How much water should your dog drink every day?

Water makes up 70% of your dog's body and is a vital nutrient for organs and for every chemical process, from oxygen transport to temperature regulation. But do you know how much water your dog should drink per day?

How much water does your dog need every day?

On average, a dog should drink around 1 ounce of water (nearly 30ml) per pound of bodyweight every day.

Some factors are to be taken into consideration, such as their age and diet: puppies and dogs who eat dry foods will need slightly more water.

During Summer, dogs are panting more which means that they need to drink more. 

How to check if your dog is well-hydrated?

Alongside measuring the amount of water your dog is drinking, some signs will help you confirm that your dog is getting enough fluids.

Well-hydrated dogs have good skin elasticity, pink & moist gums, pale and odourless urine. 

On the other hand, dehydrated dogs are lethargic, have dark gums, sticky saliva, dark & smelly urine as well as dull eyes. If your dog is showing these signs, it is vital to make them drink immediately and take them to the vet. Dehydration is pretty serious and can cause kidney stones, organ failure and can even be fatal.

What to do if your dog is not drinking enough

Some dogs may be drinking enough not to be dehydrated, but still not enough to reach optimal levels of hydration. Here's what you can do to make them drink more water:

• Serve water at room temperature instead of cold, in a clean bowl.
• Change the location of the bowl, in a quiet area. 
• Reward your dog with a treat and/or praise after they take a drink.

Make sure to let your vet know that your dog seems to be under-drinking, as this could be a symptom of pancreatitis or other conditions. 

Is your dog always thirsty?

Drinking a lot and peeing a lot can also be signs of an underlying disease, such as diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, cancer, or infection. Some medicines can also make your dog very thirsty. If you notice that they've started to drink more than usual, talk to your vet.