How Much Water Does a Bassett Drink?

The basset hound is a low-energy dog that is often hard-pressed to fetch or go jogging, but bassets do enjoy following a scent or running around the backyard. They will go on a hunt with other hounds if trained well. The basset hound's water drinking will be affected by a few critical factors. Incidentally, Peter Falk played the legendary sleuth "Columbo" who was frequently accompanied by a basset hound named Dog.

  1. Standard Water Amounts

    • The basset hound is a medium-sized dog weighing between 45 lb. and 65 lb., depending on the dog's activity level, age and sex. To determine the correct water amount, take the weight of your basset, and multiply it by 1 oz. For example, a 55 lb. hound will drink approximately 55 oz. of water a day.

    Age

    • Puppies require much less water than adult hounds. They will drink more if it is in front of them and have a difficult time holding in anything for long periods. Supervise their water intake, and take them outside immediately to prevent accidents. As bassets age, they will drink more water. Watch your older dog's drinking habits to make sure you fill the dog's water bowl enough times a day.

    Activity

    • An active basset will drink much more water than a sedentary dog. If it is outside and active often, leave a large bowl outside in a place the hound can access easily. Replace the water daily to keep it from growing bacteria.

    Weather

    • The summer months can lead a basset to drink more water. The warmer weather and even the dry feeling of the air conditioning inside the home are usually to blame. In the summer, consider using a refilling water bowl with a water bottle that attaches to the bowl if you have to leave your hound for long periods.

    Health Note

    • Don't limit your hound's intake of water, as it usually has a good sense of how much it needs to drink to maintain health. If your dog is having accidents in the house, the accidents probably have causes other than too much water intake. If the hound suddenly starts drinking much more water, then take it to the veterinarian to ensure nothing health related is causing the increased water intake.

    Dehydration

    • Watch your hound for signs of dehydration, especially in the warm summer months and when it has been active or outside for long periods of time. Feel the nose for wetness, and look into the mouth for moisture. If both are dry, then lightly pinch the skin on the back of the neck. If it returns to normal, then your pet is fine, but if the skin stays pinched and slowly returns to normal, then call your vet.