How much water should a dog drink in a day?
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Without water, your dog will die. But either too little or too much water puts your dog’s life in danger. So how much water should a dog drink in a day? Read on to learn more.
What happens to a dog without water?
Drinking the right amount of water is critical for a dog’s health. Water makes up more than 50% of a dog’s body weight and is required for every chemical process in the body.
Water hydrates the lungs, transports oxygen and nutrients to cells in the bloodstream, aids in body temperature regulation, protects and lubricates internal organs and joints, helps waste elimination, promotes nervous system function, etc.
Without enough fresh, clean water, their vital organs will fail and lead to death.
How much water should a dog drink in a day?
There are many ways to estimate how much water dogs should drink in a day. But in general, dogs should drink around 1 ounce (1/8 of a cup) of water per pound of body weight every day.
The amount of water your dog should drink per day depends on their size, age, exercise, weather, food, and medication.
For example, dogs who are pregnant or just had puppies often need more water per pound of weight, or puppies often drink more than adult dogs because their bodies are growing and they’re much more active.
So, if your pup eats wet food, they may drink slightly less because their meal contains more water.
Keep in mind that when your dog drinks water, they must drink pure, clean water. Water from a pool, pond, ocean, puddle, river, or random bucket can be dirty and not a good source of water to drink.
What can I give my dog to drink other than water?
Fruit juices
You can give your dog fruit juices, but you must consider what dogs can safely consume. Fresh fruit juices, such as apple or orange juice, can be offered as an occasional treat. Grapes, berries, and sour fruits are toxic to dogs.
Be aware that many store-bought juices have sweeteners, artificial flavors, and preservatives that are harmful to your canine.
Beef or chicken broth
You can give your dog beef and chicken broth or flavor it in their food and drink.
The broth contains the good qualities of chicken and beef in the form of an easily digestible extract. It can also help a dog with gastrointestinal problems feel better.
Vegetable juice or extracts
Vegetables like beetroot, carrot, celery, kale, and spinach are nutritious for your pup because they contain many vitamins, minerals, and tons of other nutrients. They are also low in calories and have no negative effects on dogs.
You can get extracts from spinach and kale by boiling and sieving them. Beets, carrots, and celery can all be juiced in a food processor.
Coconut water
Coconut water is one of the most popular water choices for dogs because it is packed with minerals, vitamins, and electrolytes. Coconut water can help skin problems, improve fur quality, and eliminate foul breath in dogs.
Nut milk
While dairy milk isn’t the healthiest option for dogs due to its lactose content, nut milk is a good alternative.
In small amounts, nut milk is safe for dogs. It’s lower-fat, lower-calorie, and saturated fat-free. Moderate amounts of nut milk can help dogs meet their daily calorie requirements, enhance immunity, and avoid foul breath.
Almond, soy, and coconut milk are high in nutrients without lactose. However, almonds and soy milk are also high in calories, so don’t overdo them. Make sure your dog is not allergic to nuts.
Can a dog go 8 hours without water?
A dog may go 8 hours without drinking water in normal circumstances. The general rule of thumb is that your dog can go 72 hours without water.
But within the first 24 hours, dehydration symptoms will appear. Never intentionally let your dog lack water for any reason.
Warning signs of dehydration in dogs
Here are some warning signs of dehydration in dogs:
- Gums appear dry, sticky, or pale
- Dry, sunken eyeballs
- Dry nose and mouth
To test if your dog is dehydrated, follow this way. Pinch the skin, pull it up gently and release it, then observe for the skin to fall back into place. If your dog is dehydrated, their skin will slowly return or even stay up for a while before falling back into place.
Can dogs drink too much water?
No, dogs can’t drink too much water. It can lead to dog overhydration, known as “water intoxication,” which is just as dangerous as dehydration.
Reasons Your Dog Drinking a Lot of Water
1. Bodyweight – Water requirements are based on your dog’s body weight. Large-sized dogs require more water than smaller dogs. For example, a chihuahua may drink less than an Akita.
2. Dry food – Dry dog food has a water percentage of 15% to 30%, but canned dog food has a water level of 50% to 75%. Dogs who eat dry food are likely to drink more water.
3. Exercise and activity level – Active dogs drink more water.
4. Sodium – Sodium is salt, and salty food or treats cause dogs to drink more water. A dog who eats table foods like chips or salty pizza may drink more water.
5. Hot weather – The high heat of summer often causes dogs to pant. Panting helps them regulate their body temperature while also making them lose water. Your dog should have access to shade and fresh water at all times.
6. Drug therapy – Some drugs such as Furosemide or steroids can cause a dog to drink more water.
7. Disease – Kidney disease and diabetes are two of the most common diseases that cause dogs to drink more water.
Conclusion
How much water should a dog drink in a day? Generally, dogs should drink around 1 ounce (1/8 of a cup) of water per pound of body weight every day. The amount of water your dog should drink per day depends on their size, age, exercise, weather, food, and medication.
When your dog drinks water, they must drink pure, clean water. Water from a pool, pond, ocean, puddle, river, or random bucket can be dirty and not a good source of water to drink.
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About Author
Miha Duong
Miha is the founder of Pet Chao, a place connecting all the Asian dog breed enthusiasts out there! She has a strong love for Asian canines and wants to give them the life they truly deserve. She believes educating ourselves is the key to improving our pets' quality of life.
