As many of us know, it is recommended for humans to get at least eight glasses of water per day to stay hydrated and healthy. But what about your pet? Are they drinking enough water each day? It’s important to understand how much water your pet needs, especially with the hotter temperatures of summer in full swing, to keep them healthy.

How Much Water Do Dogs Need Daily?Keeping your Dog Hydrated This Summer

Typically, the average healthy dog requires roughly 1 to 1.25 ounces of water per pound of body weight. So, if your dog weighs 10 pounds, then they would need about 10 to 12.5 ounces of water each day to remain hydrated.

Keep in mind that these are general guidelines for your pet. Depending on your pet’s diet, activity level, and the temperature, they may require more water than what is recommended. With the summer season warming up, it is essential to be prepared with adequate water for your pets during walks in the summer heat to prevent heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Dangers of Dehydration and Water Restriction

If your pet is not adequately hydrated either due to heat or water restriction, especially when the temperature is high, they can suffer from a variety of health issues such as:

  • Urinary Tract Infection
  • Dehydration
  • Bladder Stones
  • Heat Stroke/Exhaustion
  • Water Obsessive Behavior
One of these issues, water obsessive behavior, is caused when the pet owner restricts their pet’s water intake to prevent accidents in the home or being woken up in the middle of the night to take their pet to the bathroom. This restriction can cause your pet to become water obsessive, causing them to gulp a whole bowl of water down as soon as they have access to it or to seek out bacteria-ridden water sources such as outdoor puddles or the toilet.

Restricting water from your pet should not be done unless your veterinarian instructs you to do so. If your pet frequently wakes up in the middle of the night for a restroom break, then you can restrict their water intake roughly 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime, but do not limit their access to water outside of that timeframe.

Medical Conditions that Can Cause Changes in Pet Thirst and Urination

There are a variety of medical conditions that can cause your pet’s water intake and urination habits to change, such as Cushing’s disease, liver and kidney disease, and diabetes. The medications used to treat these conditions can cause your pet’s water intake to decrease. There are medications, e.g. prednisone, that can cause excessive thirst. If you notice a change in your pet’s water intake, be sure to consult with your veterinarian to rule out any medical conditions.

Expert Veterinarian Care in Streetsboro

At the Animal Medical Center of Streetsboro, we are dedicated to providing your pet with the medical care they need to remain happy and healthy. For more information on keeping your pet hydrated, contact us today!