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Water is an important part of any dog’s diet, but how much do they actually need? And how can you make sure your dog is getting enough?
| Dog weight in pounds | Amount of water per day in ML |
| 3 – 5 | 60 to 200 ml/day |
| 6 – 10 | 120 ml to 400 ml/day |
| 11 – 20 | 220 ml to 800 ml/day |
| 21 – 30 | 420 ml to 1200 ml/day |
| 31 – 40 | 620 ml to 1600 ml/day |
| 41 – 50 | 820 ml to 2000 ml/day |
| 51 – 60 | 1020 ml – 2400 ml/day |
| 61 – 70 | 1220 ml – 2800 ml/day |
| 71 – 80 | 1420 ml – 3200 ml/day |
| 81 – 90 | 1620 ml – 3600 ml/day |
| 91 – 100 | 1820 ml – 4000 ml/day |
| 101 – 110 | 2020 ml – 4400 ml/day |
| 111 – 120 | 2220 ml – 4800 ml/day |
| 121 – 130 | 2420 ml – 5200 ml/day |
| 131 – 140 | 6 – 10 |
A dog’s water intake depends on a variety of factors like the weather, the dog’s activity level, and even its diet. Despite these conditions, a dog’s water needs are globally constant and must be met to keep them healthy. It is crucial to not only make sure that a dog drinks enough water, but also to avoid giving them too much water. If a dog does consume too much water, it’s important to take the appropriate steps to rectify the situation. Now that we know a little more about a dog’s water needs, let’s dive in (pun intended 😉 and learn more!
What Are The Water Needs Of Your Dog?
Did you know that the amount of water your dog drinks each day depends on its weight? That’s right – there is no standard overall amount of water for all dogs; each animal has very specific needs that are directly related to its weight. For example, it’s estimated that a normal dog should drink the equivalent of 50-70 ml of water per kilogram of body weight. So, if your dog weighs 22 Ibs, it should be drinking 500-700 ml of water every day.
Of course, this is just a general guideline – some dogs may require more or less water depending on their activity level and overall health. If you’re ever unsure about how much water your dog needs, always consult with your veterinarian. They’ll be able to give you specific advice based on your pet’s individual needs.
Even though these are just numbers, they should be respected in a normal context. In fact, like in humans and other animal species, water requirements can increase depending on several factors:
- Environment temperature
As the temperature rises, so does a dog’s need for water. In hot weather, a dog can lose up to 10% of its body weight in water, so it’s important to make sure that your pet always has access to fresh, clean water. Signs of dehydration include excessive panting, lethargy, and dry gums. If you suspect that your dog is dehydrated, take them to the vet immediately.
- Body temperature
A fever is a sign that something is wrong with your body. When you have a fever, your body is trying to fight off an infection or other illness. To fight off the infection, your body needs to produce more white blood cells. To do this, your body needs to raise its internal temperature. A fever is usually considered to be a temperature of 103 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
- Activities
Anyone who has ever played with a puppy knows that they can be full of energy. What many people don’t realize, however, is that all that playing can cause a puppy to become quite thirsty. That’s because when an animal is exercising through play or any other physical activity, their body temperature rises. To cool down, they need to drink more water. Therefore, it’s important to always have fresh water available for your pet, especially if they are active. By doing so, you can help them stay healthy and hydrated.
- Nutrition
As any pet owner knows, choosing the right food for your animal companion is essential to their health and wellbeing. While there are a variety of options on the market, one of the most common debate is over dry food, or kibble, versus wet food. Kibble is typically made of dried meat, grains, and vegetables, while wet food is usually a canned or pouched mixture of cooked meat and vegetables. So, which type of food is best for your furry friend?
There are a few things to consider when making your decision. One is your pet’s individual needs. If your dog has a medical condition that requires them to eat more or stay hydrated, wet food may be the better option. Another thing to think about is convenience. Kibble is typically less messy and can be left out for longer periods of time than wet food.
- Nursing
Any new mother will attest to the importance of staying hydrated, and that goes double for lactating dogs. A bitch needs to drink large amounts of water to nurse her puppies, as her milk supply is directly related to the hydration of her body. If she doesn’t have enough water, she won’t be able to produce enough milk to feed her litter. Fortunately, most dogs are instinctively aware of their need for fluids and will drink more when they’re nursing. However, it’s important to make sure that your dog always has access to fresh water.
