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How to get your dog to drink more water

How much water a dog needs, how diet affects the water your dog takes in, simple ways to encourage drinking, and when a change in drinking means a call to your vet.

By Mypetzilla Editorial TeamPublished Updated 2 min read
Photo for the article: How To Get Your Dog To Drink More Water

The short answer

As a rough guide, many dogs need around 50–60ml of water per kg of body weight a day, but this varies with diet, weather and exercise. Make sure your dog always has fresh, clean water, change it at least twice a day, and remember that wet food adds water to their diet. If you think your dog isn't drinking enough, or your dog suddenly drinks much more or much less than usual, contact your vet.

Key considerations

  1. 01Your dog should always have access to fresh, clean water.
  2. 02Water needs vary with diet, weather and exercise, so use any figure only as a rough guide.
  3. 03Wet food is usually around 70–80% water, so it adds to the water your dog takes in.
  4. 04A sudden change in how much your dog drinks can be a sign of illness and needs a vet.
In this guide

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Fresh, clean drinking water is one of a dog's most basic daily needs. Most dogs drink what they need without any help, but some need more encouragement than others. Sometimes a dog drinks less because they are feeling unwell, so it is worth knowing what is normal for your dog.

Check your dog is drinking enough

It is up to you to make sure your dog has access to fresh water every day and is drinking. If you think your dog isn't drinking enough, speak to your veterinary practice so they can rule out any health problems.

If your dog suddenly drinks much more or much less than usual, contact your vet. A sudden increase in thirst can be a sign of illness.

How much water does a dog need?

As a rough guide, many dogs need around 50–60ml of water per kg of body weight a day, but this varies with diet, weather and exercise. Dogs need more on hot days and after activity.

How food affects water intake

Your dog doesn't only get water from their bowl. Food contains water too:

  • dry food is usually about 10% water
  • wet food is usually around 70–80% water

This means dogs on dry food need to drink more from their bowl than dogs on wet food. Check the label on your dog's food to see how much water it contains.

Ways to help your dog drink more

Add wet food to the diet

Adding wet food to the diet increases the water your dog takes in. Speak to your vet before making any big change to your dog's diet, and make sure any new food is complete and suitable for them.

Change their water at least twice a day

Refresh your dog's water bowl at least twice a day, and more often in hot weather. Water that has been sitting for a long time, or has food or dirt in it, is less appealing. Keep the bowl clean and the water cool and fresh, but not ice-cold.

Before you decide

  • Can your dog always reach a clean water bowl, indoors and outside?
  • Has your dog's drinking changed recently?
  • Is your dog otherwise bright, eating normally and passing normal urine?

Questions readers ask

How much water should my dog drink a day?

As a rough guide, many dogs need around 50–60ml of water per kg of body weight a day. The right amount varies with diet, weather and exercise, so ask your vet if you're unsure.

Does wet food count towards my dog's water intake?

Yes. Wet food is usually around 70–80% water, while dry food is usually about 10% water, so dogs on wet food tend to drink less from their bowl.

When should I worry about my dog's drinking?

Contact your vet if your dog suddenly drinks much more or much less than usual, or if you think they aren't drinking enough.

About this article

  • Written by Mypetzilla Editorial Team
  • Published
  • Updated

This article is general pet advice, not veterinary or legal advice. If your pet is unwell, speak to a vet.

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