How much water should my pet drink?
As a rule of thumb, a healthy dog needs roughly 50-60 ml of water per kilogram of body weight a day (about an ounce per pound), and cats a little less. Enter your pet's weight for a daily target - and what can push it up or down.
Always leave fresh, clean water available - this is a daily target, not a limit.
What changes it: wet food covers a big share of water needs, while heat, exercise, lactation and some medications push intake up. Slightly more than the estimate is usually fine; the bowl should never run dry.
⚠️ A sudden change in drinking matters more than the exact number. Much more thirst than usual can signal diabetes, kidney disease or other issues; refusing water or signs of dehydration (tacky gums, skin that's slow to spring back, lethargy) need prompt veterinary attention.