Updated July 2026
This guide provides general dog-care information and does not replace veterinary advice. Changes in how much your dog drinks or how much it wees can be a sign of illness. If you are worried about your dog, contact your vet.
You fill your dog’s water bowl in the morning.
Later, you look at it.
Has the level actually gone down?
Should your dog have drunk more?
Perhaps they have suddenly emptied the whole bowl.
Now you are wondering whether that is normal too.
I get it.
During hot weather, we constantly tell dog owners to keep their dogs hydrated. We say, “Make sure they have plenty of water.”
But that raises an obvious question.
How do you know whether your dog is actually drinking enough?
The honest answer is that there is no single amount that is perfect for every dog.
A Labrador eating dry food and returning from a walk may drink very differently from an older Chihuahua eating wet food and sleeping through most of a warm afternoon.
Your dog’s normal matters.
So does their diet, health, age, activity and the weather.
In this guide, I will explain what I look for, simple ways to make water easier to access and when a change in drinking habits deserves a call to your vet.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Some links on this page may be affiliate links. If you buy through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products or practical ideas that fit my approach to dog care.
Quick answer: how do I know if my dog is drinking enough?
There is no single daily water amount that suits every dog.
Instead, pay attention to your dog’s normal drinking habits.
Watch for:
- drinking much more than usual
- drinking much less than usual
- an empty water bowl far more quickly than normal
- suddenly searching for water
- refusing water
- changes in how often your dog wees
- accidents indoors in a previously house-trained dog
- vomiting after drinking
- dry or sticky gums
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- signs of overheating
Your dog should have access to clean, fresh drinking water throughout the day.
If their drinking or urination changes noticeably, contact your vet.
The PDSA’s advice on dogs drinking and weeing more than usual specifically advises owners to speak to their vet if they notice a change and not to restrict a dog’s water to try to control excessive drinking.
During hot weather, also read my Summer Dog Safety Guide.
How much water should a dog drink each day?
This is probably the question you came here to answer.
Unfortunately, I am not going to give you one magic number.
There are general veterinary estimates for water intake, but in a practical dog-owner guide I think it is far more useful to focus on your individual dog and changes from their normal routine.
The PDSA says the amount a dog should drink varies depending on factors including:
- size
- general health
- activity levels
I would also pay attention to:
- hot weather
- whether the dog eats wet or dry food
- recent exercise
- vomiting or diarrhoea
- medication
- age
- known medical conditions
A dog eating wet food may get more moisture from their meals.
A dog eating dry food may drink more directly from their bowl.
A dog may drink more after activity or during warmer weather.
That is why staring at a chart and deciding your dog must drink an exact number of millilitres can sometimes create more worry than it solves.
Know your dog’s routine.
Notice changes.
If your vet wants an accurate measurement, they may ask you to measure your dog’s water intake over 24 hours.
The PDSA dog drinking guide includes advice on measuring your dog’s water intake.
Your dog’s normal is often the best place to start
One of the advantages of working with dogs regularly is that you start noticing the small things.
The dog who normally drinks as soon as they get home.
The dog who ignores the water bowl for twenty minutes, then has a drink after settling.
The dog who prefers one bowl.
The dog who always has a drink after eating.
None of those patterns automatically tells me whether a dog is healthy or unwell.
I am not a vet.
But a change from normal gets my attention.
Imagine I visit a dog regularly.
Normally, the large bowl is still half full when I arrive.
Then one day it is completely empty.
I refill it.
The dog drinks a large amount immediately.
That is worth noticing.
Perhaps it is a hot day.
Perhaps another family member forgot to fill the bowl.
Perhaps the dog knocked some water onto the floor.
Or perhaps something has changed with the dog.
I do not diagnose.
I observe and report.
That is a big part of professional pet care.
The same principle applies at home.
You know your dog better than almost anybody.
Pay attention to changes.
What I check when I walk into a dog’s home on a hot day
During very warm weather, water is one of the first practical things I notice.
I am looking at the whole picture.
Is there water in the bowl?
Obvious.
But important.
Bowls can be knocked over.
Water can be drunk.
Someone can rush out of the house and simply forget to refill one.
It happens.
Does the water look clean?
Some dogs would happily drink from what appears to be a small swamp.
