How It Works:

Numerous scientific studies confirm that a dog’s water needs increase with its weight, activity level, and heat stress (using daytime high temperature). Although methodologies vary, the multipliers in our calculator are practical approximations based on expert recommendations.

• Base Requirement: Assumes your dog needs about 0.67 ounces of water per pound of its body weight.
• Activity Multipliers:
  • Low Activity: Default assumption.
  • Medium Activity: Increases water needs by 20% (multiplied by 1.2).
  • High Activity: Increases water needs by 50% (multiplied by 1.5).
• Temperature Multipliers:
  • If above 75°F, the baseline increases by about 30% (multiplied by 1.3) to aid heat regulation.
  • If above 90°F, the water requirement increases by 50% (multiplied by 1.5) due to higher dehydration rates.
  • These multipliers are approximations that capture the overall idea that higher temperatures significantly raise water needs.

Pet owners should view these numbers as a starting point and consult their veterinarian for personalized advice.