Free tool
How much water should my pet drink?
A quick water intake calculator for dogs and cats. Estimate how much water your pet needs a day from its weight and diet, and learn the signs that it is drinking too much or too little.
How much water pets need
A healthy dog or cat needs roughly 40 to 60 ml of water per kilogram of body weight a day, counting every source. That is the figure the calculator uses, and it is a starting point rather than a strict target, because how much a pet drinks from the bowl depends heavily on its diet. A pet on wet food takes in a lot of water with its meals and will drink less from the bowl, which is completely normal, while a pet on dry food relies on the bowl for most of it.
When a change in drinking matters
More important than hitting an exact number is noticing change. A pet that suddenly drinks a lot more than usual, or a lot less, may be telling you something, since a lasting shift in thirst can be an early sign of several health problems. Day-to-day variation with hot weather and exercise is normal, but a persistent change in either direction is worth a vet visit.
Common questions
How much water should a dog drink a day?
As a rough guide, a dog needs somewhere around 40 to 60 ml of water per kilogram of body weight a day, so a 10 kg dog needs roughly 400 to 600 ml. That is the total from all sources, including food. Dogs on wet food drink less from the bowl because they get water from the food. Needs rise in hot weather and with exercise, and fresh water should always be available.
How much water should a cat drink a day?
A cat needs roughly 40 to 60 ml of water per kilogram of body weight a day, so a 4 kg cat needs about 160 to 240 ml, again from all sources. Cats are poor drinkers by nature, so a cat on dry food especially may not drink enough. Wet food, a water fountain, and several bowls around the home all help encourage a cat to take in more.
Is my pet drinking too much or too little?
A noticeable, lasting change either way is the thing to watch. Drinking a lot more than usual can be a sign of several health problems, and drinking much less can signal illness or lead to dehydration. Occasional variation with weather and activity is normal, but a persistent change in thirst, in either direction, is worth a vet check.
How can I get my cat to drink more water?
Feed some or all wet food, since it is mostly water, provide a pet water fountain as many cats prefer running water, place several bowls around the home away from the food and litter tray, keep the water fresh, and try a wider bowl so the whiskers do not touch the sides. Small changes often make a real difference to how much a cat drinks.
This calculator gives a general estimate based on weight. Individual pets vary with diet, weather, activity, and health, so treat it as a guide, and speak to your vet about any lasting change in how much your pet drinks.