How much water does a dog need?
A widely used veterinary guideline is that dogs need about 1 fluid ounce of water per pound of body weight per day under normal conditions (roughly the equivalent of 50-60 mL per kg). Needs rise with heat, exercise, nursing, or a dry-food-only diet.
How this calculator works
Enter your dog’s weight and general activity level. The calculator multiplies weight by the 1 oz/lb baseline and an adjustment factor for activity level to estimate daily water intake, shown in ounces, cups, and liters.
Water needs can also rise with certain medical conditions (like kidney disease or diabetes) or fall in dogs eating mostly wet food. If your dog’s drinking habits change suddenly, consult a veterinarian, since that can be an early sign of illness.
Last reviewed August 2026