Quick Links: Table of Contents
- How Much Water Should a Australian Shepherd drink?
- How to Calculate How Much Water Your Australian Shepherd Needs
- Australian Shepherd Water Calculator
- How Much Water Should a 32-Pound Australian Shepherd Drink?
- How Much Water Should a 16-week-Old Australian Shepherd Drink?
- How Much Water Should a 5-month-Old Australian Shepherd Drink?
- How Much Water Should a 13-week-Old Australian Shepherd Drink?
- How Much Water Should a 3-month-Old Australian Shepherd Drink?
- Other Factors that Affects How Much Water Your Australian Shepherd Needs
- Australian Shepherd Not Drinking Enough Water
- Australian Shepherd Drinking Too Much Water
- Do Australian Shepherds Drink a Lot of Water?
- How to Tell if Your Australian Shepherd is Drinking Too Much, Too Little, or Enough Water
- How To Tell If Your Australian Shepherd is Dehydrated
- Conclusion
How Much Water Should a Australian Shepherd drink?
Hydrating your hound is very important since water makes up approximately 56 percent of an adult Australian Shepherd`s body weight (73 percent of lean body mass). Water is an essential nutrient for your Australian Shepherd`s existence.
Your Australian Shepherd needs to drink the right amount of water that suits its age, weight, and activity level.
Drinking too much water is not good for your Australian Shepherd, and neither is drinking too little water.
According to the recommendations by the vets at PetMD, a dog should drink, in milliliters, 50 times its weight in kilograms. That is, a 10 kg dog needs 500 milliliters of water (2.1 cups).
An adult Australian Shepherd weighs 23.6 Kg (52.0 pounds), and therefore requires 1181.8 milliliters (40.0 ounces or 5.0 cups) of water every day, given that your dog is not a very active dog.
Essentially, the amount of water your Australian Shepherd needs a day depends very much on how much your Australian Shepherd weighs.
Also, the amount of water your Australian Shepherd drinks depends on your Australian Shepherd activity level. Very active dogs need more water than inactive dogs.
Use our Australian Shepherd water calculator to estimate how much water your Australian Shepherd should drink every day based on its weight and activity level.
The Australian Shepherd is generally a high-activity level dog breed. So, your Australian Shepherd will drink more water than the regular average dog breed.
To find out how much food you need to be feeding your Australian Shepherd, check out our Australian Shepherd feeding guide and food calculator.
How to Calculate How Much Water Your Australian Shepherd Needs
Enter the weight and activity level of your Australian Shepherd in the Australian Shepherd water calculator below to estimate how much water your Australian Shepherd needs.
Australian Shepherd Water Calculator
*1 cup = 8 fluid ounces = 236.588 milliliters
Our Australian Shepherd water calculator above is based on the dog water drinking recommendation provided by the vets at PedMD.com.
However, PetMD`s recommendation applies only to dogs with low activity levels.
However, our calculator goes further to provide recommendations on how much water Australian Shepherds of different activity levels (low, medium, and high) need.
In our calculator, a medium-activity level Australian Shepherd needs one and a half as much water as a low-activity level Australian Shepherd each day. Similarly, a high-activity level Australian Shepherd needs twice as much water as a low-activity level Australian Shepherd needs.
Check out our dog water calculator for all dog breeds here.
One way to improve your Australian Shepherd`s water drinking experience is to buy your dog a water fountain.
A water fountain will also encourage your Australian Shepherd to drink enough water.
This is because the continuously flowing stream of water with a fresh taste from a water fountain will entice your Australian Shepherd to drink enough water.
Furthermore, pet water fountains continuously filter the water that it delivers to your dog. A water fountain ensures that your Australian Shepherd has access to clean fresh filtered water all the time.
Giving your Australian Shepherd water from a fountain is more hygienic than giving your Australian Shepherd water from a water bowl.This is because water in the water bowl usually lays around all day, getting polluted as it lays around.
Here are the best water fountains that we recommend for your Australian Shepherds. These water fountains are durable, made with food-grade materials, and operate very quietly with little noise:
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The PetSafe Drinkwell Platinum Water Fountain. Click here to check price on Amazon.
Dog Water Fountain -
The Veken Automatic Water Fountain Dog Water Dispenser with Smart Pump. Click here to check price on Amazon.
Dog Water Fountain
How Much Water Should a 32-Pound Australian Shepherd Drink?
A 32-pound Australian Shepherd should drink 49.2 ounces (6.1 cups) of water every day.
Australian Shepherds are generally high-activity dogs, and about 49.2 ounces is the amount of water a High Activity Level 32-pound Australian Shepherd needs every day.
However, if your 32-pound Australian Shepherd is a low-activity dog, then it will need about 24.6 ounces of water (3.1 cups) every day.
Similarly, if your 32-pound Australian Shepherd is of medium activity, then it will need about 36.9 ounces of water (4.6 cups) every day.
