat contains a high amount of water. For example, chicken breast is around 70% water. Similar applies to dogs previously fed a wet food.
Best practice
Choose a bowl that takes enough water for your dog. Try to fill it at the same time each day so you can monitor usage. Refresh rather than top up and make sure the bowl is clean. Choose a stainless steel or ceramic bowl over plastic which can leech into the drinking water.
We advise removing unwanted food but you should never remove water. Simply leave it down all day.
Some dogs prefer freshly run, cold water or are not keen on tap water. If your dog seems reluctant you can filter the water or purchase a special bowl that constantly refills. Try not to allow drinking from puddles as this can cause tummy bugs.
Added salt or sodium can make a dog thirsty. Never give your dog human food containing salt. Many snacks and scraps/leftovers are not suitable for this reason and are best avoided.
When to seek help
Excessive thirst can be caused for a few reasons but you should always check with your dog's veterinarian if you are worried.
Dehydration: Can be caused by hot weather, an illness or too much play/exercise. Dogs pant to cool down and moisture is lost this way. It is normal for your dog to drink more during hot weather or after play. To check if your dog is dehydrated gently pinch the skin at the back of the neck so it stretches then let go. Hydrated skin will return to normal quickly while dehydrated skin will take a while to return to normal and may sag. Be aware that drinking too much water in one go, especially after exercise, can cause a dog to vomit. If you think your dog is dehydrated contact a vet immediately.
Illnesses: Kidney problems, diarrhoea or a vomiting bug, Cushing's syndrome, diabetes, parasites, UTI's among other illnesses can all cause excessive thirst and you should consult your vet if you think something is wrong.
Medication: Some medicines can cause an increase in thirst or a dry mouth. Your vet should pre warn you if this is likely but check if you are not sure.
Do you love the idea of feeding raw but hate the mess, fuss or your dog just won't eat it? Wolfworthy is the dry food alternative to feeding raw. It has the same health benefits but is easy to store, handle and travel with. So you can relax knowing your dog is satisfied, healthy and well-cared for but without all the hassle.
