Water and Hydration for Dogs
Water is the best drink to give your dog. Every dog should have continuous access to clean, fresh water, preferably kept cool and out of direct sunlight.
Water is essential for digestion, circulation, temperature control, organ function and virtually every process within the body.
How Much Water Does a Dog Need?
A commonly quoted general guide is approximately 50–60ml of water per kilogram of body weight each day. However, this is only an estimate and individual requirements can vary considerably.
A dog may need more water if they:
- Are very active
- Exercise in warm weather
- Are pregnant or nursing puppies
- Eat mainly dry food
- Are recovering from vomiting or diarrhoea
- Have a fever or another illness
- Take medication that increases thirst or urination
Dogs eating wet or raw food receive more moisture through their meals and may naturally drink less from their water bowl than a dog eating dry food.
Do not restrict access to water simply because your dog appears to be drinking more than usual. Increased thirst can indicate a medical problem that needs investigation.
Keeping Water Fresh
- Wash drinking bowls thoroughly every day.
- Refresh the water at least once or twice daily.
- Provide more than one bowl in a multi-dog household.
- Place bowls where elderly or disabled dogs can reach them easily.
- Take fresh water with you when travelling or exercising.
- Do not rely upon puddles, ponds or other outdoor water sources.
Drinking More Than Usual
A noticeable or persistent increase in drinking is known as polydipsia. It is often accompanied by increased urination.
Possible causes include:
- Diabetes
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Cushing’s disease
- Infection or fever
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Hormonal conditions
- Certain cancers
- Medication side effects
Steroids, diuretics and some other medicines can increase thirst and urination. Never reduce or stop prescribed medication without speaking to your veterinary surgeon.
Contact your veterinary practice if your dog’s drinking habits change without an obvious reason, particularly if the change is accompanied by weight loss, increased urination, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhoea or a change in appetite.
Monitoring Water Intake
If you are concerned, your veterinary surgeon may ask you to measure how much your dog drinks during a 24-hour period.
Measure the water placed into the bowl and record any additional water added. At the end of the 24 hours, measure what remains. Remember to allow for water shared with other pets, spilt water and water obtained from food or other sources.
Do not deliberately withhold water during this process.
Blue-Green Algae—Emergency Warning
Blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, can occur in ponds, lakes, reservoirs and other still or slow-moving water. It may appear as green, blue-green or brown scum, foam, streaks or clumps on the water.
Not every algal bloom is toxic, but it is impossible to tell whether toxins are present simply by looking at the water. Do not allow your dog to swim in or drink from suspicious water.
If a dog swallows water containing severe toxins, symptoms can develop within minutes. Other toxins may take several hours to produce signs.
Possible symptoms include:
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Excessive drooling
- Weakness or disorientation
- Difficulty breathing
- Tremors or seizures
- Blood in the stools
- Pale, blue or yellow gums
- Collapse, coma or shock
Blue-green algae poisoning can cause severe liver damage, neurological illness and death. There is no safe amount for a dog to drink.
If exposure is suspected, prevent the dog from licking their coat, rinse the coat with clean water if this can be done safely, and seek emergency veterinary assistance immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.
Outdoor Water Safety
- Carry fresh drinking water on walks.
- Avoid stagnant ponds and water with visible scum or foam.
- Observe warning signs around lakes and reservoirs.
- Do not allow dogs to drink seawater.
- Empty and clean paddling pools and outdoor bowls regularly.
- Check garden water containers for algae, insects and contamination.
This information is not intended to replace veterinary care. Changes in thirst or urination can indicate illness, while suspected blue-green algae exposure is an emergency.