How much water should a dog drink? A complete guide for dog guardians

A water bowl usually sits somewhere beside the food bowl, and it is easy to treat it as one of the most obvious parts of a dog’s everyday life. As long as your dog regularly goes over to it, you probably do not spend much time wondering how much they actually drink. Yet the amount of water a dog consumes can tell us quite a lot about their everyday needs, activity levels, diet and, sometimes, their health.

Is half a litre of water a day a lot? Or perhaps too little? How much should a dog weighing 5 kg drink, and how much does a 20 or 30 kg dog need? Can a dog eating wet food drink noticeably less? And when should frequent visits to the water bowl attract a guardian’s attention?

A healthy adult dog generally needs around 40–60 ml of water per kilogram of body weight per day. Many veterinary sources give approximately 50–60 ml/kg/day as a typical value for a healthy dog. This is not, however, a rigid rule – actual requirements depend on factors including temperature, activity, type of food and the individual dog.[1][2]

What will you learn from this article? From this guide, you will learn:

• how much water a dog should drink each day,
• how to calculate your dog’s water requirements based on body weight,
• how much water a dog weighing 5, 10, 20 or 30 kg needs,
• why a dog eating wet food may drink less,
• when increased thirst is natural,
• when a dog drinking a lot of water should be examined by a veterinary surgeon,
• how to recognise that a dog may be drinking too little,
• how to check how much water your dog really drinks over 24 hours,
• how to make regular drinking easier for your dog.

How much water should a dog drink per day?

The simplest way to estimate daily water requirements is to take your dog’s body weight into account. As a practical reference point, you can use approximately 40–60 ml of water per 1 kg of body weight per day.[1] This means that a dog weighing 10 kg may need roughly 400–600 ml of water a day, while a 20 kg dog may need around 800–1,200 ml.

There is, however, one very important thing to remember: this is an approximate figure for the body’s total water requirement, not the amount that every dog must necessarily drink directly from their bowl. Dogs also take in water through their food. This is why a dog fed wet food may drink considerably less from the bowl than a dog eating mainly dry food while still remaining properly hydrated.[2][3]

How much water should a dog drink? Table by body weight

The table should not be treated as a rigid set of instructions. If your dog weighs 10 kg and drinks 450 ml one day and 600 ml the next, that difference alone does not necessarily indicate anything worrying. What matters much more is observing your individual dog’s usual drinking habits and any sudden, persistent changes in thirst.

How do you calculate how much water your dog should drink?

The calculation is very simple:

dog’s body weight in kilograms × 40–60 ml = approximate daily water requirement

For a dog weighing 12 kg, this would be:

12 × 40 ml = 480 ml

12 × 60 ml = 720 ml

The approximate range is therefore around 480–720 ml per day. This does not mean, however, that exactly this amount has to disappear from the bowl every evening. Some fluids may come from food, while requirements also change with factors such as temperature and physical activity.

That is why it is best to treat the calculation as a reference point for observing your dog, rather than as a daily limit.

What affects how much water a dog drinks?

Two dogs of the same body weight may drink very different amounts of water, and both may still be perfectly normal. Several important factors influence thirst.

Type of food

This is one of the most important reasons for differences in water intake. A dog fed wet food receives part of the water they need with their meals. As a result, they may visit their water bowl less frequently.

After changing from wet food to dry food, you may notice that your dog starts drinking more. This change alone does not necessarily indicate a health problem.[3] Water intake should therefore always be assessed in the context of your dog’s diet.

Ambient temperature

Water requirements naturally rise on warm days. Dogs regulate their body temperature partly by panting, and as temperature and activity levels increase, so does water loss.[5] This is why, particularly in summer, easy access to fresh water is essential both at home and during longer outings. You can find more practical advice for hot weather in our article How to help your dog in the heat outside.

Physical activity

After an intensive walk, running or active play, a dog may be significantly thirstier than after a quiet day spent at home. In very active dogs, water requirements can increase considerably in warm conditions.[5] It is better to allow your dog to drink small amounts regularly than to reach a point where, after prolonged activity, they try to drink a very large volume of water all at once.

