Hydration and Your Pet: How Much Water Should They Drink?

Staying hydrated isn’t just important for humans—your pets need fresh, clean water every day to stay healthy, too. But how much water is enough? And what does it mean if your pet seems to be drinking way more (or less) than usual?

At Partners Veterinary Hospital West Loop, we know hydration plays a huge role in your pet’s overall health. Here’s what you should know about water intake, signs of dehydration, and when to give us a call.

How Much Water Does Your Pet Need?

A good rule of thumb is:

• Dogs: About 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight per day.
  
• Cats: Typically drink less than dogs, especially if they eat wet food. But they should still have constant access to fresh water.
  

Keep in mind that activity level, diet, weather, and overall health all affect how much your pet drinks.

Signs Your Pet Might Be Dehydrated

Dehydration can sneak up on pets—especially in the summer or if they’re sick. Watch for:

• Dry nose or gums
  
• Lethargy or weakness
  
• Sunken eyes
  
• Panting (in dogs) or fast breathing
  
  
• Poor skin elasticity (you can gently pinch the skin on the back of the neck—if it doesn’t snap back quickly, they may be dehydrated)
  

Cats in particular are prone to chronic low-level dehydration, especially if they eat mostly dry food. That’s one reason we often recommend adding wet food to their diet.

Why Hydration Matters

Water supports almost every system in your pet’s body—from regulating temperature and aiding digestion to keeping the kidneys and urinary tract healthy. In fact, dehydration is a major risk factor for urinary tract infections and kidney issues, especially in cats and older dogs.

Tips to Encourage Your Pet to Drink More

• Clean their water bowl daily
  
• Use a pet fountain—many cats prefer running water
  
• Offer ice cubes or ice chips, especially on hot days
  
• Add water or low-sodium broth to meals
  
• Feed more wet food to cats or mix some into your dog’s meals
  

When to Call Us

If your pet stops drinking, seems excessively thirsty, or shows any signs of dehydration, don’t wait—give us a call. Sudden changes in thirst can also point to underlying conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, or infection.

We’re here to help you keep your pet well-hydrated and healthy year-round. Have questions about your pet’s drinking habits or hydration needs? Reach out to our team at Partners Vet West Loop—we’re happy to help.

Call us at (312) 767-4762 or Book an Appointment today!