- Growth
Puppies usually drink about twice as much as an adult dog. Their tiny bodies need lots of hydration to support all that growth. Puppies also tend to eat more than adult dogs, so it’s important to make sure they always have fresh water available. Adult dogs need plenty of water too, but their activity levels aren’t as high, so they don’t drink as much.
- Health
If you notice that your dog is drinking more water than usual, it could be a sign that something is wrong. Some diseases will cause a dog to become thirstier, causing him to drink more. These include diabetes, gastroenteritis, Cushing’s syndrome, pyometra, hypercorticism, kidney or liver failure, and the presence of certain tumors. If you think that your dog may be ill, it is important to take him to the vet for a check-up. Early diagnosis and treatment can often improve the prognosis for many of these conditions.
Did you know that young dogs have an even greater need for water than adults or seniors? This is because they are more active and tend to sweat and expel more water through various means. As a result, it’s important to make sure your young pup always has access to fresh, clean water – especially if he or she is playing or exercising outside in hot weather. By meeting your dog’s increased water needs, you can help him or her stay healthy and happy well into adulthood.
You might also be interested n our article about senior dogs’ diet.
if your dog is drinking an abnormal amount of water, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian. This behavior could be a sign of a physical or psychological disorder. Additionally, if your dog isn’t drinking enough water, they could become dehydrated. Dehydration is a serious condition that can lead to health problems, so it’s important to keep an eye on your dog’s water intake. By understanding your dog’s behavior, you can ensure that they stay happy and healthy!
How To Make Sure Your Dog Is Drinking Enough Water?
Dogs need water to stay hydrated and healthy, so it’s important to make sure they have access to fresh, clean water at all times. While tap water is perfectly safe for dogs to drink, some dogs may be reluctant to drink it if it has a strong taste or odor.
In these cases, giving your dog bottled spring water is a good option. Just be sure to find a brand that your dog enjoys and stick with it, as changing brands can sometimes cause stomach upset. You should also avoid giving your dog water with high mineral content, as this can lead to the formation of kidney stones over time.
It’s important to change the water several times a day to keep it clean and fresh and to clean the bowl itself every day to prevent bacteria from forming.
If your dog is drinking too much in a normal situation, you should see your veterinarian right away to identify a possible disorder. And if he’s not drinking enough, it’s important to encourage him to do so to keep him adequately hydrated.
If he’s not drinking enough and refuses to, here are some tips for keeping his body hydrated:
- Offer your dog water-rich foods. Quality dog food is a good way to give him a little more water than kibble. If you are cooking his portions, give him water-rich foods such as vegetables (zucchini, etc.).
- Jellied water is a solution for people who are unable to hydrate themselves otherwise and is very suitable for dogs.
- If your dog drinks little or struggles to reach his bowl, you can give him a little water with a pipette or a small syringe directly into his mouth.
- If bending over to drink is difficult for your pet, don’t hesitate to move his bowl, especially to raise it slightly to reduce his discomfort and help him hydrate.
- You can place treats around your dog’s bowl to attract him, or place ice cubes in the bowl to arouse his curiosity and encourage him to drink.
- Avoid plastic bowls, which give off odors. If your dog doesn’t seem to like it, buy him a new one made of glass, stainless steel or ceramic. Some dogs may be afraid of it if they have already spilled the contents on it by surprise.
One thing that all dog owners must worry about is making sure their pup stays hydrated. Dogs don’t sweat like humans do, so they need to drink plenty of water to stay cool in the summer heat. If your dog is refusing to drink, it could be a sign of a disorder or disease. Some animals are unwell, but others do not drink because of behavioral or sensory problems that inhibit the sensation of thirst.
It’s important to identify the cause quickly to prevent your pet’s health from deteriorating, and becoming dehydrated to the point of serious bodily harm or even death. If you think your dog may be dehydrated, take him to the vet immediately. They’ll be able to tell you if there’s a medical reason for his lack of thirst or if it’s just a behavioral issue. Either way, they’ll be able to help you get your pup back on track to a healthy hydration level!