Your dog’s age

Puppies, adult dogs and seniors may have different drinking habits. With an older dog, it is particularly important to pay attention to changes in their established behaviour. If a senior who has used their water bowl in a similar way for years suddenly begins emptying it several times a day and urinating more often, it is worth discussing the change with a veterinary surgeon.

Health and medication

Water requirements may be affected by illnesses involving vomiting, diarrhoea or fever, as well as by certain medicines. At the same time, persistent increased thirst can be a sign of an underlying health problem, so it should not automatically be attributed to the weather or your dog’s age if the change is obvious and continues for several days.[2][3]

How much water should a 5 kg dog drink?

A dog weighing 5 kg needs approximately 200–300 ml of water per day. With a small dog, even a relatively small bowl can visually seem to hold a large amount of water. If you genuinely want to assess your dog’s intake, it is therefore better to measure the water rather than simply looking at the level in the bowl.

A dog eating wet food may drink less from the bowl than the range above because their food provides a significant proportion of their fluids.

How much water should a 10 kg dog drink?

For a dog weighing 10 kg, the approximate range is 400–600 ml of water per day. This is a good example of why the capacity of the bowl should be suited to the size of your dog. If the insert holds less than your dog’s daily requirements, the water will obviously need to be topped up regularly.

The Bowl&Bone Republic collection includes both single and double dog bowls, allowing you to choose a solution suited to your dog’s size and the way you organise their eating and drinking area.

How much water should a 20 kg dog drink?

A dog weighing 20 kg may need approximately 800–1,200 ml of water per day. At this level, regularly checking the amount of water left in the bowl becomes particularly important. Filling a small bowl once in the morning may simply not be enough to last the entire day.

At home, it is worth developing the habit of checking the bowl several times a day – perhaps when preparing your own meal or when you return from a walk.

How much water should a large dog drink?

A dog weighing around 30 kg may need approximately 1.2–1.8 litres of water per day, while for a 40 kg dog the approximate range increases to around 1.6–2.4 litres.

For larger dogs, bowl capacity therefore becomes particularly important. This does not mean filling an enormous vessel once a day. Fresh water that is replaced regularly is a much better solution. A larger bowl does, however, reduce the risk of your dog emptying it and then being left without access to water for several hours.

Should a dog have constant access to water?

Yes. A healthy dog should have constant access to fresh, clean water. This also applies when you feel that your dog may be drinking too much. You should not restrict their water yourself simply to reduce the frequency of urination.[3]

If your dog has genuinely started drinking noticeably more, the correct response is observation and consultation with a veterinary surgeon, not removing their bowl. Restricting water can be particularly dangerous if increased thirst is the body’s way of compensating for increased fluid loss.

Why does my dog drink a lot of water?

Not every increase in thirst means that a dog is ill. A dog may drink more:

• during hot weather,
• after a long or intensive walk,
• after an increase in activity,
• after changing from wet food to dry food,
• after a change in diet,
• during certain physiological states,
• because of certain medicines.

What should attract your attention most is a sudden, pronounced and persistent change compared with your dog’s previous habits. Even more significant is increased thirst accompanied by more frequent urination, weight loss, changes in appetite, vomiting, weakness or changes in behaviour.[3]

When is a dog drinking far too much water?

In veterinary medicine, excessive thirst is called polydipsia.

Water intake exceeding around 100 ml per kilogram of body weight per day is considered indicative of polydipsia and should be discussed with a veterinary surgeon.[2] For example:

This figure is a diagnostic guideline rather than a diagnosis in itself. A very active dog on a hot day may temporarily drink more. If, however, your dog regularly exceeds this level or their thirst has suddenly increased considerably, it is best to record their actual water consumption and contact your veterinary surgeon.[2][3]

Why does my dog drink a lot and urinate frequently?

