DogsLifeFree tool
Dog water intake calculator: how much should my dog drink?
Enter your dog's weight. You get its typical daily water intake (40–60 ml per kg, according to the American Kennel Club) and the amount above which drinking counts as excessive. Add what your dog actually drank in 24 hours to compare.
Most healthy dogs drink about 40–60 ml of water per kilogram of body weight a day, which is roughly one US fluid ounce per pound (American Kennel Club). The calculator turns that into a daily amount for your dog, and if you measure a day's drinking, it tells you where that falls.
How to measure a day's drinking
- Fill the bowl from a measuring jug and note the amount.
- Top up from the jug through the day, noting each top-up.
- After 24 hours, measure what is left and subtract it. That is the day's intake.
Do it for three or four days and use the typical value. Wet food, heat and long walks all shift a single day. Our guide on how much water a dog should drink explains puppies, dehydration signs and what changes intake.
When to call the vet
The AKC treats more than 100 ml per kg a day as excessive drinking (polydipsia); diabetes, Cushing's disease and kidney disease are the common causes, and all start subtly. The PDSA's advice is to contact your vet whenever you think your dog is drinking or peeing more than normal, and never to restrict water to control it. A dog that won't drink, is vomiting, or has dry, sticky gums needs a vet the same day.
Frequently asked questions
How much water should a 20 kg dog drink a day?
About 0.8–1.2 litres, using the AKC's 40–60 ml per kg. More on hot days and after exercise, less on wet food.
How do I measure how much my dog drinks?
Fill the bowl from a measuring jug, note every top-up, and measure what is left after 24 hours. Repeat for a few days, because one hot day can skew a single reading. The PDSA asks owners to bring exactly this number to the vet.
When is drinking too much?
The AKC puts the threshold for polydipsia at more than 100 ml per kg of body weight a day, and says a clear rise above your own dog's usual amount matters even below that. Contact your vet; never restrict water to control it.
Sources
- Why is my dog drinking so much water? Polydipsia or excessive thirst in dogs — American Kennel Club
- Is your puppy drinking enough water? — American Kennel Club
- Why is my dog drinking lots of water and weeing more than usual? — PDSA