This article was approved by Lemonade’s favorite vet, Dr. Stephanie Liff.
When welcoming a new puppy into your home, there are a lot of questions that may come to mind, including—how much water should a puppy drink?
Just like human kids, puppies need the right amount of care and attention to thrive, and ensuring they’re drinking enough water is a big part of that.
Let’s take a look at how you can find the sweet spot for your puppy’s water intake, plus expert vet insights on understanding when it’s time to consult your vet.
What is the ideal amount of water my dog needs?
As a general rule of thumb, puppies need about a half ounce to one ounce of water for every pound of body weight per day. However, individual needs can vary—some pups may drink a bit more while others might drink less. Keep in mind: Puppies with higher activity levels tend to get thirstier, especially in warm weather, which can lead to increased body temperature and a greater need for hydration.
Dr. Stephanie Liff
This means, if your puppy weighs eight pounds, they would generally need about four to eight ounces of water daily. It’s crucial to monitor their drinking habits to ensure they’re staying hydrated.
Why is my puppy not drinking enough water?
Puppies might reduce their water intake due to routine changes, like moving to a new home or adjusting to a new schedule. Additionally, health issues such as dental problems can make drinking uncomfortable.
If your puppy’s water intake suddenly plummets, it’s essential to rule out any medical conditions with a vet consultation.
Signs of dehydration in puppies
It’s important to recognize the signs of dehydration early to ensure your puppy stays healthy and hydrated. Here are some common symptoms to watch for:
- Dry gums and nose: If your puppy’s gums or nose feel dry or sticky, it could be a sign they’re dehydrated.
- Sunken eyes: Dehydration can cause your puppy’s eyes to look sunken or hollow.
- Lethargy: A dehydrated puppy may appear unusually tired, sluggish, or weak.
- Loss of skin elasticity: Gently pinch the skin on your puppy’s neck or back. If it doesn’t return to normal quickly, it could indicate dehydration.
- Decreased appetite: A lack of interest in food can be a sign that your puppy isn’t feeling well due to dehydration.
- Panting or rapid breathing: Excessive panting or rapid breathing, especially in cool conditions, may be linked to dehydration.
- Dry or tacky mouth: If your puppy’s mouth feels dry or tacky instead of moist, it could be a sign they need more water.
- Dark or concentrated urine: Urine that’s darker than usual may indicate that your puppy is not getting enough fluids.
What are some tips to encourage my puppy to drink more water?
Here are some simple and effective tips to encourage your puppy to drink more water and stay hydrated.
- Try different dog water bowls: Your puppy might have a preference for a particular type of bowl. Experiment with stainless steel, ceramic, or plastic bowls to find the best fit.
- Flavor the water: A splash of low-sodium broth or a few drops of tuna juice in their water bowl can encourage drinking, thanks to its enticing scent.
- Incorporate wet food: Mixing wet food into their diet can increase overall hydration, as it contains a higher water content than kibble.
- Offer ice cubes: Some puppies enjoy playing with and licking ice cubes. It’s a fun way to boost their water intake.
- Increase accessibility: Ensure freshwater is available at all times. Placing multiple water bowls around the house can make it easier for your puppy to stay hydrated.
- Keep bowls clean: Regularly wash your puppy’s water bowl to ensure clean water and prevent bacteria build-up, which can discourage drinking.
- Consider a drinking fountain: Many puppies love drinking from a water fountain. The continuous flow of fresh water can be more appealing than a stagnant bowl, encouraging them to drink more.
- Positive reinforcement: Encourage drinking by offering praise or a treat after they take a sip. Consistent rewards can help establish healthy drinking habits.
Why is my puppy drinking too much water?
While ensuring your puppy drinks enough water is key, excessive thirst can be a red flag for underlying health issues as well, such as:
- Kidney disease: This condition can lead to poor filtration of waste, causing increased thirst and urination, lethargy, and weight loss.
- Diabetes mellitus: Symptoms include increased thirst, frequent urination, weight loss despite an increased appetite, and lethargy.
- Cushing’s disease: Caused by overproduction of cortisol, it may lead to increased thirst, increased urination, a pot-bellied appearance, and thinning skin.
- Liver disease: Symptoms can include excessive thirst, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), vomiting, and behavioral changes.
- Urinary tract infections: Common signs include frequent urination, straining to urinate, blood in urine, and sometimes excessive drinking.
If you notice your puppy guzzling down water more than usual, consult your veterinarian to rule out these potential problems.
Before we go…
Keeping an eye on your new puppy’s water intake is just one of many ways to ensure they grow into a healthy adult dog. Remember, every dog is unique, and understanding your puppy’s specific needs is key to providing the best pet care.
To further support your furry friend, consider setting your pup up with pet insurance, which can help you manage unexpected medical expenses, allowing you to focus on nurturing your puppy. With the right coverage, you can ensure they receive the care they need, without breaking the bank.
Did you know you can cover your puppy from the time they’re two months old? Click below to get your free Lemonade pet quote.
A few quick words, because we <3 our lawyers: This post is general in nature, and any statement in it doesn’t alter the terms, conditions, exclusions, or limitations of policies issued by Lemonade, which differ according to your state of residence. You’re encouraged to discuss your specific circumstances with your own professional advisors. The purpose of this post is merely to provide you with info and insights you can use to make such discussions more productive! Naturally, all comments by, or references to, third parties represent their own views, and Lemonade assumes no responsibility for them. Coverage and discounts may not be available in all states.
