Skip to main content

PawTracks may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Does your dog drink a lot of water? Here’s when you should be concerned

Is your dog thirstier than usual? This could be the reason why

Ensuring your furry best friend gets plenty of water is one of the most important parts of being a pet parent. But how much water should your dog drink on a daily basis? Veterinarians claim the general rule of thumb is a simple equation: The majority of dogs require around 1/2 to 1 ounce (about 1/8 of a cup) of water per pound of body weight each day. Don’t want to reach for your measuring cup? Make sure your pup has round-the-clock access to clean water, and everything should be fine.

That being said, if your dog empties his water bowl several times a day, or you notice his water intake has increased drastically, you should probably keep a close eye on things. If your dog drinks a lot of water, you may be wondering, “Why is my dog always thirsty?” We’ll share how to monitor your pup’s water intake, the most common reasons your dog may be thirsty, and when you should speak with your vet.

Related Videos
A pug drinking water from a sink faucet

Why do some dogs drink a lot of water?

It’s mainly due to their size. According to the Halifax Humane Society, a 65-pound dog should drink approximately 33 to 65 ounces a day, but if your pooch eats a moisture-rich diet, he may not want to drink as much water directly from his bowl. If you’re concerned your dog may not be getting the right amount of water each day — or if you’ve been asking yourself, “Why is my dog drinking so much water?” — try measuring it out before you pour it into his bowl, so you can gauge exactly how much water he’s drinking each day. 

A close-up of a beagle drinking water from a bowl

Why is my dog always thirsty?

There’s no need to fear if your dog suddenly drinks more than usual. Dogs tend to dehydrate faster during warmer weather, so if your dog guzzles every last drop of water in mid-July, it’s most likely because he overheated during his afternoon walk. Similarly, if your pooch has stepped up his activity level recently, his water intake will most likely increase to match his new fitness level.

You should always take precautions with your dog when the temperatures climb. Dehydration can easily become life-threatening, so we don’t recommend leaving your dog outside for long periods. Try going for walks during the coolest part of the day and save the strenuous exercise for when the heat’s less intense. 

Medications can affect thirst

Some medications have side effects like dry mouth, dehydration, and excessive thirst. If your pooch is taking prednisone for asthma or allergies, that could be the reason why he’s drinking so much more water lately. Furosemide, a drug used to treat heart failure, can cause increased urination, which means your dog will be thirstier to make up for losing so much fluid. Lastly, certain seizure medications can cause a spike in your dog’s appetite, thirst, and urine output, so if your pooch is on medication, make sure you have an in-depth discussion about potential side effects with your veterinarian. 

Consider your dog’s diet

Dry dog food contains little water, often 10% or less. If your dog exclusively eats dry kibble, he may experience excessive thirst compared with dogs who eat a diet rich in moisture. You’ll also want to check the sodium content of your pooch’s food and try not to give your dog table scraps, no matter how much he begs. Too much sodium not only causes excessive thirst, but it can also make your dog seriously ill. If you think your pooch might have had too many table scraps lately, look for symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea in addition to increased water intake. While it’s rare for anyone to feed their dogs enough sodium to make them ill, a trip to the vet is in order if it happens.

A small dog drinks from a water bottle

When is excessive drinking a cause for concern?

If your dog suddenly begins to drink in excess while the weather and his activity level remain constant, it’s probably time for a quick trip to the vet for a few tests. Common health conditions that can lead to dehydration and thirst in dogs include cancer, kidney disease, diabetes, infections, and liver disease. It’s possible your dog is thirstier than usual for a perfectly benign reason, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to the health of your fur babies. Keep your dog’s bowl filled, and if you think he’s drinking more than usual, it helps to measure and write down how much you add to the water bowl each time. 

Your dog’s health is important to you, and you want your pooch to live a long and happy life. By learning your dog’s routines, how much he usually eats and drinks, and monitoring his urine output, you’ll be a step ahead of the game if something changes. Even if your dog looks fine, and the only difference is the amount of water he drinks, don’t be afraid to contact your vet. If you stay on top of your dog’s health, you might be able to catch a problem before it becomes serious. 

Editors' Recommendations

9 Boston terrier facts to know before you bring one into your life
Important facts about the adorable Boston terrier breed
Boston terrier on a pink leash in grass

Boston terriers are always dressed for a black-tie affair. The breed’s tuxedo coat is one of many features that have endeared. Their short muzzles, compact bodies, and oversized eyes make this terrier breed absolutely adorable. Come winter, you can find Bostons strutting their stuff in cute sweaters to keep them warm underneath their short coats.

Of course, looks aren’t everything. Boston terriers are also known for their curious and loving personalities, among other common traits. Though no two dogs are exactly alike — even ones in the same breed or litter — understanding common breed characteristics is a great launching point to researching what pup is best for your home and lifestyle. If a Boston terrier is on your list, look no further. We dog up the details on this lovable breed.

Read more
Does your cat have ear mites? How to tell (and what you can do about it)
Are your cat's ears dirty or does she have ear mites? What to know
A close-up shot of a blue-eyed white cat

Did you know your cat's ears are truly astounding? Not only can your fur baby's ears help her detect prey using her whiskers -- also known as ear furnishings -- inside her ears, but they can detect frequencies as high as 64,000 Hz. For comparison, humans can only detect frequencies as high as around 20,000 Hz, which means your cat's hearing is a little more than three times better than yours.

Just like humans, cats are susceptible to developing ear infections and other ear-related issues. (Fortunately for our feline friends, instances of ear infections are relatively uncommon.) Unfortunately, ear mites are considered common -- and they're highly contagious. If you've been frantically searching "mites cat ears," or "dirty cat ears vs. ear mites," you're in the right place. Does your cat have ear mites? We'll teach you how to tell.

Read more
Why is my cat shedding so much? 3 surprising things that could be causing it
Every cat loses fur, but this is what to do when your cat sheds a lot
Woman grooming a cat on her lap using a grooming mitt

When you share your life with cats, you expect to deal with some shedding. There's always bound to be a bit of cat hair on your furniture and clothes, and this is especially true when your cat is actively shedding. Brushing your feline is a great way to eliminate dirt, dander, and dead hair from his coat. It also increases blood circulation and improves the skin's general condition. But if you notice your pet losing significantly more hair than usual, you should look for a deeper issue that could be causing the excess shedding.

Why is my cat shedding so much?
If you're wondering, "Why is my cat shedding so much?" -- then consider the following potential reasons. If you can identify a cause, you may be able to take some steps to reduce the shedding and minimize the amount of cat hair that ends up scattered around your house.

Read more