You know that you’re supposed to drink eight glasses of water a day. But what about your dog? You see them drink, but how much water are they actually lapping up? We’ve gathered the what’s what on dogs and water, so you can be confident that your pup is hydrated—or recognize the signs when they aren’t.
Helping Your Dog Stay Hydrated
Most dogs drink eagerly when they’re thirsty, but it may be that your dog seems reluctant to drink up. To encourage hydration, check the basics first. Make sure your furry friend is always supplied with clean water. It’s harder for your dog to become dehydrated when they have access to really fresh H2O. To ensure your pooch isn’t parched:
- Replace your pet’s water every day. Just like you, your dog needs access to lots of fresh water.
- Leave bowls in a cool area. Your dog is less likely to drink out of a warm bowl that has been sitting in the sun.
- Keep an eye out for debris that may land in your pet’s bowl. It’s easy for hair and bits of kibble to contaminate their water and make it unappetizing.
Providing Water on the Go
If you’re going for a long walk, dog park visit, or hike, pack extra water for your dog.
Even if your outing is relatively short, bring water if it’s hot, too. If you’d want a water bottle, your dog probably would too.
We love to bring a collapsible silicone water dish for easy drinking on the go.
We’ve also heard great things about the Highwave AutoDogMug, especially for car trips. It’s basically a water bottle with a drinking bowl on top so that your dog can easily slurp a few sips when you squeeze.
How Much Water Do Dogs Need?
Dogs should drink about an ounce of water per pound of body weight per day.
If your dog is really active, or a puppy, they may need more. And like humans, dogs also need more water when they spend time outside in hot, dry conditions.
Via Flickr User Shayan (USA)
Doggy Dehydration
As the summer approaches, it’s important to know the signs that your pet hasn’t had enough to drink. To tell if your pup is dehydrated, check the following:
- They’re listless. A dehydrated dog won’t seem like themselves, and may pace or drool.
- They’re looking for water. If your dog is thirsty, they’ll be searching frantically for something to drink.
- Their gums are pale and dry. Pale, dry gums are a reliable symptom of dehydration.
- You’ve checked their scruff. Take your dog’s scruff (the loose skin over their shoulders) and lift it away from their back. If your dog is dehydrated, the skin will take a long time to settle back down. If your furry friend is hydrated, their skin will snap back immediately.
If your dog is vomiting, has diarrhea, or is otherwise ill, be sure to keep a close eye on them to ensure they don’t become dehydrated.
So what do you do if you suspect your dog is dehydrated? Remember the following:
- Drinking too fast after becoming dehydrated can cause vomiting.
- Give them little sips of water to help them rehydrate.
- Take them to the vet if they don’t seem to be improving.
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