‘How much water should I give my puppy?' is a question we're sure you ask as a new puppy owner. After all, it's important to ensure that your new arrival is drinking the correct amount of water to stay healthy and hydrated. We worry about every single thing, and working out how much water your puppy needs can be a bit of a head scratcher. Variables such as age, breed, size, and activity level can all affect how much water your puppy should be drinking.
Generally, puppies need about one-half cup (roughly 30-50ml) of water every two hours, but this will also vary depending on certain factors. For example, large breed puppies will drink and need more water than smaller ones, and puppies that are more active, or who live in hot climates may need to drink more to stay hydrated. It’s also worth thinking about the type of food your puppy eats as this will impact their water intake, as home-cooked puppy food, raw food or tinned/canned food has a higher water percentage than dry kibble.
Understanding Your Puppy's Hydration Needs
Getting deeper into how much water your puppy needs, here’s our takes on what you should consider when it comes to your puppy's hydration needs:
Age and Size
Puppies usually drink more water than adult dogs, to support their rapid growth, and a smaller breed like a French Bulldog Puppy won’t be drinking as much as a German Shepherd.
Diet
What your puppy eats, will affect how much water they need to drink to stay hydrated. If your puppy eats food with a high water content, like cooked homemade made puppy food such as a product like Spot and Tango (US Customers), Butternut Box (UK Customers) or Dog Chef (Eu Customers) then you can expect them to drink less than those on a kibble or dehydrated puppy food.
(Sidenote: Kibble or dehydrated puppy foods aren’t bad if they’re complete and nutritionally balanced, but if you are concerned about your puppy drinking enough, then one of the cooked foods mentioned makes keeping your puppy hydrated super easy!)
Activity Level
Puppies who are more active will naturally need more water to stay hydrated, puppies don’t sweat in the same way that humans do, but they can get dehydrated. If your puppy is a bit of a Tasmanian devil, then try to make sure they slow down and take time out for a nice long drinks!
Health Status
A puppy's health status can also affect how much water they drink. Puppies that are sick or have diarrhea will require more water to stay hydrated. On the other hand, puppies that are on medication or have kidney problems may need to have their water intakes limited to avoid overhydration. If you notice any changes in your puppy's water intake, like they suddenly start drinking a lot more, then consult your veterinarian.
Climate
A puppy living in Florida, will likely drink more and need more water than a puppy living in Maine, due to the difference in average temperatures and climate. We hope you figured that out though, if it’s hot where you live, your puppy WILL drink and need more water, just like you do!
Signs of Dehydration in a Puppy
Dehydration is dangerous, and it’s something to be aware of in puppies, especially in warmer weather. Signs of dehydration in puppies include dry gums, lethargy, sunken eyes, and loss of skin elasticity.
In mild cases of dehydration, you can offer your puppy small amounts of water frequently to help rehydrate them, (it goes without saying that fresh drinking water should always be available for your puppy to drink when they need to).
If you go out on hikes, it’s also worth buying products like dog rehydration drinks, or dog rehydration powders to be on the safe side. However, if your puppy is severely dehydrated, it is best to seek veterinary attention immediately. Your veterinarian may administer fluids intravenously to help rehydrate your puppy quickly.
How to Measure Water Intake
One of the easiest ways to tell if your puppy is drinking enough water is to measure their water intake. Here’s a few tips to help you measure your puppy's water intake accurately.
Step 1: Know the recommended water intake
As a general rule, puppies need to drink more water than adult dogs to stay hydrated. On average, a puppy needs about half a cup of water or 30-50ml every two hours. YMMV and the exact amount of water intake depends on your puppy's breed, size, activity level, as well as the climate where you are.
Step 2: Monitor your puppy's water bowl
As a rough idea, the easiest way to measure your puppy's water intake is to monitor their water bowl. Pop a clean water bowl, filled with fresh drinking water in a specific spot and check and refill every few hours. Keep an eye on the water level to determine how much water your puppy drinks in a day. If you have more than one puppy, make sure to monitor each puppy's water bowl separately. And, if it’s hot, do account for some evaporation too!
Step 3: Use a measuring cup
You can also use a measuring cup to check on your puppy's water intake, if you’re not good at eyeballing or want to be a bit more science-y! Fill the water bowl with a specific amount of water and note the amount and time. After a few hours, check the water level and subtract the remaining water from the initial amount. The difference will give you an idea of how much water your puppy drank in that time frame.
Step 4: Keep a log
Keeping a log of your puppy's water intake is the best way to track their daily water consumption. Note down the time, the amount of water, and any observations you make about your puppy's drinking habits, and behavior. This log will help you identify any changes in your puppy's water intake and detect any potential health issues.
In summary, measuring your puppy's water intake is crucial to ensure they are drinking enough water. Monitoring their water bowl, using a measuring cup, and keeping a log are all effective ways to measure your puppy's water intake accurately.