Others look at a single floating hair and decide the establishment has failed its hygiene inspection.
Refresh the water regularly.
Wash bowls properly.
Is the bowl somewhere sensible?
A water bowl sitting in direct afternoon sun may quickly become warm.
A bowl behind a closed door is no use to the dog on the other side.
If your dog spends most of the day in a particular room, make sure they can reach water from there.
Has the dog’s normal drinking pattern changed?
This matters more to me than whether someone on Facebook says a Labrador should drink exactly the right amount.
Is this dog drinking normally for this dog?
Is the dog panting or showing other signs of being too hot?
Drinking water does not make overheating safe.
A dog can have access to water and still suffer from heat-related illness.
Has the dog vomited or had diarrhoea?
Fluid loss can increase the risk of dehydration.
A dog that is unwell may need veterinary advice rather than another water bowl being placed in the hallway.
Is something else different?
Are they unusually quiet?
Are they struggling to settle?
Are they refusing both food and water?
Are they asking to go outside to wee more often?
Good pet care is often about joining the small observations together.
You can read more about recognising when something is wrong in my article “Is Your Dog in Need of Medical Care?” guide.
For practical emergency information, also see my First Aid for Dogs Hub.
1. Make fresh water easy to access
Start with the simple answer.
Your dog should have access to clean, fresh drinking water throughout the day.
The Royal Kennel Club’s healthy feeding guidance recommends providing dogs with plenty of fresh water throughout the day.
I would not make a dog work for their main source of drinking water.
Water is not something they should need to earn through training.
It should be available.
Think about where your dog actually spends their time.
If they sleep downstairs but their only water bowl is upstairs behind a baby gate, that is not ideal.
If they spend warm afternoons in the kitchen, make sure water is accessible there.
Simple.
Practical.
Easy to check.
2. Consider more than one water bowl
I like multiple water bowls, particularly during hot weather.
This is not because I believe dogs forget what water is.
It simply makes access easier.
You might have:
- one in the kitchen
- one near the dog’s main resting area
- one upstairs
- one in a safely shaded garden area while the dog has access to the garden
Do not put five bowls down simply because Del said so.
Look at your home.
Look at where your dog goes.
Put water where it is useful.
Multiple bowls are also helpful from a practical pet-care perspective.
If one is knocked over, another source is available.
My Hot Weather Dog Kit includes the practical equipment I think is useful during warm weather.
3. Refresh the water and clean the bowl
A water bowl needs cleaning.
Topping fresh water onto yesterday’s slightly unpleasant water is not the same thing as giving your dog a clean bowl.
Empty it.
Wash it.
Rinse it properly.
Refill it.
Check bowls for:
- chips
- cracks
- heavy scratching
- damage
Replace damaged bowls where necessary.
Some dogs are far fussier about their water than we realise.
I have known dogs who happily investigate a muddy puddle on a walk but become deeply suspicious of their own bowl at home.
Dogs are wonderfully consistent like that.
4. Watch the position of the bowl during hot weather
Sunlight moves.
This sounds obvious, but a bowl that is shaded at 8 am may be sitting in direct sun by mid-afternoon.
Think about south-facing rooms.
Conservatories.
Warm kitchens.
Balconies.
Gardens.
Move water somewhere cooler and shaded.
If your dog lives in a flat, water is only one part of managing indoor heat.
My Dogs and Heat in a Flat guide looks at curtains, airflow, resting places, and ways to keep the day calmer.
A bowl of water cannot cool an overheated room.
You need to consider the dog’s entire environment.
5. Add water to your dog’s normal food where appropriate
This is one of the ideas from the old version of this article that I would keep, but simplify.
Some owners add a little water to their dog’s normal food.
For example, dry food may be soaked where this suits the dog’s normal diet and feeding routine.
You can also use soaked kibble as part of a frozen enrichment activity.
My preference is to keep things familiar.
I do not think every hot day requires a homemade dog smoothie containing six fruits and a blender.
Use your dog’s normal food where possible.
If your dog eats a veterinary or prescription diet, has a medical condition or has been given specific feeding instructions, speak to your vet before changing how their food is prepared.
For simple meal-based enrichment, read Ditch the Bowl at Mealtimes.