Use our Australian Shepherd dog water calculator to find out how much water Australian Shepherd should drink at different weights.
| Low Activity | Medium Activity | High Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 24.6 ounces (3.1 cups) | 36.9 ounces (4.6 cups) | 49.2 ounces (6.1 cups) |
How Much Water Should a 16-week-Old Australian Shepherd Drink?
The average weight of 16-week-Old Australian Shepherd is 27 pounds (12.4 kg).
Learn how much 16-week-Old Australian Shepherd should weigh here.
A 27-pound Australian Shepherd should drink 41.5 ounces (5.2 cups) of water every day.
Australian Shepherds are generally high-activity dogs, and about 41.5 ounces is the amount of water a High Activity Level 27-pound Australian Shepherd needs every day.
However, if your 27-pound Australian Shepherd is a low-activity dog, then it will need about 20.7 ounces of water (2.6 cups) every day.
Similarly, if your 27-pound Australian Shepherd is of medium activity, then it will need about 31.1 ounces of water (3.9 cups) every day.
Use our Australian Shepherd dog water calculator to find out how much water Australian Shepherd should drink at different weights.
| Low Activity | Medium Activity | High Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 20.7 ounces (2.6 cups) | 31.1 ounces (3.9 cups) | 41.5 ounces (5.2 cups) |
How Much Water Should a 5-month-Old Australian Shepherd Drink?
The average weight of 5-month-Old Australian Shepherd is 33 pounds (15.0 kg).
Learn how much 5-month-Old Australian Shepherd should weigh here.
A 33-pound Australian Shepherd should drink 50.7 ounces (6.3 cups) of water every day.
Australian Shepherds are generally high-activity dogs, and about 50.7 ounces is the amount of water a High Activity Level 33-pound Australian Shepherd needs every day.
However, if your 33-pound Australian Shepherd is a low-activity dog, then it will need about 25.4 ounces of water (3.2 cups) every day.
Similarly, if your 33-pound Australian Shepherd is of medium activity, then it will need about 38.0 ounces of water (4.8 cups) every day.
Use our Australian Shepherd dog water calculator to find out how much water Australian Shepherd should drink at different weights.
| Low Activity | Medium Activity | High Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 25.4 ounces (3.2 cups) | 38.0 ounces (4.8 cups) | 50.7 ounces (6.3 cups) |
How Much Water Should a 13-week-Old Australian Shepherd Drink?
The average weight of 13-week-Old Australian Shepherd is 22 pounds (10.0 kg).
Learn how much 13-week-Old Australian Shepherd should weigh here.
A 22-pound Australian Shepherd should drink 33.8 ounces (4.2 cups) of water every day.
Australian Shepherds are generally high-activity dogs, and about 33.8 ounces is the amount of water a High Activity Level 22-pound Australian Shepherd needs every day.
However, if your 22-pound Australian Shepherd is a low-activity dog, then it will need about 16.9 ounces of water (2.1 cups) every day.
Similarly, if your 22-pound Australian Shepherd is of medium activity, then it will need about 25.4 ounces of water (3.2 cups) every day.
Use our Australian Shepherd dog water calculator to find out how much water Australian Shepherd should drink at different weights.
| Low Activity | Medium Activity | High Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 16.9 ounces (2.1 cups) | 25.4 ounces (3.2 cups) | 33.8 ounces (4.2 cups) |
How Much Water Should a 3-month-Old Australian Shepherd Drink?
The average weight of 3-month-Old Australian Shepherd is 20 pounds (9.1 kg).
Learn how much 3-month-Old Australian Shepherd should weigh here.
A 20-pound Australian Shepherd should drink 30.7 ounces (3.8 cups) of water every day.
Australian Shepherds are generally high-activity dogs, and about 30.7 ounces is the amount of water a High Activity Level 20-pound Australian Shepherd needs every day.
However, if your 20-pound Australian Shepherd is a low-activity dog, then it will need about 15.4 ounces of water (1.9 cups) every day.
Similarly, if your 20-pound Australian Shepherd is of medium activity, then it will need about 23.1 ounces of water (2.9 cups) every day.
Use our Australian Shepherd dog water calculator to find out how much water Australian Shepherd should drink at different weights.
| Low Activity | Medium Activity | High Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 15.4 ounces (1.9 cups) | 23.1 ounces (2.9 cups) | 30.7 ounces (3.8 cups) |
Other Factors that Affects How Much Water Your Australian Shepherd Needs
In addition to its weight and activity level, your Australian Shepherd may need more or less water depending on other factors in your Australian Shepherd`s life such as:
- The weather: Australian Shepherds need more water during the hot summer than in the cold winter.
- Your Australian Shepherd`s Diet: Australian Shepherds that eat moist/wet food will require less water than Australian Shepherds that eat dry food (kibble). Wet dog food contains 65-80% water, while dry dog food contains 10-12% water.
- Your Australian Shepherd`s age: Senior Australian Shepherds are generally more laid back than younger Australian Shepherds, therefore senior Australian Shepherds need less water.
- Pregnant Australian Shepherds and lactating Australian Shepherds: These need more water than normal.
