How much water should a dog drink per day?

The guideline is 1 oz of water per pound of body weight per day (about 50 mL per kg). A 50 lb dog needs roughly 50 oz (1.5 liters) daily. Active dogs and dogs in hot weather need up to 40% more.

What are signs of dehydration in dogs?

Signs include skin that doesn't spring back when pinched, dry or sticky gums, sunken eyes, and lethargy. If your dog shows these signs, offer water immediately and contact your vet.

Dog Water Calculator

How much water does your dog need daily? Calculate their intake based on weight, activity, and weather.

Last reviewed: June 2026

Dog's Weight30 lbs

2 lbs180 lbs

Activity Level

Weather

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50 mL/kg/day baseline · Merck Veterinary Manual · standard veterinary practice

Activity multiplier: +40% for active dogs. Heat multiplier: +30% in hot weather. Both follow established veterinary hydration guidelines.

Veterinary note: Results are estimates only. Consult your veterinarian for personalized advice specific to your dog's health history and needs.

How Much Water Does a Dog Need?

The general guideline is 1 oz of water per pound of body weight per day (about 50 mL per kg). Active dogs and dogs in hot weather need significantly more — up to 40% extra when exercising, and 30% extra in hot weather.

Signs of dehydration to watch for:

Skin doesn't spring back when gently pinched
Dry or sticky gums
Sunken eyes
Lethargy or loss of appetite

Quick Reference

Weight	Normal	Active	Hot weather
10 lbs	10 oz / 295 mL	14 oz / 413 mL	13 oz / 383 mL
25 lbs	25 oz / 739 mL	35 oz / 1,035 mL	33 oz / 960 mL
50 lbs	50 oz / 1,478 mL	70 oz / 2,069 mL	65 oz / 1,921 mL
80 lbs	80 oz / 2,365 mL	112 oz / 3,311 mL	104 oz / 3,075 mL