How Much Water Should a Dog Drink?

All animals need water—and that includes dogs. During this tropical Danish summer with a heatwave, it’s especially important to make sure your dog is drinking enough water. Most dogs are pretty good at hydrating on their own, but it’s still essential to keep an eye on it. Dehydration can be very dangerous for your dog.

Water Needs Depend on the Dog’s Size

It goes without saying that a large dog needs more water than a small one. So, in short, a dog’s hydration needs depend heavily on its size. Just like humans, a dog’s body is primarily made up of water—up to 80% in fact—so it takes a good amount of fluids to maintain proper hydration. In extreme summer heat, a dog’s water intake should be doubled, as they dehydrate faster.

Here are some general daily water intake guidelines by dog size:

• Large dogs (e.g., Golden Retrievers) need about 2.5 liters (about 85 oz) of water per day.

• Medium dogs (e.g., English Springer Spaniels) need around 1.68 liters (about 57 oz).

• Small dogs (e.g., West Highland White Terriers) need approximately 560 ml (about 19 oz).

• Very small dogs need roughly 315 ml (about 10.5 oz).

These are just general recommendations. Remember, dogs need more water when it’s hot or if they are at increased risk of dehydration. These guidelines are not a substitute for veterinary advice. If you’re unsure how much water your specific dog needs, consult your veterinarian.

How to Encourage Your Dog to Drink More Water

There are several ways to help your dog stay hydrated. We recommend combining a few methods to see what works best for your individual dog.

• Always provide clean, cool water. In hot weather, water gets warm or even hot very quickly, and your dog may refuse to drink it. Change the water in the bowl several times a day to keep it fresh and appealing.

• Keep the water bowl clean. Bowls can get dirty fast, and limescale or grime can affect both water quality and taste. We suggest washing the bowl with soap and water once or twice a week—not just rinsing it out.

• Feed wet food. Wet dog food contains significantly more moisture than dry kibble and can help boost fluid intake naturally.

• Add water to dry food. You can pour water over your dog’s kibble to make a kind of soup. A great tip is to dissolve a low-sodium bouillon cube in the water to make it more enticing.

• Offer hydrating dog treats. Special treats with added moisture can provide an extra hydration boost, especially if your dog isn’t drinking enough water on its own.

Our team may have used AI to assist in the creation of this content, which has been reviewed by our editors.