With the weather gradually getting warmer, you may notice your pet has an increased thirst – particularly after a walk or a play in the garden.
But have you considered how much extra water is safe to give your cat or dog? Thankfully, vet Ben Simpson-Vernon has the answer and has shared an informative video on the subject to TikTok.
“Normal water consumption is around 50ml per kilo per day,” he began in the clip. “So, if you have a typical, average 4kg cat, they should be drinking roughly 200ml of water.”
Ben continued, explaining that whilst this appears a considerable amount when looking at 200ml in a jug, if your pet enjoys wet food they will be getting a lot water from that – thus reducing his suggested amount. “Also if they’re an outdoor cat they could be drinking outside and therefore may drink less inside as well.”
Following the same formula, Ben used a 10kg dog as another example, explaining that a canine of this weight would be expected to drink 500ml within a 24-hour period. “It’s quite a considerable amount, but again remember it will fluctuate depending on how active they’ve been, how warm it is – if they’re panting lots they’ll be losing more fluid on a hot day so they’ll be expected to drink more.”
Ben went on to warn, however, that increased water consumption can be a serious subject and a potential symptom of several medical conditions. “Diabetes, kidney disease, some hormonal problems, liver disease,” in particular, he noted.
“I always tell owners that if they feel they have noticed a change in their pets’ drinking habits, they should measure their 24-hour water consumption.” In order to do this, Ben suggests topping up their bowl at the start of the day and keeping a tally of any extra top-ups over that 24 hours and taking that off the volume given the next day.
He closed: “If they’re drinking 100ml per kilo over a day – so that’s a litre for a 10kg dog – then that is starting to become excessive.” Ben reiterated: “But if you’re seeing any change in their normal drinking habits, do flag it to your vets.”
Agreeing with Ben’s advice, Cats Protection states the following suggested amounts of water intake for felines:
- Kitten up to three months (1.4kg): 70ml
- Six-month-old kitten (2.7kg): 135ml
- Medium cat (4kg): 200ml
- Large cat (6kg): 300ml
The chairty adds online: “If you are concerned about any change to your cat’s behaviour, including changes to their normal drinking habits, it can be a sign of a medical problem. Speak to your vet to see if anything is wrong.”
When it comes to dogs, meanwhile, the Dogs Trust adds: “Speak to your vet for specific advice for your dog, or if you notice a change in their drinking habits. Seek urgent veterinary care if you think your dog could be overheating, or showing signs of heat stroke.
“If you notice your pup drinking more in situations they’re unsure about, it could be their way of taking a break from things. Mention this to your vet if you notice your dog showing signs of anxiety or stress.”
The Trust also points out that dogs’ water consumption can vary, depending upon age, size, activity level, diet and medical conditions and treatments.
