In summer it's simple: after every walk the dog heads for the bowl and drinks deeply. As soon as the days turn cooler, it often looks different. Many dogs drink noticeably less in autumn and winter, and because the heating is running at the same time, over time that can be too little. In this article you'll learn how much water your dog needs, how to tell that it is drinking too little and which simple tricks encourage it to drink.
How much water does a dog actually need?
A rough rule of thumb is around 50 to 100 millilitres of fluid per kilogram of body weight per day. A 10 kg dog is therefore at roughly half a litre to a litre. Important: this means total fluid, including what comes from food. A dog that eats wet food already covers a good part of that through its meals and visibly drinks less from the bowl. Dogs on dry food, on the other hand, have to take in almost all of it by drinking. Activity, age and temperature play a part too. The rule of thumb is therefore a guide, not a fixed value.
Why many dogs drink less at this time of year
In autumn the main reason to drink disappears: the heat. Your dog pants less, loses less fluid and accordingly feels less thirsty. At the same time the heating season begins, and dry indoor air draws moisture from the body without thirst keeping pace. Then there is a point many people underestimate: water that sits in the same bowl all day goes stale and smells of the room, dust and everything that has fallen into it. Not an issue for our noses, but for a sensitive dog nose it's a reason to give the bowl a miss.
How to tell that your dog is drinking too little
A dog that drinks too little over a longer period usually shows it quite clearly: the gums feel dry and sticky, the saliva becomes thick, the urine is darker than usual and the dog seems more sluggish. A simple test is the skin fold: gently lift the skin between the shoulder blades and let go. In well-hydrated dogs it smooths out immediately; if it stays up for longer, fluid is lacking. If you notice such signs repeatedly, it needs to be checked by a vet.
How to encourage your dog to drink
The good news: usually it doesn't take persuasion, just a better offer. These points have proven themselves:
- Fresh water, clean bowl: change the water at least once a day and give the bowl a quick rinse while you're at it. The slimy film that forms on the rim of the bowl puts many dogs off drinking.
- Several drinking spots: put extra bowls where your dog likes to spend time. What's on the way gets used more often.
- Offer running water: many dogs find moving water far more interesting than still water. That's exactly where a drinking fountain like the AquaVico stainless steel water fountain comes in: the water circulates constantly, a filter holds back hair and particles, and with a 2.2 litre capacity there is enough supply even on long days. The pump is so quiet that it doesn't disturb anyone at night either. Since the fountain has been running at our place, our Vico regularly takes a detour to it on his way through the living room, without any invitation.
- Water in the food: a splash of lukewarm water over dry food or into wet food increases fluid intake without your dog having to do anything for it.
- A comfortable drinking height: larger and older dogs often prefer to drink when they don't have to bend down far. An elevated bowl like the HighDine with height-adjustable stand adjusts to shoulder height in five steps and makes for a more relaxed posture when drinking and eating.
You'll find more bowls, bottles and fountains in our Food & water collection.
Don't forget drinking on the go
Even in cool weather your dog loses fluid when out and about, especially on longer tours with climbs or lots of romping. Take water and a collapsible bowl on longer walks and actively offer both during breaks. What else belongs in the backpack is covered in our packing list for autumn hikes with your dog.
When to see the vet
If your dog's drinking behaviour changes suddenly and noticeably, that's a case for the veterinary practice. This applies in both directions: if your dog drinks noticeably little for days even though the water is fresh and easy to reach, just as much as if it suddenly drinks a great deal. Both can have causes that need checking out. If in doubt, observe for a day or two how much water actually disappears; that gives the vet a good basis.
Frequently asked questions
How much should my dog drink per day?
As a rule of thumb, around 50 to 100 millilitres per kilogram of body weight, including the fluid from food. Dogs on wet food visibly drink less from the bowl, dogs on dry food correspondingly more. What matters is less the exact figure than a stable drinking pattern that is normal for your dog.
How often do I need to clean a drinking fountain?
Taking it apart and cleaning it thoroughly once a week is a good rhythm, and you replace the filter regularly according to the manufacturer's instructions. A stainless steel model has the advantage here, because it's easier to keep clean than plastic and doesn't give the water any taste.
Does it help to add something to the water?
A small splash of unsalted broth or a little gravy from wet food in the water can motivate fussy drinkers. Important: replace such water after a few hours and always offer an additional bowl of plain water as well. Milk is not a suitable thirst quencher; many dogs don't tolerate lactose well.
