How Much Water Should My Dog Drink Per Day?

Does your dog guzzle water all day long? Or is it rare to catch them taking sips from their bowl?

Water is vitally important for supporting your dog’s digestive system, urinary tract, and healthy organ function, and can even help reduce joint pain.

In celebration of Pet Hydration Month, learn how much water your dog should drink per day and how you can make sure your parched pup stays healthy and hydrated.

How Much Water Do Dogs Need On Average?

Dogs need to drink approximately one half to one full ounce of water per pound of body weight per day. So a medium-sized 20-pound dog should drink around 20 ounces, or 2.5 cups of water each day, while a large 75-pound dog may drink 75 ounces, or around 9 cups of water daily.

Does Your Dog Drink Enough Water?

When estimating your dog’s average daily water intake, you’ll need to take into account not only how much they drink from their water bowl, but also how much moisture they take in from their food.

High-moisture foods like canned food, reconstituted freeze-dried dog food, fresh cooked and raw dog food is made up of about 80% moisture. Meanwhile, dry kibble contains around 5% moisture. Multiply your dog’s daily food intake in ounces by moisture content percentage to estimate how much water is in your dog’s meals.

Then, you can estimate your dog’s water intake by pouring a measured amount of water in their bowl, then subtracting the remaining amount of water left over the next day. Adjust as needed to estimate water lost to spills and evaporation, and add to your dog’s dietary moisture intake.

While dogs fed a dry diet tend to drink more water, they will not necessarily drink enough to make up for the moisture their food lacks. Dogs fed a high-moisture diet, too, may still need to be encouraged to drink more water.

When Your Dog Drinks Too Much Water

While many dogs can benefit from increased hydration, it’s possible for your dog to drink too much water.

Some dogs drink more water than others, but unexplained changes in your dog’s thirst and water consumption can be a sign of an undiagnosed chronic health issue. Increased thirst, also known as polydipsia, is often one of the first signs of diabetes , kidney disease, or Cushing’s disease, and should be addressed by your veterinarian as soon as possible.
 

Water intoxication is a serious, though uncommon condition sometimes seen in dogs after spending a day playing in and around water. Excessive water consumption, combined with loss of electrolytes, can lead to a potentially life-threatening electrolyte imbalance.

Do Dogs Drink More Water in the Summer?

Summer heat and strenuous activity can definitely drive your dog to drink more water. Dogs lose fluids by panting and sweating through their paw-pads when they’re overheated. They also need to drink more water to aid thermoregulation, the circulation of heat from their core to the surface of their skin.

When dogs lose fluids, they also lose electrolytes, essential minerals that regulate nerve and muscle function. Giving your dog fluids that contain electrolytes, rather than plain water, can aid muscle recovery and prevent water intoxication. You can offer bone broth or a dog electrolyte water additive anytime your dog exercises or spends time outdoors in the heat.

5 Ways To Increase Your Dog’s Water Intake

Think your dog might not be drinking enough water - or just want to boost their daily water intake on hot summer days? Try these tips to help keep your dog quenched.

1. Feed a high-moisture diet. You can add water or bone broth to your dog’s kibble, feed a combination of fresh, canned and/or dry foods, feed high-moisture treats or switch to a high-moisture diet to make sure your dog takes in more moisture from their meals.
2. Get more water bowls. Your thirsty dog may not visit the water bowl often enough if they’re sharing it with another pet or if it’s too far away from where they spend the most time.
3. Provide access to fresh, clean water at all times. Your dog should always have access to a clean, full water bowl, even at night, and even when they’re crated.
4. Keep the water bowl clean. Stale, foul-tasting, or bad-smelling water may put your dog off their hydration game. Water bowls should be washed daily with hot, soapy water or put through a dishwasher at least once a day. Or, use a filtered dog water fountain to help keep your dog’s water fresh-tasting.
5. Flavor your dog’s water. Dogs are more likely to drink water if it’s flavored with some bone broth or a tasty flavored dental water additive.

VISION

Every pet deserves to live a long, happy, healthy life.