How much do dogs drink?

[JUDY S]

Nikki seems to drink a lot! When I go into their room, which is in the garage, to feed or spend time with them Nikki goes on a drinking spree. How much is normal? It seems to me that she drinks for a very long time. This isn't a new behavior, but I am wondering if it's normal.

[davet]

I don;t think you can set a normal..the only way to tell if he is drinkg enough is to pull a hunk of skin up on the nape of his neck and if it flattens right out then he is doing enough..if the skin stays "pulled upish" then he has a rproblem but with out a urine check etc it is i9mpossible to answer how much each dog should drink..sounds like he is an anxieety drinker...drinks when things get exciting..if in doubt then for a day or so give him loads of ice cubes and see how he does etih that...but really impossible to say what is normal without skin, urine or blood tests...but if he is acting fine in other wayws then don;t worry..

[JUDY S]

Thanks Davet. I definately didn't need another thing to worry about.

[mamabear]

Judy, Davet hit it right on the head. Since Nikki is a Rotti it will be easy to check for her hydration with the lifting up her skin. My boy Sgt. does this...He wont drink untill I come in and then he will or I have to force him..It seems that he drinks tons then but in reality I know he doesn't. Although I did the ice cube thing and that seems to work.

Remember if you are scared something is wrong with her, bring her to see the vet. I am sure he would want to check her since he knows what happen to Kujo.

[Traci]

Depending on her age, and if the water consumption has increased gradually or suddenly, you want to get her evaluated by your vet immediately to rule out various health issues.

Normal water consumption for dogs should NOT exceed 90 ml per kg per day.

You might also want to rule out that she's drinking so much as a behavioral thing, meaning it is a "comfort" thing whenever you go out to the garage to attend the dogs....an associated behavior. But, again, depending on the frequency that she does this, and her age, you should probably get her seen by your vet.