Keeping an Eye on Water Consumption
Its easier to notice changes in your dogs thirst or drinking behavior if you develop a water bowl routine.
Water is critical to your dogs health and well-being. Never deprive your dog of water. If youre worried your dog is drinking too much (or not enough), dont wait, give your vet a call.
What Is Normal Water Intake?
Normal water intake is roughly 0.5 ounce to 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight per day (40-70ml/kg/day).
| Puppy Weight | Normal Water Intake Per Day |
| 5 pounds | 3-5 ounces |
| 10 pounds | 5-10 ounces |
| 12 pounds | 6-12 ounces |
| 15 pounds | 12-15 ounces |
| 20 pounds | 16-20 ounces |
Excessive water intake is considered if the pup/dog is drinking more than 2oz/lbs/day (>100ml/kg/day). So, double those normal intake levels.
If your puppy is older than 16 weeks and cannot hold his/her urine overnight or approximately longer than 6 hours, then we start to become concerned there may be a metabolic problem causing the excessive drinking.
We recommend calculating water intake over 3-5 days and taking an average of that to determine how much the puppy is drinking. If the puppy is truly drinking too much water (>2oz/lbs/day or 100ml/kg/day) and having problems with potty training, it is time to contact your veterinarian.
Possible reasons why your dog is drinking a lot of water
Increased thirst, excessive panting and dry gums are just some of the possible warning signs of dehydration in your pet. Make sure you always keep water bowls topped up and within easy reach so your pup has constant access to a drink. Older pets in particular may need a few bowls spread around the house so that they don’t have to wander too far to quench their thirst.
If you suspect your dog is drinking excessively because of dehydration, this can rapidly lead to heatstroke which is a medical emergency. Make sure you move your pet somewhere cool and offer them water, but do not try to force them to drink as this can be very stressful for you and your pet. If your pet’s symptoms do not start to improve then you should contact a vet for advice.
We’ve all been there. When summer days are particularly hot or after an intense workout, our bodies will need more water than we usually drink. Dogs are no different and when they lose water due to excessive panting, after playing or during warm days, they will need to replace it by drinking more. However, if your pet is showing any signs of heatstroke rather than just being slightly hot, you should contact a vet straight away. These can include drooling, lethargy, restlessness, nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhoea, and breathing difficulties.
There must be a reason for the excessive thirst, right? Not always. It turns out that pups, especially younger ones, can start drinking water for no reason other than a behavioural problem linked to boredom.
In fact, lack of suitable mental and physical stimulation can lead many pets down the path of directing their energy into excessive behaviours, whether that’s too much barking, too much biting or too much drinking. If you think that’s what’s making your dog look for water again and again, here are a few brain games and puzzles for dogs that will help to keep your pet entertained.