You can also see 10 Simple Frozen Dog Treats and Enrichment Ideas for Hot Weather.
6. Use wet food or frozen enrichment carefully
Food can contain moisture.
That does not mean it replaces access to drinking water.
But using some of your dog’s normal wet food on a frozen lick mat or in a Kong can provide calm enrichment and a little additional fluid.
I particularly like this on days when a walk has been shortened because of the heat.
Your dog does not need an indoor workout.
They may enjoy something calm to lick or work on.
Then they can rest.
Good options may include:
- normal wet food on a lick mat
- soaked kibble in a suitable food toy
- a simple frozen Kong
- part of the dog’s normal meal used for enrichment
My What to Do Instead of Walking Your Dog in a Heatwave guide has 15 calmer ideas.
I also use and recommend suitable enrichment products such as the Classic LickiMat and KONG Classic Dog Toy.
Amazon affiliate links.
Food enrichment should still form part of a sensible daily diet.
A frozen Kong is an activity.
It is not a free extra meal.
7. Carry water when you are out with your dog
I carry water when conditions and the walk make it necessary.
That is particularly important on warmer days.
You also need something the dog can comfortably drink from.
A bottle of water that you cannot offer to the dog is not especially helpful.
I currently include a portable dog water bottle in my Hot Weather Dog Kit recommendations.
But there is an important warning here.
Taking water does not make a dangerously hot walk safe.
The Royal Kennel Club’s advice on walking dogs on warm days specifically warns that heatstroke can still happen even when a dog has access to drinking water.
That matters.
I sometimes hear:
“It’s okay. I’ve got water with me.”
Water is useful.
It is not a force field.
If the temperature, surface, humidity or individual dog makes the walk unsafe, having a bottle in your bag does not change that.
Read my Walking Your Dog in Summer guide for more on adjusting routes, times and walk length.
8. Do not force your dog to drink
Offer access to fresh water.
Encourage calmly where appropriate.
But do not force water into a dog’s mouth.
If a dog is refusing water, particularly when accompanied by other signs of illness, contact your vet.
The Royal Kennel Club’s guidance on dogs refusing food and water advises contacting your vet straight away when a dog is not eating and is also not drinking.
A sudden refusal to drink is not something I would solve by spending hours inventing increasingly elaborate water flavours.
Watch your dog.
Look at the whole picture.
Get veterinary advice when you are concerned.
9. Do not restrict water because your dog is drinking too much
This is really important.
If your dog suddenly starts drinking far more than usual, do not simply remove the water bowl to stop them.
The PDSA advises owners never to restrict a dog’s access to water to control excessive drinking.
Instead, contact your vet.
Increased drinking and increased urination can happen for many reasons.
Some short-term changes may be linked to:
- hot weather
- increased activity
- diet changes
But increased drinking and urination can also be associated with health problems.
The PDSA’s advice on excessive drinking and urination lists possible causes including diabetes, Cushing’s disease, kidney disease, urinary problems and some medications.
I am deliberately not going into each condition here.
That is your vet’s job.
The practical advice is simpler.
Notice the change.
Contact your vet.
Do not remove the water.
10. Measure rather than guess when something changes
If you are worried that your dog is drinking more than usual, it can be helpful to know what they are actually drinking.
“It feels like a lot” is harder for a vet to assess than useful information about the dog’s normal routine and recent changes.
Your vet may ask you to measure water intake over 24 hours.
If you have one dog and one water bowl, that may be fairly straightforward.
Multiple dogs make it harder.
So do:
- garden bowls
- toilets with open lids
- paddling pools
- dripping taps
- puddles
- family members secretly topping up bowls
Do your best.
Do not become obsessed with measuring every drop unless your vet has asked you to.
The aim is useful information.
Write down:
- when you filled the bowl
- how much water you added
- how much remained
- unusual drinking
- changes in urination
- any vomiting or diarrhoea
- changes in appetite
- medication
The PDSA provides a guide to drinking and weeing changes in dogs and explains how owners can measure water intake when advised to do so.
What are the signs of dehydration in dogs?
Dehydration is not something I diagnose as a dog walker.
However, there are signs that should make an owner stop and look more closely.
Dry or sticky gums can be a sign of dehydration.
