Dog Water Intake Calculator
How much water should your dog drink a day? Work it out by weight, activity and weather
Last updated: 8 October 2026
Most dogs drink around 40–60 ml of water per kg of body weight a day.
For example, a 10 kg dog would usually drink about 400–600 ml (roughly 0.7–1 pint) a day. Drinking more than 100 ml per kg a day (over 1 litre for a 10 kg dog) is considered excessive and is worth a vet check. See the chart by weight or check if your dog is drinking too much.
Calculate Daily Water Intake
How Much Water Should a Dog Drink a Day? Chart by Weight
Typical daily water intake at 40–60 ml per kg, with pints at the 50 ml per kg midpoint, and the level above which drinking is considered excessive (100 ml per kg).
| Dog’s weight | Typical per day | Pints (approx.) | See vet if over |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 kg (4 lb) | 80–120 ml | 0.2 | 200 ml |
| 5 kg (11 lb) | 200–300 ml | 0.4 | 500 ml |
| 10 kg (22 lb) | 400–600 ml | 0.9 | 1 litre |
| 15 kg (33 lb) | 600–900 ml | 1.3 | 1.5 litres |
| 20 kg (44 lb) | 800–1200 ml | 1.8 | 2 litres |
| 30 kg (66 lb) | 1200–1800 ml | 2.6 | 3 litres |
| 40 kg (88 lb) | 1600–2400 ml | 3.5 | 4 litres |
| 60 kg (132 lb) | 2400–3600 ml | 5.3 | 6 litres |
Hot weather, exercise and a dry food diet all push intake towards the top of the range. A UK pint is 568 ml.
Is My Dog Drinking Too Much?
Measure what your dog drinks over 24 hours: fill the bowl with a measured amount, note every top-up, and subtract what is left at the end. Enter the total below to see how it compares.
Hydration Tips for Dog Owners
- •Always ensure your dog has access to fresh, clean water throughout the day
- •Puppies, nursing mothers and senior dogs may have different hydration needs
- •Dogs on dry kibble typically need more drinking water than those eating wet food
- •A sudden increase or decrease in drinking can signal illness, so speak to your vet if it lasts more than a day or two
- •Take water and a bowl on walks, especially in warm weather
- •Never restrict water unless your vet tells you to
About Dog Hydration
Water plays a vital role in virtually every bodily function, from regulating body temperature to cushioning joints and transporting nutrients. Dogs cool themselves mainly by panting, which uses up water, so they can become dehydrated quickly in warm weather or after exercise.
How Much Water Do Dogs Need?
A common guideline is 40–60 ml of water per kilogram of body weight per day, and specialist vets regard 20–70 ml per kg as the normal range. This calculator uses 50 ml per kg for a normally active dog, 40 for a quiet dog and 60 for a very active one, then adds a small allowance for warm weather, keeping within the 70 ml per kg top of the normal range. Diet, exercise, weather, age and health all affect how much an individual dog drinks.
Wet Food vs Dry Food
Wet food is mostly water, while dry kibble contains only around 10% moisture. Dogs on an exclusively dry diet drink more to make up the difference, and dogs on wet food may drink noticeably less from their bowl without being under-hydrated. If your dog isn't a keen drinker, adding water to their kibble can help boost their daily fluid intake.
When Drinking More Is a Warning Sign
Vets define excessive drinking (polydipsia) as more than 100 ml per kg of body weight a day. Common causes include kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, Cushing's disease, Addison's disease, a womb infection (pyometra) in unspayed females, urinary infections, high calcium levels and fluid loss from vomiting or diarrhoea. Some dogs drink noticeably more while staying under 100 ml per kg, so any lasting change is worth mentioning to your vet. Measuring intake over 24 hours with the checker above gives your vet useful information.
Signs of Dehydration
Common signs of dehydration in dogs include dry or sticky gums, a dry nose, loss of skin elasticity (gently pinch the skin on the scruff: it should spring back immediately), sunken eyes, lethargy and loss of appetite. If you notice these signs, offer fresh water and contact your vet if they persist.
Water Intoxication
While rare, water intoxication (hyponatraemia) can occur when a dog swallows a lot of water in a short time, most often during long swimming or retrieving sessions or playing with a hose. Signs include bloating, vomiting, loss of coordination, glazed eyes and, in severe cases, seizures. If you suspect water intoxication, seek immediate veterinary attention.
Tips for Encouraging Your Dog to Drink
Place several water bowls around your home and garden and change the water at least once a day. Some dogs prefer moving water, so a pet water fountain can encourage reluctant drinkers. Ice cubes make a refreshing treat in warm weather. Always carry a water bottle and collapsible bowl on walks, especially in summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much water should my dog drink per day?
Most dogs drink around 40-60 ml of water per kg of body weight a day. A 10 kg dog needs roughly 400-600 ml (about 0.7-1 pint), though this varies with diet, exercise, weather and health.
How much water is too much for a dog?
Drinking more than 100 ml per kg of body weight a day is considered excessive (polydipsia) and is a reason to see your vet. For a 10 kg dog that is more than 1 litre a day. Some dogs with medical problems drink noticeably more while staying below this level, so mention any lasting increase to your vet.
How can I measure how much water my dog drinks?
Fill the bowl with a measured amount of water, record every top-up over 24 hours, and subtract what is left at the end. Divide the total by your dog's weight in kg to get ml per kg. Your vet may also ask for a urine sample, ideally collected first thing in the morning.
How do I know if my dog is dehydrated?
Check for dry or sticky gums, reduced skin elasticity (gently pinch the skin on their scruff: it should spring back immediately), sunken eyes, a dry nose and lethargy. If you suspect dehydration, offer fresh water and contact your vet.
Should I worry if my dog suddenly drinks more water than usual?
A sudden, lasting increase in drinking can be a sign of kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, Cushing's disease, a womb infection (pyometra) in unspayed females, or a urinary infection. If the increase lasts more than a day or two, measure it and speak to your vet.
Do puppies need more water than adult dogs?
The same 40-60 ml per kg guide is a reasonable starting point for puppies, but they often drink more around play and meals. Always leave fresh water available and ask your vet if you are unsure.