We all know what a vital resource is not only to human beings, but to all life on the planet. We need water. There is no ifs, ands or buts about it. And if we have pets, specifically dogs, at some point or another we’ve asked the question: “how much water should a dog drink?” That is a pretty good question, and indeed, it does have an answer. One thing you need to understand is that the amount will vary between dogs. You have to factor in the weight of the dog, the height, the food and exercise frequency, the weather conditions, and a couple other factors to make sure your dog is getting adequate water intake. Right now, we will discuss three of the most important categories in factoring out how much water should a dog drink and this will certainly point you in the right direction.
Normal Daily Intake
When your dog is sedentary, or just going about its normal day, it is a recommended guideline that your dog gets at least ½ to 1 full ounce of water per pound of body weight. On days when your dog isn’t that active and they may be lounging around on the couch with you watching movies, they will occasionally get up for a drink if they happen to be thirsty, but for the most part, they won’t require much water to function regularly.
Intake for Exercise
As we stated earlier, a general rule of thumb to abide by when it comes to how much water should a dog drink, it should be anywhere from a ½ to a full ounce of water per pound of their bodyweight. However, when they are active, running around in the doggy parks or out on a run with you for some exercise, they will need more water for energy to fuel their activities. Naturally, your dog will know when it is thirsty and it will go to a nearby stream or pond and as long as it senses that the water is suitable for consumption, it will drink.
Weather Conditions
Dogs tend to drink more in the summer months than they do in the winter months and they do this by instinct. They are sweating more profusely in the heat and this can be the culprit for a lot of water loss and could result in dehydration. When your dog senses that it needs water, it will go to get a drink. Your job, as the owner, should pay attention to the weather and know that when it is hot outside, the dogs are much hotter because of their coat, so it would be in your dog’s best interest for you to keep a lot of fresh water around for them to drink when they need it.
Conclusion: How Much Water Should A Dog Drink?
To answer the question: “how much water should a dog drink?” – You need to look at things from a bird’s eye view. Really, it isn’t as complicated as it may seem. Simply put, make sure your dog is getting a good amount of water on a daily basis regardless if they are sedentary or have been out running around in the park. One, important thing you also want to make sure your dog gets is the RIGHT water. Your dog should be getting the cleanest water possible, as this helps with digestion, keeps them hydrated efficiently and could help regulate the systems that go on within their body.
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