Drinking and urination are naturally closely linked. If a dog consumes more fluid, they will usually urinate more frequently or produce a greater volume of urine. Sometimes the reverse is also true – the body loses excessive water through the urine, and the dog tries to compensate by drinking more.[2]

Increased thirst and urination can occur with certain kidney diseases, diabetes and other metabolic or hormonal disorders.[3][6] If your dog is simultaneously drinking much more and urinating considerably more frequently, especially for several consecutive days, it is worth arranging a veterinary appointment. You should not restrict access to water in this situation.

How can you check how much water your dog really drinks?

The best method is to measure intake over a full 24-hour period. In the morning, measure exactly how much water you pour into the bowl. Measure and record every additional top-up during the day. After 24 hours, measure the amount remaining in the bowl and subtract it from the total amount provided.

For example:

in the morning: 600 ml provided

during the day: another 400 ml added

in the evening: 300 ml remaining

The dog drank approximately 700 ml.

If several dogs in your home share the same water bowl, accurate measurement will obviously be much more difficult. If excessive thirst is suspected, it may be useful temporarily to organise feeding and access to water in a way that allows you to observe one particular dog – without depriving any animal of access to fresh water.

It is best to measure intake over several days, as a single day may be unusual because of the weather or your dog’s activity.

My dog drinks very little water – should I be worried?

Not always. A dog fed mainly wet food may use their water bowl relatively infrequently because some of their water comes from their meals.[3] What is more concerning is a clear change – for example, a dog who normally drinks regularly suddenly showing almost no interest in water.

Particular attention is needed if the dog also:

• is vomiting,
• has diarrhoea,
• is lethargic,
• refuses food,
• is panting heavily,
• has dry or sticky gums,
• is behaving noticeably differently from normal.

Dry or sticky gums can be one possible sign of dehydration.[4] In such a situation, particularly with a puppy, senior or unwell dog, it is worth contacting a veterinary surgeon.

How can you encourage your dog to drink water?

Start with the simplest thing – check the bowl itself and where it is placed. The water should be fresh and the bowl should be washed regularly. Some dogs are reluctant to drink from a dirty bowl or from a vessel placed somewhere they do not feel comfortable.

You can also:

• replace the water more frequently,
• place an additional bowl elsewhere in the house,
• make sure an older dog can easily reach the water,
• add a little water to the food if your dog’s diet allows it,
• take water with you on longer walks and journeys.

In a large house, having two water bowls in the areas where your dog spends most of their time can be a good solution.

What is the best water bowl for a dog?

Three things matter most: suitable capacity, stability and ease of cleaning. The bowl should be large enough for your dog’s needs without requiring a refill every few minutes. At the same time, the water should be replaced regularly, so simply choosing the largest possible capacity is not the goal.

It is useful if the insert can be easily removed and washed. A stable base also helps prevent the bowl from sliding around the floor while your dog is drinking. You can read more about size, materials and construction in our guide How to choose the right dog bowl.

In the Bowl&Bone Republic collection, you will find a range of distinctive dog bowls with both single and double inserts, available in stainless steel or ceramic versions. For smaller dogs, there are the SOLO and DUO models; for medium-sized dogs, the GRANDE model; and for larger dogs, the DELI model. They allow you to create a neat, organised space at home for your dog’s food and water.

Every Bowl&Bone Republic bowl is made from natural wood, something you can appreciate the moment you pick it up. Natural wood also means that every piece is unique – the individual grain pattern ensures that no two bowls are ever completely identical. As a result, each bowl is not only a practical part of your dog’s everyday routine, but also a distinctive addition to your interior.

Another major advantage is everyday convenience. The removable inserts – both stainless steel and ceramic – can be easily washed, including in the dishwasher, making it much easier to maintain good hygiene around your dog’s feeding and drinking area. Silicone anti-slip elements fitted to the underside also help keep the bowl firmly in place, even when your dog approaches mealtimes with plenty of enthusiasm.

It is this combination of natural wood, easy cleaning, stability and carefully considered design that allows Bowl&Bone Republic dog bowls to support your dog’s comfort and hygiene, make everyday life easier for their guardian, and enhance the look of the space in which they are placed.

