Now, your dog or cat. They can’t exactly say, “Hey, I’m dehydrated, please fix this.” (Though my cat does stare at me like I owe her rent.) A general rule: a dog needs about one ounce of water per pound of body weight per day. So a 50-pound Lab? Roughly 50 ounces. That’s about six cups.
Cats are trickier. They evolved from desert creatures, so they don’t always feel thirsty. Pro tip: If your cat ignores a still bowl, try a fountain. Moving water is like cat crack—they’ll drink way more. And please, for the love of all that is furry, clean the bowl every day. Stale, dusty water is gross. Would you drink that?
How Much Water Do You Need To Drink A Day
Also, watch for signs. If your dog is panting like they just ran a marathon (but they’ve been napping), that’s a red flag. Lethargy, dry gums, or sunken eyes? That means dehydration. Time to call the vet, not the internet.
