How Much Water?

[bekoz]

Currently giving my 6 month old about 3-4 cups a day (one cup in morning, one with his first meal around noon, one with second meal around 7ish). Also give him a bit after exercise or when I see he is hot and in need of hydration.

This about right for a dog this age? Does the water needs change at all with age?

 

[taryndanae]

I am not sure there is a right answer, but I do not ration Cassius' (he is 5.5 mos) water. He always has water available to him, unless he is in his kennel. He is in his kennel at the most 3-4 hours, and not very often at that. The other time he does not have water is at night (he is in a kennel). However, I am interested in hearing what others have to say.

 

[gmacleod]

What does your dog eat? If it's a mostly or exclusively dry food diet, then I don't think that's enough water to keep him from being dehydrated and having his kidneys stressed by it.

Unless you happen to own a dog that drinks to excess (without a medical cause), then I would not restrict his water intake at all. Let him drink as much as his body requires. Besides using water for cooling, the vast majority of dogs will self-regulate their intake according to their body's needs.

 

[bekoz]

I have him on Canidae all life stages dry.

Thanks for the information!

 

[lost1700]

Is there a reason why you wouldn't just fill up a water bowl and leave it out all day for your dog to freely drink from? Im confused.

 

[ELubas]

I do not restrict water either, except maybe a baby puppy an hour before bed to avoid accidents. I just leave a clean bowl of it out all the time. Mine are not crated at night and on occassion I will hear them drinking in the night...

 

[skiprhon]

i dont regulate the intake of my dogs drinking water she is a 4yr 50# female very active and drinks whatever she needs if i notice the bowl is empty ill fill it up if its the summer time she will drink 3-4 bowls a day about a gallon and a half to 2 gallons if not she drinks a bowl and a half to 2 bowls a day 3/4 to 1 1/4 gallons to be honest i think my dog drinks alot but she is in great health and there are no accidents unless shes in the house for 12 hours by herself if i were only giving my dog 3-4 cups a day id imagine she would not be as active as she is now and probably unhappy

 

[tianthai]

I let my dog make his own decision about water. He is only food-obsessed. He drinks as much as he wants. Fresh and clean water is always available. In the park he drinks more as he runs loose like a maniac and it is hot and humid. After park he will need to go out more often to pee but it is OK. Water is quite important for them, I think.