How much water does my puppy need?
Dogs require one ounce of water per pound of body weight per day. The formula is 1 fl oz. per 1 lb per 1 day.
Puppies may require slightly more than this amount as they are more prone to dehydration. Other factors include how much exercise they have had.
We also address this subject in full in our post How Much Water Should Your Dog Drink: (With Chart!)
Limiting your puppy’s water intake in order to make it easier for you to potty train can sound like a good plan, but done incorrectly, you may accidentally dehydrate your puppy.
Dehydration affects all areas of your dog’s body, and can lead to critical health problems.
Before deciding to take water away from your puppy, it’s important to know how much water your puppy should be drinking on average in order to avoid dehydration.
So be sure to keep in mind the above formula when deciding if you can restrict your puppy’s water intake.
Another consideration is if they’re eating wet food, as this has a water content that is difficult to measure. A dog who only eats a wet food diet will drink far less water than a dog who eats a kibble-only diet.
Should I Let My Dog Drink Water at Night?
Surprisingly, the recommendations for giving your dog water at night are a bit complicated. Firstly, it is important for dogs to drink enough water. Luckily, this is quite easy for most dogs to accomplish when provided with fresh water. Unlike some other pets, dogs are very good at responding to their thirst cues and drinking as much as they need. You can usually follow your dog’s cues when it comes to ensuring they’ve drunk enough water.
However, water can complicate potty training with puppies. If a puppy drinks water at night, it can cause them to need to go out within a few hours. If you’re asleep, you likely won’t take them out. Obviously, this can cause all sorts of issues. Therefore, some people recommend not giving your dog water at night, as it will prevent their bladder from becoming full.
Why is My Dog Thirsty at Night?
If you notice your dog drinking more than usual at night, make an appointment with the vet. This behavior could be a result of a more serious problem like kidney disease, diabetes, cancer, or dehydration.
Let Puppy Drink Water at Night: Yes, No, How Much?
You know that access to water is very important for your dog. Many dog owners wonder if they should leave water out for their pooch at night. Taking it away can seem cruel, but giving them access to water at night can lead to accidents.