When we talk to new pup parents, one of the most common topics of conversation is their diet - cooked, raw, wet, dry, grain-free, complete, complimentary, etc. The type of food that people should feed their dogs, as well as the amount and the frequency of feeding, are fiercely debated subjects down at the local park.
It's always surprising, however, that while nutrition is so closely scrutinized, hydration is often neglected. This is even more concerning when you realize how severe the effects of dehydration can be on our furry friends.
Thankfully, awareness about dog hydration is improving. As more vets, pet nutritionists and pup parents share their experiences about the importance of hydration for a dog’s health, water bowls all over the country are starting to get as much attention as food bowls.
So how much water should your pup drink?
How much water your dog should drink
There isn’t a single answer that applies to every dog - this depends on your dog’s weight.
As a general rule, a dog should drink 1 oz per 1 lb of body weight each day - so for a 100 lb dog, that's 100 oz of water, or roughly 13 cups.
That is, of course, just a general guide. There can also be some variation based on the dog's age, diet and level of physical activity, as well as the climate. Some dogs might also need more fluid than they normally would if they’re recovering from illness.
What your dog should drink
We would be forgiven for thinking that dogs will drink absolutely anything they can slurp their tongues through, and usually, they will!
Puddles, swimming pools, bath water - nothing seems to be off limits for some thirsty pups, but that doesn’t mean that we should leave them to their own devices when it comes to their hydration.
Luckily, it’s not hard to give your dog everything it needs to stay healthy and hydrated. As a general rule, plain tap water is absolutely fine to give your dog. Remember to clean the water bowl regularly and change the water at least once a day, and you’ll be well on your way to having a happy, healthy, hydrated hound.
Is water enough?
Just as with dog food, hydration is never just about the quantity, but also the substance and the hydrating qualities of the water.
Plain water is a good start, but you can really level up your pup’s hydration and their overall health by adding nutrient-rich supplements to their daily drink. For example, PupWater contains over 16 essential vitamins, minerals and prebiotics that your canine needs on a daily basis.
Essential vitamins, minerals and prebiotics can be quickly absorbed through drinking water, and have many extra benefits beyond just hydration, such as improving your dog’s digestion, mobility, immunity, muscles, skin and bones.
Hydration supplements, like PupWater, also add a delicious flavor to plain water, which is great for picky pups that don’t drink enough.
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