Should a dog’s water bowl be washed every day?

Regularly washing the bowl is just as important as replacing the water itself. Saliva, food residue and other contaminants remain on the surface. Simply topping up fresh water in a bowl that has contained old water for a long time is therefore not the best solution.

A removable insert makes daily cleaning considerably easier. Bowl&Bone Republic’s steel and ceramic inserts can be conveniently removed, making them easier to wash regularly.

Keeping your dog hydrated during hot weather and exercise

In summer, a bowl that would normally last for many hours may empty considerably faster. This is natural because dogs lose water while panting, while physical activity further increases the body’s water requirements.[5] It is therefore worth taking water on a longer walk even if your dog did not appear thirsty when you left home.

During intensive exercise, it is better to offer your dog small amounts of water regularly rather than waiting until the end of the activity, when they may try to drink a very large quantity at once.[5] If you are planning a longer outing, remember water for your dog just as consistently as you remember their dog walking accessories.

Changes in your dog’s behaviour matter most

Tables and calculations are very useful, but nobody knows your dog’s everyday habits better than their guardian. If your dog has consumed a similar amount of water for years and suddenly starts emptying the bowl several times a day, that change may be more important than a comparison with an online table.

The same applies in the opposite situation. If an active dog who normally drinks willingly after a walk suddenly ignores water completely and is also lethargic, it is worth treating this as a sign that requires attention. Focus primarily on changes in your dog’s usual behaviour rather than on a single number.

How much water should a dog drink? Key information

A healthy adult dog needs approximately 40–60 ml of water per kilogram of body weight per day, although actual intake depends on diet, activity, temperature and individual requirements.[1][2] A dog weighing 5 kg therefore needs around 200–300 ml, a 10 kg dog around 400–600 ml and a 20 kg dog approximately 800–1,200 ml.

This does not mean that all of this water has to be drunk directly from a bowl – dogs eating wet food in particular take in some of their fluids with their meals.[3] What requires particular attention is a sudden change in established habits.

If your dog consistently drinks more than around 100 ml/kg/day, urinates significantly more often or develops additional symptoms, it is worth consulting a veterinary surgeon.[2][3] At the same time, you should not restrict access to water yourself.

Daily care of your dog’s hydration can be very simple: fresh water, a clean, appropriately sized bowl and careful observation of your dog. If you are arranging their feeding and drinking area, take a look at the full Bowl&Bone Republic dog bowl collection and our other dog accessories.

– the Bowl&Bone Republic team

FAQ – frequently asked questions about the article –
How much water should a dog drink?

How much water should a 5 kg dog drink?

A dog weighing 5 kg needs approximately 200–300 ml of water per day. This figure is based on the 40–60 ml/kg reference range and should be treated as an estimate. A dog eating wet food may drink less directly from the bowl because part of their water intake comes from their food. More important than achieving an exact number is observing whether their normal level of thirst changes suddenly.

How much water should a 10 kg dog drink?

The approximate water requirement for a dog weighing 10 kg is around 400–600 ml per day. On a hot day or after intensive physical activity, the dog may need more. With wet food, the amount drunk directly from the bowl may be lower. A dog should always have access to fresh water.

How much water should a 20 kg dog drink?

For a dog weighing 20 kg, a practical approximate range is 800–1,200 ml of water per day. This is not, however, an amount you should force your dog to drink every day. Actual intake is influenced by diet, temperature, activity and health. If thirst clearly increases or decreases, it is worth observing your dog particularly carefully.

Should a dog have constant access to water?

Yes. A dog should have constant access to fresh, clean water. You should not remove the bowl yourself even when it appears that your dog is drinking too much. Increased thirst may be the body’s way of compensating for water loss, so the underlying cause should be assessed by a veterinary surgeon.[3]

Why does my dog drink a lot and urinate frequently?

