How Long Can a Dog Go Without Water? Here’s Answer Backed By Science

Adding a furry friend to your family means a brilliant company, joyful long walks, and a lifetime of cuddles. But at the same time, owning a dog is a huge responsibility, and you should be prepared to take care of them in the best possible way during their lifetime.

A dog’s body is 70 percent water! Even a minimal drop of water can have severe consequences.

If you are curious about how long a dog can go without water, then read on!

Why is Water Crucial for Dogs?

Water is crucial for dogs because it plays a significant role in the proper functioning of their body.

It regulates body functions as nothing can!

All the metabolic reactions take place in the presence of water. Moreover, water is essential in the transportation of nutrients across the body. Furthermore, it regulates the temperature of your dog's body and serves as a lubricating medium.  

Want to know an exciting part?

Do you know that water also cushions the organs protecting them against any potential damage? Yes, it does!

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How Much Amount Water is Essential for Dogs?

Generally, your fluffy friend should drink one ounce of water for one pound of body weight. The simple rule of thumb!

For example, a dog of 20 pounds should drink 20 ounces of water. Similarly, a dog of 50 pounds should drink 50 ounces of water!

However, this amount can vary depending on the weather conditions and your dog’s physical activities. Senior dogs generally drink more water than puppies! Moreover, health also plays a significant role in your fellow’s drinking habits.

How Long Can a Dog Safely Go Without Water?

Typically, dogs can safely go without water for approximately 2-3 days. So, if you have rushed to your work without topping up the water bowl, then let me tell you that your fluffy friend will be able to survive for that day!

However, when it comes to estimating how long your canine partner can survive without water, it can vary depending upon several factors, such as your dog's health condition, climate, age factor, breed, and overall lifestyle.

Generally, an older canine has a greater water intake and cannot survive much longer without water. Moreover, dogs with heavy coats are less prone to tolerate dehydration than hairless breeds. Similarly, dogs with a less active lifestyle have the potential to go longer without water than those with more physical activity and an active lifestyle.

Furthermore, hot and humid weather leads to more panting. More panting means more significant water loss. So, your furry companion won't sustain itself longer compared to the cold environment in the hot climate. Your dog cannot tolerate a temperature above 90F!

How Long Can a Dog Go Without Water When Sick?

Do you know that sickness dramatically affects the water needs of your fluffy friend? Yes, it is true!

Your canine companion may not eat or drink too much if it is going through diarrhea or vomiting.

The question of how long your pup can go without water depends on many factors, such as the type, cause, intensity, and duration of illness. Along with that, the health and size of your dog also play a significant role!

If your fellow is vomiting accompanied by diarrhea, it will make the situation worse! It is essential to get it fluids within 16-20 hours. It is because diarrhea along with vomiting can cause fatal dehydration!

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How Long Can a Dog Go Without Water After Surgery?

Dogs usually don't drink after going through surgery. The feeling of nausea restrains them from drinking. This condition typically lessens over time, and your fellow will be back to normal!

Are you wondering about what you should do in this scenario?

The answer is to keep trying! Keep offering your furry friend fluids.

But, don't force your dog to have those liquids if it is not ready for them!

Have you tried enough? Now, if your dog has not consumed any liquid despite your efforts and 24 hours have passed, immediately contact a reputable vet. Get it fixed!

How To Prevent Dehydration?

Dehydration can have some severe implications on health. You never want your lovely companion to get impacted by them. Do you?

So, here are some tips that you can follow to prevent dehydration. Never make a compromise on your canine companion’s health!

1. Intake of Hydrated Food

Do you have that type of dog that needs a constant push to drink water? Has your fellow been sick and needs instant rehydration?

If so, then an easy solution to counter them is hydrated food!

Hydrated food can do wonders when it comes to preventing dehydration, without a doubt.

Intake of hydrated food can fulfill the water requirements of your furry friend as it has an ample amount of water in it. The use of hydrated food won't leave your dog dehydrated anymore!

2. Ensure Availability of Water

 A critical factor in avoiding dehydration is to ensure the availability of water for your dog. Also, place the water bowls where your fellow can easily access them. In this regard, attachable water bottles are great! You can easily install them with your pet's cage, and you are good to go!

Does your pup get over-excited and spill its water bowl every time it drinks from it? Then, you have to refill it several times. Despite that, it must be empty every time you see it!

It can be annoying, but you can easily cater to this by using a spill prevention bowl. Water will be available for your furry friend all the time!

Moreover, if you are on a walk with your canine partner and are concerned about its hydration, you can opt for options such as journey bottles. Journey bottles can fulfill the water needs of your pets anywhere, anytime! What else do you want?

3. Refrain from Salty Food

Foods having high salt content are not suitable for dogs! It is because they are the ultimate reason for excessive thirst.

If your dog doesn’t counter the salty food by drinking plenty of water, the result is dehydration for sure. Moreover, salty foods are also responsible for hypertension.

Excessive consumption of salt becomes poison for your dog! It leads to tremors and vomiting, along with dehydration. You don't want your dog to get through this? For sure, you don't. Therefore, limit the intake of crisps and popcorns for your dog because they contain a significant salt content.

So, for the next time, be cautious when sharing your snacks with your loyal friend!

Water is a vital component of a dog's body. Though they can survive without water for a couple of days, they should not be subjected to it because it adversely affects their health.

So, always ensure safe and clean access of water to your beloved member of the family!