Preventing Overhydration
As important as it is to ensure your puppy is drinking enough water, it's equally important to prevent overhydration. Overhydration isn’t all that common but happens when your puppy drinks too much water and can lead to a potentially life-threatening condition called water intoxication.
Monitoring Water Intake
To prevent overhydration, keep an eye on your puppy's water intake. Tracking how much water your puppy is drinking each day and make sure it's within the recommended range for their size and age.
It's also important to pay attention to how your puppy is drinking their water. If they are drinking excessively or gulping water down, it may be a sign that they are dehydrated and trying to compensate. Encourage your puppy to drink slowly and take breaks if they are drinking too quickly.
Regular Vet Check-Ups
Regular vet check-ups are important for ensuring your puppy's overall health, including their hydration levels. Your vet can perform a physical exam as well as do bloodwork to check for signs of dehydration or overhydration.
During your vet check-up, also chat through any concerns you have about your puppy's water intake and get personalized recommendations for how much water they should be drinking each day. Your vet may also recommend adding electrolytes, or rehydration drinks to your puppy's water if they are particularly active or prone to dehydration.
By monitoring your puppy's water intake and scheduling regular vet check-ups, you can help prevent overhydration and ensure your puppy stays healthy and hydrated.
Keep your puppy busy
Some puppies will drink water as just something to do because they’re bored, perhaps your puppy even swims or digs at their water bowl? Hey it happens!. Prove boredom by giving them enrichment toys and puzzle feeders, and by adding a wet home cooked or raw food you’re helping them stay hydrated too – win win !
Hydration Tips for Different Seasons
It's essential to keep your puppy hydrated all year round, but different seasons require different precautions. Here are some tips to help you keep your puppy hydrated in each season:
Summer
Summer is the hottest season of the year, and it's essential to keep your puppy hydrated to prevent heatstroke and dehydration. Here are some tips:
- Always carry a bottle of water and a portable water bowl when you go out with your puppy.
- Provide fresh water in a shaded area.
- Avoid taking your puppy out during the hottest hours of the day.
- Wet your puppy's coat with water to help them cool down.
- Offer ice cubes or frozen treats, like pupsicles, and frozen kongs to help your puppy stay hydrated and cool.
Winter
Winter weather can be harsh on your puppy, and it's essential to keep them hydrated, even if they don't feel thirsty. Here are some tips:
- Provide fresh water in a warm area, away from cold drafts.
- Check your puppy's water bowl regularly to make sure it hasn't frozen over.
- Offer warm water or broth (bone broth or low salt broth is great for this!) to help your puppy stay hydrated and warm.
- Avoid letting your puppy eat snow from the roads, as it can be contaminated and cause digestive problems.
Spring and Fall
Spring and fall are transitional seasons, and the weather can be unpredictable. Here are some tips to help you keep your puppy hydrated during these seasons:
- Provide fresh water in a shaded area during warm days and in a warm area during cold days.
- Check your puppy's water bowl regularly to make sure they have enough to drink and that it’s clean.
- Offer water-rich foods like fruits and vegetables to help your puppy stay hydrated.
- Watch out for seasonal allergies that can cause your puppy to drink less water.
Remember, the amount of water your puppy needs depends on various factors, including their size, age, activity level, food they eat and general health. Always consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns about your puppy's hydration.
Giving your puppy the right amount of water is crucial for their overall health and well-being. As a general rule of thumb, puppies need between ½ and 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight per day.
It is important to check your puppy's water intake and make sure they have access to clean, fresh water at all times. You can also adjust their water intake based on their activity level and the weather conditions. For example, if your puppy is more active, or it's hot outside, they may need more water to stay hydrated.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much water should I give my puppy per day?
Keep fresh water available for your puppy at all times, don’t limit their water intake unless advised by your Vet. Puppies are pretty good at regulating how much they drink.
What is the ideal water schedule for a puppy?
It is important to provide your puppy with access to clean, fresh water at all times. Puppies are prone to dehydration, so it is essential to monitor their water intake as well as clean and refill their water bowl frequently. (You wouldn’t believe the bugs that build up in a dog’s water bowl!)
How much water should an 8-week-old puppy drink?
An 8-week-old puppy should drink about half a cup of water every two hours. Puppies at this age are still developing their bladder control, so they may need to potty frequently. It is important to monitor your puppy's water intake and take them outside to go to the bathroom regularly.
How much water should a 12-week-old puppy drink?
A 12-week-old puppy should drink about one cup of water every three hours. At this age, puppies are still growing and developing, so it is important to provide them with plenty of water to support their health and well-being.
How often should I give my 3-month-old puppy water?
You should provide your 3-month-old puppy with access to clean, fresh water at all times. Puppies at this age are still developing their bladder control, so they may need to pee frequently.