The PDSA’s guide to checking your dog’s gums says healthy gums should feel moist and your finger should come away slightly damp. Dry or sticky gums may indicate dehydration.
Possible concerns can also include a dog who is:
- unusually tired
- weak
- refusing water
- vomiting
- suffering from diarrhoea
- showing signs of overheating
- behaving very differently from normal
Do not rely on a single home test to determine that your dog is fine.
And do not force a nervous dog to have their mouth examined.
I work with rescue and nervous dogs.
If a dog is uncomfortable with handling around their face, forcing their mouth open can cause stress and increase the risk of a bite.
PDSA also advises owners not to force a dog to have their gums checked if the dog will not tolerate it.
Contact your vet instead.
My dog has dry or sticky gums. What should I do?
Look at the whole dog.
Are they:
- alert?
- drinking?
- vomiting?
- suffering from diarrhoea?
- unusually tired?
- panting heavily?
- struggling to breathe?
- wobbling?
- confused?
Dry or sticky gums can be associated with dehydration.
If you are concerned, contact your vet.
If there are signs of heatstroke, act urgently.
My Summer Dog Safety Guide covers heat-related illness in more detail.
You can also read the RSPCA’s heatstroke advice for dogs.
Heatstroke is an emergency.
Do not spend twenty minutes trying to persuade an obviously unwell dog to finish a bowl of water.
Start appropriate cooling and contact your vet urgently.
Can a dog still get heatstroke if they have water?
Yes.
This is one of the most important summer hydration myths to understand.
Access to water is essential.
But water does not make excessive heat or inappropriate exercise safe.
The Royal Kennel Club’s warm-weather walking advice clearly says heatstroke can still occur even if a dog has access to water.
Imagine taking a bottle of water into a sauna and running on a treadmill.
The bottle does not remove the heat.
The same basic principle applies to dogs.
If your dog is becoming too hot, stop the activity.
Move them away from the heat.
Watch them closely.
If you suspect heatstroke, start cooling and seek veterinary help urgently.
This is why I may shorten, move or adapt dog care during very warm weather.
Water is part of the plan.
Sometimes the better plan is not doing the normal walk at all.
Should I put ice cubes in my dog’s water?
Some healthy dogs enjoy cooler water.
You can add suitable ice to a dog’s water in ordinary hot-weather conditions.
But the way your dog interacts with ice matters.
Hard, solid ice can be a problem for dogs who aggressively bite or crush it.
I prefer a sensible approach.
Consider:
- crushed ice
- ice shavings
- partly melted ice
- a few pieces in a water bowl
- frozen food enrichment that has softened slightly
My full guide Can Dogs Have Ice Cubes? looks at teeth, choking, bloat myths and heatstroke.
Ice should not replace drinking water.
And it is not a treatment for heatstroke.
Should I add chicken stock or flavouring to my dog’s water?
The old version of this article suggested low-salt chicken stock and dog smoothies.
I would no longer give that as broad, general advice.
Fresh, clean water should be the starting point.
Why make a simple problem complicated?
Stock ingredients vary.
Flavoured products vary.
Dogs may have allergies, stomach problems, medical conditions or prescription diets.
If your dog is refusing water or your vet wants you to encourage additional fluid intake, ask your vet what is suitable for your individual dog.
That is particularly important if your dog has:
- kidney disease
- heart disease
- a prescription diet
- diabetes
- ongoing vomiting or diarrhoea
- another diagnosed medical condition
I am not against adding water to a dog’s normal food where appropriate.
I am against giving every owner the same homemade hydration recipe and pretending it suits every dog.
Why is my dog suddenly drinking more water?
Sometimes there is an obvious short-term reason.
It is hotter.
The dog has exercised more.
Their diet has changed.
But a noticeable change in drinking should still be taken seriously.
Particularly if it continues.
You may also notice:
- more frequent urination
- larger wees
- asking to go outside more often
- accidents indoors
- drinking from unusual places
- an empty bowl far more quickly than normal
The PDSA’s excessive drinking and urination guide recommends contacting your vet if your dog is drinking or weeing more than normal.
Do not wait for a second dramatic symptom before mentioning it.
Early changes are still useful information.
Why is my dog drinking less water?
A dog eating more wet food may appear to drink less from the bowl because they are getting more moisture through their diet.
