The importance of proper hydration for our health and well-being has been increasingly recognized as vital! It helps us maintain physical performance, cognitive function, and digestion, and also contributes to removing toxins and preventing various health issues from developing. It’s great to drink water, isn’t it?
It is rather uncommon to hear someone advise you to reduce water intake unless specifically recommended by a doctor. Hydration is as essential for our pets as it is for us and as responsible pet owners, ensuring our dogs drink enough water should be a priority.
However, what if you encounter the opposite issue—your dog is drinking too much water? What does ‘too much’ mean; is this normal, or is there a reason to be concerned? Let’s find out!
Factors That Affect Water Needs
We shouldn’t generalize our paw friends’ needs, as these can greatly vary from dog to dog. There are various factors, though, that can affect water intake in dogs, and the most common ones are:
Size and Weight
It is normal for larger dogs to need more water than their smaller counterparts. So, if you have a larger dog, such as a German Shepherd, you shouldn’t compare their water intake to that of your neighbor’s Chihuahua, should you?
Activity Level
The higher the energy, the higher the water needs! Active dogs spend more energy than calmer canines, who enjoy their lives as couch potatoes. If you have a paw friend of a high-energy breed, such as the Australian Cattle Dog (Red/Blue Heeler), The Greyhound, the Vizsla, etc., you should make sure they always have access to fresh water.
Diet
Dogs whose diet mainly consists of dry kibble may need to drink more water compared to those who are on a wet or raw food diet, which contains more moisture. It is important to ensure that your canine’s diet and water intake adequately meet their nutritional and hydration needs.
Environment
Naturally, dogs who live in hot and humid areas will need more water, compared to those in colder regions. This is particularly valid for canines who spend much time outdoors.
Health Conditions
Certain health issues such as kidney disease and diabetes, as well as any medications your paw friend may be taking, can affect their water intake.
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General Guideline on Daily Water Intake
Below, we will list guidelines on daily water intake for dogs. However, please keep in mind that these are general recommendations and may vary based on the factors listed above.
So, the general rule states that a dog should drink 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight per day.
For example:
- A 10-pound (4.5 kg) dog needs about 10 ounces (300 ml) of water;
- A 30-pound (13.6 kg) dog needs about 30 ounces (900 ml) of water;
- A 50-pound (22.7 kg) dog needs about 50 ounces (1.5 liters) of water.
Common (Non-Medical) Reasons for Increased Thirst In Dogs
Hot Weather
Similarly to humans, dogs need more water when temperatures rise. If it is particularly hot or humid, your furry friend might drink more to stay hydrated. Additionally, you may notice your dog seeking a shady area or even digging holes. Digging into the cooler earth can help them regulate their body temperature, especially on hot days.
Increased Activity
Imagine you miss your paw companion and try to catch up on the time you could not spend with them! You might engage in energy-consuming games with them, take them on hikes, or have them accompany you during your jogging sessions.
Increased activity, whether through playtime or exercise, causes dogs to drink more water.
Having said that, make sure to not overwork your paw friend, especially on hot days.
Dietary Changes
As we have already mentioned, canines whose diet primarily consists of dry kibble, are likely to drink more water compared to dogs who eat more wet food.
If you switch your dog’s diet to a new one, that involves more kibble, this can lead to increased thirst, hence water intake.
Wet or canned food typically has a higher moisture content, which can reduce a dog's need to drink as much water.
High-Salt Foods
Consuming salty treats or foods is another reason why your dog might drink more water. This is because the body needs to balance sodium levels. Please, keep track of your dog’s treat intake and make sure it does not exceed 10% of their daily calorie intake.
While it can be extremely challenging to resist your beloved furry companion’s attempts to get rewards (big loving eyes, whining, running after you like your shadow…), it is essential to be disciplined and prioritize their health.
Remember that treats should be given occasionally, mostly as rewards or for displaying wanted behaviors, not just randomly throughout the day. You still may pamper your pup, of course, but be mindful of the amount of treats you give them on a daily basis.
