How Often Should a Dog Drink Water?

Like humans, dogs need to stay hydrated, especially during the hot summer months. Dogs should not stay outside all day or go on long walks without the proper amount of water. Ensuring your dog drinks plenty of water improves his health and well-being. Drinking too much, however, can be harmful.

  1. Proper Amount

    • In general, a dog should drink ½ to 1 ounce of water a day for every pound of body weight. Thus, if a dog weighs 20 pounds, she should drink 10 to 20 ounces of water per day. This amount, however, can be affected by circumstances. If the dog primarily eats dry food, for example, he'll require more water. Medications affect water intake. Age can also be a factor. Puppies should drink about ½-cup of water every two hours. Their water intake should be monitored.

    Effects of Too Much or Too Little

    • Dogs who often drink too much or too little water can have problems. The obvious effect of drinking too little water is dehydration but other problems can include kidney stones and organ failure. Dogs that drink too much water can develop problems with stomach bloat, hyponatremia (water toxicity) and electrolyte imbalances. If your dog frequently drinks too much or too little, this could also be a sign of another illness. Dogs who drink too little may develop parvo, pancreatitis or leptospirosis. Dogs who drink too much may have a bladder infection, diabetes or other infection. If your dog is drinking too much or too little, consult with your veterinarian.

    Check for Dehydration

    • In addition to monitoring his intake, there are ways you can verify if your dog is drinking enough water. Grab a piece of skin located at the back of his neck. Stretch it out, then let it go. Dogs who are hydrated have neck skin that moves back into place quickly. The neck skin of dehydrated dogs, however, moves back into place slowly, forming a "tent." Also look at your dog's gums. If the gums are wet and slippery, your dog is likely hydrated; dry and sticky means he may be dehydrated.

    Encourage Proper Drinking

    • You can encourage your dog to drink the right amount of water using a number of methods. First, any time she drinks water, give her a treat and praise her. This teaches her that drinking water is good. Keep water in a consistent place where it's easy for her to find, such as near her bed or food bowl. If your dog is drinking too much water, ration the amount of water you put out or get an automatic feeder that distributes water at specific times.