Daily Water Intake: How Much Water Should Dogs Drink?

One: How Much Water Does a Dog Need Daily?

On average, an adult dog requires approximately 80 to 120 milliliters of water per kilogram of body weight daily. Puppies, on the other hand, need around 140 to 170 milliliters per kilogram. However, this can vary depending on the season, the water content in their drinking water, and changes in their metabolism. It's often challenging to determine exactly how much water a dog needs daily. Unlike cats, dogs are generally not averse to drinking water, so it's crucial for owners to ensure their pets always have access to clean water. Nonetheless, some small dogs may not drink as much water proactively. In such cases, owners should monitor their dog's urine frequency, color, and smell. If the urine is infrequent, dark yellow, and has a strong odor, it indicates insufficient water intake, and the dog should be given additional fluids.

Two: What Types of Water Can Dogs Drink?

It's generally recommended to provide dogs with boiled and cooled tap water, mineral water, purified water, or filtered water. Dogs can occasionally drink these without issue, but frequent consumption can be harmful to their health. Mineral water contains minerals that can be beneficial in moderation, but excessive intake can strain the kidneys and lead to urinary system issues like kidney stones. Therefore, boiled and cooled tap water is the most suitable choice for dogs. However, it's important to note that water left standing for too long can harbor harmful microorganisms, so owners should change and clean the dog's water bowl daily to maintain cleanliness.

Three: How to Encourage Dogs to Drink More Water

If a dog is not fond of drinking water and doesn't consume enough, owners need to find ways to increase their water intake. Here are some suggestions:

Create a Special Drink

For dogs that dislike drinking water, owners can add a small amount of dog food, meat bones, or broth to their water to make it more appealing with a savory taste. This usually encourages dogs to drink. However, this type of water should not be stored for long periods to prevent spoilage and potential harm to the dog.

Feed Homemade Dog Food

For dogs that are particularly uninterested in water, owners can prepare homemade dog food with more broth, and also offer fruits and vegetables in moderation.

Increase Physical Activity

Regular exercise can boost a dog's health and, as dogs tend to become thirsty after physical activity, they are more likely to drink water, thereby encouraging increased water intake.

This concludes our discussion. We believe that experienced dog owners have even more creative methods to encourage their pets to drink more water. We look forward to hearing your insights and experiences.