Why Is My Dog Drinking So Much Water?
Drinking fresh water regularly is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. But many dog parents may wonder: How much water is too much? When should you be concerned? The answer is not always as easy as black and white. Some dogs naturally drink a lot of water, while an increase in drinking for others could indicate a health problem. The first step is identifying why your dog is drinking so much water. How Much Water Should a Dog Drink? Before you can identify whether your dog drinks too much water, you must determine how much water they should consume daily. A healthy adult dog should drink, on average, 1 ounce of water per 1 pound of body weight. This means a 35 lb dog like our youngest boy Lucifer should drink 35 fluid ounces of water or 4.375 cups. A toy breed weighing 10 lbs would drink an average of 10 fluid ounces or 1 ¼ cups. A large breed weighing 100 lbs should drink approximately 100 fluid ounces or 12 ½ cups. Of course, this is an average. Young puppies will need more water than a full-grown adult, as do pregnant or nursing dogs. If you live in a hot climate or have a very active lifestyle, this may also require more water to keep your dog safely hydrated. Finally, consider the fluids your dog may get from their food. If your dog is fed a diet of canned food, they are already getting hydration with their meals and require less water than a dog who is exclusively kibble fed.