The weather and activity may also make a difference.
Again, normal matters.
I would be more concerned by a dog who normally drinks regularly and suddenly stops, particularly if they are also:
- not eating
- vomiting
- suffering from diarrhoea
- unusually tired
- showing signs of pain
- behaving differently
If your dog is refusing water or you are worried, contact your vet.
Do not assume they are simply being fussy.
Puppies and drinking water
Puppies need easy access to fresh drinking water.
They are learning their routine.
They may be busy.
Then asleep.
Then awake.
Then apparently trying to dismantle your house.
Keep water easy to reach.
Watch for illness.
Puppies can become unwell quickly, particularly when vomiting or diarrhoea is involved.
The Royal Kennel Club’s puppy diarrhoea advice warns that puppies can become dehydrated quickly and advises contacting a vet if a puppy is not drinking.
My Bringing a Puppy Home Guide covers puppy routines and early care.
I also offer Puppy Visits and Puppy Support in Finchley.
A puppy visit may include checking and refreshing water, feeding, a toilet break and calm, age-appropriate care.
Older dogs and hydration
I pay close attention to changes in older dogs.
Not because every change means something terrible.
It does not.
But I would rather notice.
An older dog may sleep more.
They may move less.
Their routine can change gradually.
That can make a change in drinking less obvious unless you are paying attention.
I look at:
- water consumption
- appetite
- movement
- toileting
- willingness to walk
- behaviour
- general comfort
If your older dog starts drinking or urinating noticeably more than usual, contact your vet.
The same applies if they suddenly stop drinking.
Do not dismiss a change simply because the dog is old.
What about nervous and rescue dogs?
Some nervous dogs are very particular about where and when they drink.
A newly rescued dog may not immediately feel comfortable moving around their new home.
They may avoid a busy kitchen.
They may not want to drink while people are standing nearby.
They may be worried by household noises.
Give them access to water in a calm location.
Do not crowd them.
Do not repeatedly point at the bowl and say:
“Drink.”
I promise you the dog knows there is a bowl.
Give them space.
For a newly rescued or nervous dog, I may use more than one water bowl so the dog has a choice of where to drink.
I also keep routines calm and predictable.
You can read more in my Rescue Dog Support in Finchley guide.
Water bowls and dogs who dislike noise
This is something I have noticed with individual dogs.
Some appear bothered by the sound of an identification tag hitting a metal or ceramic bowl.
That does not mean every dog needs a silent designer water bowl.
Watch your dog.
Do they approach the bowl and move away when the tag hits it?
Do they happily drink from another bowl?
Would a different bowl shape or material make things easier?
Try a simple change.
The important bit is observing the individual dog rather than buying another product because somebody on TikTok said you need it.
Water fountains for dogs: worth buying?
Maybe.
Some dogs enjoy moving water.
Others could not care less.
A drinking fountain can be useful in some homes, but I do not consider one an essential dog product.
Before buying anything, ask:
What problem am I trying to solve?
If your dog already drinks happily from a clean bowl, you may not need a fountain.
If you are worried because your dog’s drinking habits have suddenly changed, a new gadget is not a substitute for speaking to your vet.
My broader Dog Care Recommendations page focuses on products I think have a practical use.
You do not need to buy everything marketed at dog owners.
Often, another clean water bowl is enough.
What I do during a hot-weather comfort visit
Very hot weather can change a dog’s normal care.
A 60-minute walk may no longer be sensible.
That does not mean the dog should simply be forgotten until somebody comes home.
Where appropriate, I may adapt booked care into something calmer.
A hot-weather visit may include:
- a brief toilet opportunity
- checking and refreshing drinking water
- checking whether the dog appears comfortable
- calm indoor enrichment
- a simple scent game
- feeding
- agreed medication
- preparing an owner-supplied Kong or LickiMat
- closing agreed curtains to reduce direct sunlight
- a photograph and update
If I notice something unusual, I tell the owner.
Perhaps the dog has not touched the water.
Perhaps the bowl was empty.
Perhaps they are drinking far more than I would normally expect from them.
Again, I do not diagnose.
I observe.
I report.
You can read about Hot-Weather Dog Comfort Visits and Pet Care Add-ons.
My Extreme Weather Policy also explains why I may adapt normal dog walks when conditions are unsafe.
