Water is essential for your pet’s health, just like it is for humans. Whether it’s a hot summer day or a chilly winter evening, proper hydration keeps your pet’s body functioning at its best, supporting digestion, circulation, temperature regulation and organ function. Proper hydration can prevent urinary tract infections (UTI’s) and kidney disease, especially in cats. But how much water should they be drinking? And what factors influence their hydration needs?
Let’s explore how much water your pet needs, signs of dehydration, and tips to keep them hydrated all year long.
A pet’s daily water intake depends on their size, diet, activity level, and the weather, but here’s a general guideline:
Dogs: Need about 50-70 ml of water per kg of body weight per day.
A 10 kg dog should drink around 500-700 ml daily.
A 20 kg dog should drink around 1-1.4 liters daily.
Cats: Should drink about 60 ml per kg of body weight daily.
A 5 kg cat should drink around 300 ml per day.
However, some pets may need more or less water, depending on several factors.
Diet
Pets on a dry kibble diet need more water than those on wet food since wet food contains around 70-80% moisture.
Activity Level
Active pets, working dogs, and those who spend time outdoors will naturally need more water.
Weather & Season
Pets tend to drink more in hot weather and less in winter, but indoor heating can also cause dehydration.
Age & Health Conditions
Senior pets may not drink as much due to a reduced sense of thirst.
Diabetic pets or those with kidney disease may drink excessive water as a symptom of their condition.
Stress & Anxiety
Pets experiencing stress, anxiety, or travel-related nervousness may drink less water.
Water Quality & Accessibility
Pets prefer fresh, clean water and may avoid drinking if it’s stale or unappealing.
Some pets are picky about bowl type (plastic vs. ceramic vs. stainless steel).
Multiple water stations encourage hydration, especially in multi-pet households.
If your pet’s drinking habits suddenly change, consult your vet, as it could indicate an underlying health issue.
If your pet isn’t drinking enough, they may show signs of dehydration, including:
Dry gums & nose – Gums should be moist, not sticky.
Loss of skin elasticity – Gently pinch their skin; if it doesn’t bounce back quickly, they may be dehydrated.
Lethargy & weakness – Less energy and sluggish behavior.
Panting & excessive drooling – Especially in dogs.
Sunken eyes – A sign of severe dehydration.
Loss of appetite – A dehydrated pet may eat less.
If you notice these signs, encourage drinking immediately. Severe dehydration requires urgent vet attention.
Fresh Water Always Available – Refresh their bowl at least twice daily.
Multiple Water Stations – Especially for multi-pet households or large spaces.
Monitor Drinking Habits – Any major change could indicate a health issue.
Wet Food for Extra Hydration – A great way to increase moisture intake.
Portable Water for Walks – Always carry a water bottle for outdoor trips.
Watch Winter Hydration – Indoor heating can cause dehydration too!
Broth Boosters – Add pet-safe, low-sodium bone broth to their water for extra flavor and nutrients.
Cats Prefer Moving Water – A pet water fountain can encourage drinking.
Separate Water & Food Bowls – Cats dislike drinking next to their food.
Try Different Bowls – Some cats avoid plastic; use ceramic, glass, or stainless steel.
Wet Food is Key – It naturally provides more moisture than kibble.
Ice Cube Fun – Adding ice cubes to water or wet food can make it more appealing.
Monitor Litter Box Habits – Less urine output could indicate dehydration.
Flavored Water – A few drops of tuna juice (in water, not oil) can entice picky drinkers.
Keeping your pet hydrated is a year-round responsibility. Make water easily accessible, watch for dehydration signs, and adjust their hydration needs based on diet, activity, and seasonal changes.
11 Feb 2025
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