Dog Water Intake Calculator
A healthy dog drinks about 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight each day. Enter your dog's details for a better estimate.
How the calculation works
Vets use about 50 to 60 ml of water per kg of body weight per day, which works out to roughly 1 fluid ounce per pound. The calculator starts from 1 oz per pound, lowers it for dogs that get water from wet food, and raises it for heat and exercise.
Worked example
A 40 lb dog on dry food needs about 40 fl oz a day, which is 5 cups or 1.2 liters. On a hot day of hiking, plan for about 60 fl oz.
How much water a dog needs by weight
Dogs on dry food on a normal day, at about 1 fl oz per pound.
| Dog weight | Water a day | Cups | Liters | Hot day or heavy exercise |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 lb | 10 fl oz | 1.2 | 0.30 | 15 fl oz |
| 20 lb | 20 fl oz | 2.5 | 0.59 | 30 fl oz |
| 30 lb | 30 fl oz | 3.8 | 0.89 | 45 fl oz |
| 40 lb | 40 fl oz | 5.0 | 1.18 | 60 fl oz |
| 50 lb | 50 fl oz | 6.2 | 1.48 | 75 fl oz |
| 60 lb | 60 fl oz | 7.5 | 1.77 | 90 fl oz |
| 70 lb | 70 fl oz | 8.8 | 2.07 | 105 fl oz |
| 80 lb | 80 fl oz | 10.0 | 2.37 | 120 fl oz |
| 100 lb | 100 fl oz | 12.5 | 2.96 | 150 fl oz |
Frequently asked questions
How much water is too much?
Drinking more than about 100 ml per kg (1.5 oz per pound) a day, without heat or exercise to explain it, is called polydipsia. It can be a sign of diabetes, kidney disease, Cushing's disease or infection. Measure a day's intake and take the number to your vet.
Signs of dehydration
Dry, sticky gums, sunken eyes, low energy, and skin on the back of the neck that's slow to fall back when you lift it. Offer water in small amounts and call your vet if your dog won't drink or is also vomiting.
How much water does a puppy need?
Puppies need about half a cup of water every two hours while awake. Keep fresh water out during the day and pick it up an hour or two before bedtime during house training.