Do you know how much water your dog drinks in a typical day? If not, you may have a problem on your hands. Many dogs don’t get enough water on a daily basis. This can make them feel very unwell and even put their health at risk. Today, we’ll help you figure out how much water your dog needs, how to track his intake, and how to encourage him to drink more if needed.
How Much Water Does My Dog Need?
Dogs need different amounts of water depending on their size and activity levels. Guidelines recommend offering dogs 25 to 50 ml of water per pound of their weight. Use the higher end of that range for more active dogs.
If you need help figuring out exactly how much water intake to aim for, this online calculator can help you figure it out. Just plug in your dog’s weight and activity level and watch it work.
Tracking Your Dog’s Water Intake
The easiest way to keep track of how much water your dog is drinking is to measure the amount you put in his bowl. If he drinks at least as much as the recommended amount for his size, you’re on the right track.
This can get tricky if you have multiple pets sharing the same water bowl. In this case, it’s best to monitor your dog for signs of dehydration instead. Look for:
- Heavier or more frequent panting.
- Thicker saliva.
- Dark urine.
- A dry nose.
- Lethargy.
If the problem becomes severe, your dog may even pass out. This very rarely happens without any early warning signs, so keeping an eye on your dog’s condition will help you make sure he never gets to that point.
How to Coax Your Dog to Drink
There are a few things you can do to get your dog to drink more water if you feel his intake is too low.
- Keep plenty of water within your dog’s reach. He can’t drink it if he can’t reach it.
- Refresh his water often. Dogs are more likely to drink fresh water than water that has been sitting out for a while.
- Praise him when he drinks his water. Some dogs may build better drinking habits more quickly if they’re given rewards.
If your dog really struggles to drink enough regularly, you can even try adding some broth or flavoring to his water to make it taste more appealing to him.
Keep Your Dog Healthy and Hydrated
Your dog’s water intake is just as important as his food intake. Make sure he gets the fluids he needs to feel his best. For Your Fur Kids carries all of the equipment you need to coax your dog to drink more frequently, including water flavorings, premium bowls, and more. Visit us in-store or online to find the perfect tools to help your beloved fur kids stay happy and healthy.
