How Much Should My Dog Drink?

Dogs, like humans, can have many reasons for not drinking water or drinking too much. Owners falsely assume that dogs automatically control their water intake to the level they need but there are many other factors that influence water intake. Younger dogs and puppies especially should be monitored to make sure they are drinking the right amount as both overdrinking and underdrinking can lead to medical problems.

  1. Average Water Needs

    • The breed, size of the dog, activity level, weather and diet all have an impact on how much water a dog should drink. For every pound, a dog should drink between a half an ounce and one ounce of water per day while taking into consideration all of the other factors. A 50-pound English bulldog should drink between 25 and 50 ounces of water per day. A lazy bulldog is likely to drink at the lower end of the spectrum while a 50-pound border collie that participates in agility exercises is likely to drink closer to 50 ounces. A dog that only eats dry food is also likely to drink more than one that eats wet food or is on a real-food diet. Likewise, dogs drink more in hot weather than in cold weather.

    Overdrinking

    • Overdrinking can be a result of a serious physical illness or an obsessive behavior resulting from mental problems. A dog that is drinking much more than the normal amount might have kidney disease or diabetes and the practice can lead to bloat and other health problems. Blood tests can reveal the underlying problem for excessive thirst. The dog might also be using drinking water as a way to relieve stress caused by lack of exercise or stimulation. An active and intelligent dog that is bored, crated all day or ignored can engage in destructive behaviors including excessive drinking.

    Underdrinking

    • Underdrinking can be a result of several factors. The dog may be getting water from other sources that the owner is not aware of such as eating snow or drinking from the toilet. The dog may have sores or abrasions in the mouth that make drinking painful. The dog can be suffering from an underlying medical condition like cancer or an infectious disease. Underdrinking can lead to dehydration which can cause even more problems in a dog.

    Check Water Intake

    • To make sure that a dog is not overdrinking or underdrinking, monitor its water intake by measuring the water every day and taking notes of when it finishes the water and how often it goes back for more. Check to make sure the dog's nose is wet, the gums are moist and pink and the skin, when pinched, snaps back in place to make sure your dog is not underdrinking or dehydrated.