My simple hot-weather hydration check
When the weather is hot, keep it simple.
Ask:
Is fresh water available?
Check the bowl.
Is the water easy to reach?
Think about where your dog is resting.
Is the bowl somewhere cool and shaded?
Remember that sunlight moves.
Is my dog drinking normally for them?
Look for changes.
Is my dog weeing more or less than usual?
Notice changes in their routine.
Is my dog showing signs of illness or overheating?
Do not focus on the bowl and ignore the dog.
Has something changed?
Diet.
Medication.
Activity.
Vomiting.
Diarrhoea.
Weather.
Tell your vet about relevant changes.
That is a far more useful hydration check than panicking because your dog has not matched a number you found online.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my dog is drinking enough water?
There is no single amount that suits every dog. Pay attention to your dog’s normal drinking habits and watch for significant changes. Your dog should have access to clean, fresh drinking water throughout the day.
How much water should a dog drink each day?
The amount varies depending on your dog’s size, overall health, and activity level. Diet and weather can also affect how much a dog drinks directly from a bowl. Speak to your vet if you are concerned about your dog’s water intake.
Why is my dog drinking more water in hot weather?
Dogs may drink more during hot weather or after increased activity. However, a noticeable or persistent change in drinking or urination should be discussed with your vet.
Should I limit my dog’s water if they are drinking too much?
No. Do not restrict your dog’s water to control excessive drinking unless your vet has specifically instructed you to do so. Contact your vet if your dog’s drinking has increased.
What are signs that my dog may be dehydrated?
Dry or sticky gums can be a sign of dehydration. A dog who is unusually tired or weak, refuses water, vomits, suffers from diarrhoea, or shows signs of overheating may also need veterinary attention.
Can I add water to my dog’s food?
Some owners add water to their dog’s normal food or soak dry food. This may be appropriate for many dogs. Speak to your vet first if your dog has a medical condition, prescription diet or specific feeding instructions.
Can my dog still get heatstroke even if they have access to drinking water?
Yes. Access to water is essential, but it does not make unsafe exercise or extreme heat safe. Dogs can still develop heatstroke even when water is available.
Should I take water on a dog walk?
Yes, particularly on longer walks and during warmer weather. Carry something your dog can drink from. However, taking water does not make a dangerously hot walk safe.
Can I put ice cubes in my dog’s water?
Many healthy dogs can have suitable ice added to their water. Consider your dog’s size, teeth and chewing style. Crushed, shaved or partly melted ice may be more suitable for enthusiastic chewers.
My dog is not drinking. What should I do?
Make sure clean, fresh water is available. If your dog is refusing water, particularly if they are also not eating, vomiting, suffering from diarrhoea or behaving differently, contact your vet.
My dog is suddenly drinking and weeing much more. Should I worry?
Contact your vet. Increased drinking and urination can happen for several reasons, and your vet may ask you to measure your dog’s water intake over 24 hours. Do not restrict their access to water.
A final thought
Water is one of the simplest parts of dog care.
Until something changes.
Then that ordinary water bowl can tell you quite a lot.
Is it suddenly empty?
Untouched?
Knocked over?
Sitting in direct sun?
Is your dog searching for more water?
Are they asking to go outside to wee far more often?
Notice.
You do not need to diagnose the problem.
That is what your vet is for.
Your job is to know what is normal for your dog and take changes seriously.
Keep fresh water available.
Make it easy to reach.
Slow things down when it is hot.
And remember that carrying a bottle of water does not make a dangerous walk safe.
Sometimes the best thing you can do for your dog is refill the bowl, close the curtains and let them sleep.
Related dog hydration and hot-weather guides
What to Do Instead of Walking Your Dog in a Heatwave
10 Simple Frozen Dog Treats and Enrichment Ideas for Hot Weather
Hot-Weather Dog Comfort Visits and Pet Care Add-ons
Disclaimer
This guide provides general dog-care information and does not replace veterinary advice. The amount a dog drinks varies depending on factors such as their health, size, activity, and diet. A noticeable change in drinking or urination can be a sign of illness. Do not restrict your dog’s access to water to control excessive drinking unless specifically instructed by your vet. If you are worried about your dog, contact your veterinary practice.
