How much water does your dog need?

It can be worrying when your dog ignores their water bowl, especially after a walk or on a warm day. They’re panting, you know they must be thirsty and yet they wander off as if the bowl isn’t even there.

While some dogs seem happy to drink whenever they need to, others need a little more encouragement. So, how much water does your dog actually need, and what can you do if they’re not drinking enough?

Can you encourage your dog to drink more?

Some dog owners become surprisingly inventive when it comes to encouraging a reluctant dog to drink. Running water, a favourite bowl or even a splashy game can sometimes be all it takes.

Fortunately, there are much easier ways to encourage your dog to drink. First, though, it helps to know how much water they actually need.

How much water does your dog need to drink?

A commonly used guide is that dogs need around 40–60ml of water per kilogram of body weight each day, although this can vary depending on the individual dog and their lifestyle.

As an example, a 30kg Labrador might drink around 1.5 litres of water a day. A Chihuahua will naturally need much less, while a Newfoundland is likely to need considerably more.

When do dogs need more water?

Your dog may need to drink more than usual if they:

• Eat mainly dry food rather than wet food
• Are feeding puppies
• Are spending time in warm weather, particularly if they’re exercising or panting more than usual

Every dog is different, so there’s no single amount that’s right for all of them. The most important thing is making sure your dog always has access to plenty of fresh, clean drinking water.

If you’re noticing your pet drinking large amounts of water and you have concerns, then it’s always best to reach out to your vet.

Why is water so important for dogs?

Water makes up around 60% of an adult dog’s body, so it’s no surprise that staying hydrated is essential.

Water helps regulate body temperature, supports healthy digestion, cushions joints and helps the body absorb and transport nutrients. Without enough water, dogs can become dehydrated, particularly during warm weather or after lots of exercise.

How to spot dehydration in dogs

Dogs can’t tell us when they’re thirsty, so it’s worth knowing the signs of dehydration.

Find out more in our guide to the signs of dehydration in dogs and what to do if you’re concerned.

If your dog seems unusually tired, isn’t drinking as normal or you’re worried they may be dehydrated, contact your vet for advice.

How to encourage your dog to drink more water

Some dogs naturally drink plenty of water, while others need a little encouragement. If your dog needs a little extra encouragement, these simple ideas may help:

1. Keep water within easy reach. Put fresh water bowls in the places your dog spends most of their time, such as the kitchen, the garden or wherever they like to relax.
2. Add moisture to mealtimes. Wet food naturally contains more water, or you could add a little water to your dog’s usual food if appropriate.
3. Make water a little more tempting. Adding a small amount of dog-safe, low-sodium bone broth to water may encourage reluctant drinkers.
4. Try a drinking fountain. Some dogs prefer running water, and a pet fountain may encourage them to drink more.
5. Take water with you. If you’re heading out for a long walk or day trip, pack fresh water along with a collapsible bowl or dog water bottle so your dog can have a drink whenever they need one.

If in doubt...

If your dog is drinking much less than usual, or you’re concerned they may be dehydrated, contact your vet for advice. You know your dog best, so if something doesn’t seem quite right, it’s always worth speaking to your vet.