Greater water intake naturally leads to more frequent urination, but persistent increases in both can also accompany a range of health problems. In veterinary medicine, these signs are referred to as polydipsia and polyuria.[2] If the change is pronounced, lasts for several days or is accompanied by other symptoms, it is worth consulting your veterinary surgeon. Measuring your dog’s water intake over 24 hours beforehand can be helpful.

Can a dog drink too much water?

Yes. Veterinary sources describe water consumption exceeding around 100 ml/kg of body weight per day as polydipsia.[2] For a 10 kg dog, that means more than approximately 1 litre per day, while for a 20 kg dog it is more than around 2 litres. A single day of increased thirst after exercise or during hot weather does not necessarily indicate illness, but a persistent increase should be discussed with a veterinary surgeon.

My dog does not want to drink water – what should I do?

First, make sure the water is fresh, the bowl is clean and it is placed somewhere easily accessible. You can place an additional bowl in another part of the house or – if your dog’s diet allows it – add a little water to a meal. If your dog suddenly stops drinking and is also lethargic, vomiting, has diarrhoea or develops other symptoms, contact a veterinary surgeon. Dry and sticky gums may also indicate dehydration.[4]

Should a dog eating wet food drink less water?

Often, yes. Wet food provides some of the water a dog needs, so they may visit the water bowl less frequently than a dog eating mainly dry food.[3] Hydration should therefore not be judged solely by the amount disappearing from the bowl. Total fluid intake and the dog’s overall wellbeing are more important.

How much water should a dog drink during hot weather?

There is no single additional quantity that is correct for every dog. High temperatures and greater activity increase water requirements because dogs lose water partly through panting.[5] During hot weather, constant access to fresh water and taking water on longer walks are therefore particularly important. Pronounced weakness, vomiting or other worrying symptoms require prompt veterinary advice.

How can I tell whether my dog is drinking too much?

The most accurate method at home is to measure all the water given to your dog over 24 hours and then measure how much remains. Divide the result by your dog’s body weight in kilograms. If your dog regularly drinks around or above 100 ml/kg/day, it is worth giving this information to your veterinary surgeon.[2] It is best to repeat the measurement for several days unless your dog’s condition requires earlier veterinary attention.

Sources and inspiration used to write the article
How much water should a dog drink? A complete guide for dog guardians

1. World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA), “Fluid Therapy—The Essentials” – congress material concerning fluid balance and fluid therapy; used as a source for the approximate requirement of 40–60 ml/kg/day and the importance of water balance.
   https://www.vin.com/apputil/content/defaultadv1.aspx?id=8896578&pId=22915
2. World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA), Johan P. Schoeman, “Approach to Polyuria and Polydipsia in the Dog” – material concerning normal water intake and excessive thirst; used for the approximate 50–60 ml/kg/day figure and the polydipsia threshold of more than 100 ml/kg/day.
   https://www.vin.com/apputil/content/defaultadv1.aspx?id=3866513&pId=11268&print=1
3. People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA), “Why is my dog drinking lots of water and weeing more than usual?” – material prepared by veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses; used for information on increased thirst, the influence of diet, measuring water intake and the importance of not restricting access to water.
   https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/symptoms/is-my-dog-drinking-and-weeing-too-much
4. People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA), “Are My Dog’s Gums Pale?” – material concerning assessment of a dog’s gums; used for information about dry and sticky gums as a possible sign of dehydration.
   https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/other-veterinary-advice/are-my-dog-s-gums-pale
5. VCA Animal Hospitals, “Nutritional Needs of Performance Dogs” – material concerning nutrition and hydration in active dogs; used for information about the effects of activity, temperature and panting on water requirements, as well as offering smaller amounts regularly during exercise.
   https://vcahospitals.com/bay-hill-cat/know-your-pet/nutritional-needs-of-performance-dogs
6. People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA), “Chronic kidney disease in dogs” – veterinary material concerning chronic kidney disease; used for information about increased thirst and more frequent urination as signs requiring investigation.
   https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/conditions/chronic-kidney-disease-in-dogs