Pregnancy or Nursing
Female dogs that are pregnant or nursing are likely to have increased hydration needs. During pregnancy and lactation, a dog’s body requires more fluids to support the developing puppies and produce milk.
If your dog is pregnant or nursing, it is crucial to ensure she has access to plenty of fresh water. This is vital for both the mother’s and the puppies’ health!
Changes in Routine
Sometimes, changes in routine or environment, such as traveling or moving to a new home, can cause dogs to be more thirsty, mainly due to stress or altered activity levels.
Additionally, new environments can be related to different climates or temperatures. For example, moving from a cool indoor environment to a hotter outdoor setting might lead to increased water consumption.
Anxiety and Stress
Changes in routine often cause stress and anxiety in dogs, who are creatures of habit and thrive on routine. Changes in the routine and/or environment can increase a dog's thirst as a coping mechanism. When canines are anxious, they might drink more water to soothe themselves or as a way to deal with dry mouth that can accompany stress.
Medication Side Effects
Increased thirst in dogs can sometimes be a side effect of certain medications. For example, the intake of steroids (corticosteroids), diuretics, antihistamines, psychotropic medications, or certain antibiotics can cause your dog to drink more water than usual.
Medical Issues That Can Cause Increased Thirst in Dogs
Diabetes
One of the common signs of diabetes in dogs is excessive thirst and increased urination. Dogs with diabetes may drink more water to compensate for the high sugar levels in their blood. Other common symptoms include weight loss, despite an increased appetite, and lethargy.
Kidney Disease
Kidney issues can also lead to increased water intake. As the kidneys can not filter toxins properly, your dog may drink more to help clear them out of their body.
Additional symptoms might include frequent urination, decreased appetite, vomiting, weight loss, and dry and flat appearing coat. You might also observe changes in urine color and consistency.
Cushing’s Disease
This health condition is caused by an overproduction of cortisol and can lead to excessive thirst and urination. It is often accompanied by other symptoms, such as thinning skin and excess abdominal fat.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
UTIs can also cause increased thirst and frequent urination in dogs. If you have any concerns that your paw friend may be suffering from UTIs, look for other signs like discomfort during urination or blood in the urine.
Liver Disease
Liver problems can lead to an increased need for water. Symptoms might include yellowing of the skin and eyes, vomiting, and lethargy.
When Should You Contact a Veterinarian?
If you notice a significant increase in your dog’s water consumption, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms like changes in appetite, weight loss, lethargy, or changes in urination habits, it is essential to consult your veterinarian! While some changes in water intake can occur due to nonmedical factors, you should not take any risks if you have any doubts your paw friend may have a medical issue!
Veterinarians can perform tests, such as blood work or urinalysis, and determine whether there is an underlying cause of your dog’s increased thirst. In such cases, they will recommend proper treatment.
Preventive Measures
Monitor Your Dog’s Water Intake
Monitoring your dog’s water and calorie intake is an important aspect of maintaining their health.
Abnormal drinking habits can be an indicator of health problems, so the sooner you recognize these, the better! In contrast, decreased water intake might also be a sign of health issues, so make sure to address it properly.
Since changes in water intake can also reflect changes in diet or environment, make sure to make adjustments so that your canine feels comfortable and stays healthy.
Balanced Diet
It is important to ensure your dog is on a well-balanced diet suitable for their age, size, and living conditions, and health.
For example, puppies have higher energy and nutritional needs compared to adult dogs. Their diet should be rich in protein, and fat. Adult dogs, on the other hand, require a more balanced diet to maintain their health and energy levels. The focus should be on maintaining a healthy weight and supporting overall bodily functions.
Adult dog food is typically lower in calories compared to puppy food, as adult dogs’ growth has stabilized.
Senior dogs may have different dietary needs due to age-related changes in metabolism and health conditions. They may benefit from food that is lower in calories to prevent weight gain, as well as added nutrients to support joint health and cognitive function.
Regular Veterinarian Check-ups
You should never neglect routine veterinary visits to ensure your paw companion is healthy and catch potential health issues on time!
Fresh Water
Last but not least, you should make sure that your doggo always has access to fresh water. Regularly check their water bowl and fill it throughout the day when needed.
