Most of us don’t give a second thought to our dog’s water bowl—until it’s bone dry or covered in fluff and old kibble. But behind that bowl sits one of the most basic building blocks of a healthy dog: good hydration.
Water fuels more than just their thirst. It keeps the whole engine running. From smoothing out digestion and keeping joints moving without creaks, to helping their body cool down on sweltering days, hydration touches nearly every part of your dog’s health. And while they might look fine on the outside, dogs lose moisture faster than we tend to think—especially after exercise, in warmer months, or when they’re bouncing back from illness.
The only issue with this is that dogs aren’t always great at telling us they’re thirsty. And by the time they start showing signs, they’re already running on a bit of a dry tank. So, a little forward-thinking here can go a long way.
How Much Water Does a Dog Need?
All of this comes down to one simple question: how much water should your dog be drinking every day?
A good rule to go by is about 50 to 60 millilitres of water per kilogram of body weight each day. That means a 10-kilo dog (about the size of a small Staffy or Jack Russell) needs roughly 500 to 600 ml daily—give or take depending on activity and weather.
If you’re unsure of your dog’s exact size, especially during the early growth stages, referring to a puppy weight chart can help estimate hydration needs more accurately.
But not all dogs sip the same way. Here are a few pups that tend to need a bit more hydration on tap:
- Puppies – With smaller bodies and higher energy levels, they dry out faster than older dogs.
- Active or working dogs – Chasing balls, herding sheep, or running trails? That’ll drain their tank quicker.
- Nursing mums – Lactating females lose water through milk, so their intake needs a solid bump.
- Dogs in hot climates – If you’re sweating, your dog’s panting—and that’s water leaving their body.
The takeaway? Keep an eye on how much they’re drinking, and don’t assume one full bowl a day covers it.
Signs Your Dog Might Be Dehydrated
Your dog won’t wave a flag when they’re running low on fluids—but their body has a way of dropping hints. Spotting these hints early can be the difference between a quick and easy fix, and a more serious veterinary visit.
Here are the main signs that your dog is getting parched:
- Lethargy or low energy – If your usually energetic dog is dragging their feet or snoozing more than usual, something could be off.
- Dry gums or nose – A healthy dog usually has moist gums and a damp nose. If both feel dry, your dog is likely needing a refresher.
- Excessive panting – Dogs use panting to cool down, but if it seems heavy or doesn’t ease up, they might need water fast.
- Sunken eyes – This is one of those subtle ones, but it’s a red flag if their eyes look a bit hollow or tired.
- Skin that doesn’t bounce back – Gently lift the skin between your dog’s shoulders and let go. If it takes a few seconds to fall back into place, that’s a sign they’re not well-hydrated.
If your dog refuses to drink, vomits repeatedly, or shows signs of illness along with dehydration, get on the phone to your vet straight away. Those are the early signs that your dog has become seriously ill, and it’s not something to leave for later.
Tips to Encourage Drinking
Some dogs lap up water like it’s the best thing since chicken necks. Others treat their bowl like a chore they’d rather skip. If your pup leans toward the second type, here are a few tricks to help boost their water intake without having to stress out about it.
- Keep bowls squeaky clean – Dogs have sensitive noses. If their bowl smells off—even just a little—they might turn it down. Give it a scrub every day or two and rinse thoroughly so there’s no leftover soap.
- Fresh water, always – Would you want to drink from a bowl that’s been sitting out all day, collecting dust, fur, and backyard bits? Neither does your dog. Tip out stale water and top it up with fresh stuff daily (twice daily in hot weather).
- Set up a few bowls around the house or yard – One water spot isn’t always enough, especially in bigger homes or homes with multiple dogs.
- Try a pet water fountain – Some dogs find running water more appealing than still water. If your dog’s picky, a simple fountain might do the trick.
- Jazz it up – Add a couple of ice cubes, or mix in a splash of low-sodium broth to make things more enticing. Just make sure it’s free of onions or garlic—those don’t belong in any dog’s bowl.
And if your dog’s a bit of a snob about bowls? Try different materials. There are tons of options both in brick-and-mortar stores and online outlets, such as stainless steel, ceramic, or BPA-free plastic. You’re sure to find one they actually like drinking from. Sometimes it’s that simple.
Conclusion
Keeping your dog hydrated is one of the easiest and most effective ways to support your dog’s health. No vet visits required, and no fancy gear needed. So keep that water bowl clean. Top it up often. And check in now and then to see if your dog’s drinking enough—not just on hot days, but all year round.
Just like us, dogs feel and function better when they’re well hydrated. Make water part of their daily routine—and they’ll thank you with tail wags and happy zoomies.