Water makes up about 80 percent of a dog&'s body, and is essential for nearly all of the processes that keep that body going. Water helps a dog filter waste, regulate its body temperature, digest food and circulate blood.
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How Much Water Does a Dog Need?
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According to the American Animal Hospital Association, dogs need about an ounce (28 milliliters) of water for every pound they weigh. For example, a 32 lb. cocker spaniel will drink around 32 oz.--or one quart--of water per day.
Offering Water to Dogs
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The American Animal Hospital Association states that as long as fresh, clean water is available to them, most dogs will drink as much as they need without coaxing.
Keeping Water Available
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Water bowls should be placed where dogs can easily access them. The American Animal Hospital Association also recommends dog owners invest in a portable water bowl and bring it, along with water, whenever they travel with their pet.
Water Bowls
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Water bowls can easily spill if they tip over, so the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals suggests using bowls with a wide, heavy bottom. Bowls should be cleaned once a day with dish soap to prevent buildup of bacteria.
Water Warning
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Most dogs seem to love drinking out of toilet bowls--but this is just as bad as most owners think it is, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The bowl is laden with bacteria and often chemical cleaners, both of which are dangerous to dogs. The simplest solution is to keep the lid down.
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