We often get asked, “How much water should I bring on my adventure (per day) for my dog?”
While a good rule of thumb is .24L per 5lbs of dog (for dogs under 20lbs); large, active dogs in hot weather can easily consume .03L of water per pound of body weight, meaning a 75lb dog can drink 2.25L of water a day.
Ultimately, the amount of water a dog drinks depends on their age, weight, breed, diet, and energy level. You know your dog better than any scientific calculation, but a good place to start is with a calculator.
We found this dog hydration calculator online. Check it out and tell us, does it seem accurate to you?
Finally, if you are headed out on an adventure that requires bringing your own hydration, know the capacity of your dog’s pack and your dog’s estimated consumption ahead of time. Our SingleTrak Pack™, created for short duration adventures, holds a combined 1L of water, while our multi-day backpacking pack, the Palisades Pack™, holds a combined 2L. We recommend adding additional Platypus bladders if more water is needed.
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August 5, 2011 at 7:02 am
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you are my best love ,jing
July 28, 2011 at 5:16 am
five common trail hydration questions answered « blog for active outdoor dogs
[...] The amount of water a dog drinks on an adventure depends on their age, weight, breed, diet, and energy level. You know your dog better than any calculation, but here’s a good place to start. [...]
July 26, 2011 at 4:01 pm
Helen and Ian, Putney, Cheyne and Pop
We had a look at the hydration calculator and it’s a bit off for our three dogs (2 JRTs and a little whippet.) We refill their bowl (1.5L) about three times a day during the summer, then added to that there’s what they drink when we’re out walking. We have lots of streams/rivers/muddy puddles on our walks – they like to have plenty of variety when it comes to liquid refreshment. (They’ve been checked at the vet’s, they’re not ill, just BIG drinkers!
)