How it works
A common guide for healthy adult dogs is around 40–60 ml of water per kilogram of body weight each day. A 20 kg dog, for example, typically drinks somewhere between 800 ml and 1.2 litres.
Hot weather, exercise, dry food and salty treats push needs up; wet food covers some of the day's water. Puppies, pregnant or nursing dogs and dogs with health conditions can need different amounts.
What matters most is your dog's own normal. A lasting increase over several days — without an obvious reason — is worth mentioning to your vet.
Quick reference
| Weight | Daily water |
|---|---|
| 5 kg | 200–300 ml |
| 10 kg | 400–600 ml |
| 15 kg | 600–900 ml |
| 20 kg | 800–1,200 ml |
| 25 kg | 1,000–1,500 ml |
| 30 kg | 1,200–1,800 ml |
| 40 kg | 1,600–2,400 ml |
Typical daily water for healthy adult dogs at 40–60 ml per kg.
Questions
How much water should a dog drink a day?
Around 40–60 ml per kg of body weight is a common guide for healthy adult dogs, so a 10 kg dog typically drinks 400–600 ml a day. Heat, exercise and dry food increase it.
Is my dog drinking too much?
If your dog is drinking clearly more than usual for several days without an obvious reason such as heat or exercise, book a vet check. Measure what they drink for a few days so you can tell your vet.
Does wet food count towards water?
Yes. Wet food is mostly water, so dogs on wet food often drink less from the bowl. That's normal.
General guidance for healthy pets, not veterinary advice. Needs vary — your vet can advise for your pet.