- Australian Shepherds on Medication: Certain medications may make your Australian Shepherd drink more water.
Australian Shepherd Not Drinking Enough Water
If your Australian Shepherd is not drinking enough water, then your Australian Shepherd is at risk of dehydration, and the problems that come with dehydration.
Problems that come with your Australian Shepherd not drinking enough water include urinary tract issues like kidney stones and organ failure.
Your Australian Shepherd may be drinking less water than usual because of the following reasons:
- Your Australian Shepherd has limited access to fresh clean water.
- You changed your Australian Shepherd`s food (e.g. from dry food to wet food)
- You changed your Australian Shepherd`s water source
- The weather is cooler than it used to be
- Your Australian Shepherd is less active than it used to be
- Your Australian Shepherd is growing old
If none of these applies to your Australian Shepherd, then it might be that your Australian Shepherd has an underlying health condition and you might want to talk to your vet.
Also, your Australian Shepherd may drink less water if it does not have access to clean fresh water always.
Some dogs are picky drinkers, and they won`t drink water that is not fresh or water with dirt and debris in it.
If your Australian Shepherd is a picky drinker as such, then you should consider getting your Australian Shepherd a water fountain like one of these. A water fountain will entice your Australian Shepherd to drink water. With a water fountain, you can be sure that your Australian Shepherd will have access to fresh clean water always.
Also, oral infections such as tooth decay, gum decay, and broken tooth are some of the reasons your Australian Shepherd might not be drinking enough water.
Check your Australian Shepherd`s mouth for any oral infection. When checking your Australian Shepherd`s mouth, pay attention to the smell of your Australian Shepherd`s breath to make sure that your Australian Shepherd does not have bad breath as bad breath could be a sign of oral infection.
Furthermore, if you recently changed your Australian Shepherd`s water source, and your Australian Shepherd starts drinking less water, then you might want to change back to the old source.
Australian Shepherd Drinking Too Much Water
Your Australian Shepherd may be drinking too much water simply because you give it unrestricted access to water. Also, your Australian Shepherd may be drinking too much because it has a health problem such as diabetes.
If your Australian Shepherd is drinking too much water, then your Australian Shepherd is at risk of overhydration and the problems that come with overhydration.
Problems that come with water overhydration in dogs include staggering, loss of coordination, vomiting, dilated pupils, over salivation, and stomach bloat.
Excessive and unexplainable thirst in your dog is called polydipsia. Polydipsia makes your dog drink more.
Ordinarily, when your Australian Shepherd drinks too much water for just a day or two, there may be nothing to be worried about. However, if this condition persists, you should see a veterinarian.
Also, if your Australian Shepherd is drinking too much water, then your Australian Shepherd will need to urinate frequently and take unnecessary bathroom breaks. This can be an inconvenience for your if you have to take your Australian Shepherd out of the house for its bathroom breaks.
If your Australian Shepherd is drinking too much water for no obvious reason, talk to your vet. However, if your Australian Shepherd is drinking too much water because it has access to water, then limit your Australian Shepherd`s access to water.
Do Australian Shepherds Drink a Lot of Water?
The amount of water a Australian Shepherd needs is proportional to the Australian Shepherd`s body weight and activity level. Older bigger adult Australian Shepherds drink a lot of water compared to younger smaller Australian Shepherds.
Also, Australian Shepherds that are not very active drink a lot less water than very active Australian Shepherds. Also, Australian Shepherds drink lots of water in the hot summer months than in the cold winter months.
To find how much water your Australian Shepherd should be drinking, use our Australian Shepherd dog water calculator to estimate your Australian Shepherd`s daily water needs.
How to Tell if Your Australian Shepherd is Drinking Too Much, Too Little, or Enough Water
A simple way to check if your Australian Shepherd is drinking too much, too little or enough water is to first measure a large volume of water (many cups).
Then, at the start of the day, pour this water into your Australian Shepherd`s bowl so that your Australian Shepherd can drink water without a limit.
Then, in the evening, measure the amount of water left in your Australian Shepherd`s water bowl.
Then, subtract the amount of water left in the bowl in the evening from the initial amount of water that you put in the bowl in the morning. This will give you how much water your Australian Shepherd has drunk.
Finally, use our Australian Shepherd dog water calculator to check to see how the amount of water your dog has drunk compares with how much water your dog should be drinking for its size and its activity level.
This will tell you if your dog is drinking too much, too little, or just enough water.
Then you can switch to giving your Australian Shepherd water with a water fountain.
How To Tell If Your Australian Shepherd is Dehydrated
If your Australian Shepherd is not drinking enough water she may become dehydrated. Dehydration in dogs can have mild to severe consequences. Always be on the watch to prevent the accidental dehydration of your Australian Shepherd. Here are ways to know if your dog is dehydrated:
- Check her gums: Press on her gums and release it; if it quickly becomes pink back, she is not dehydrated. If it remains white, she may be dehydrated.
- Loss of skin elasticity: You can check your dog`s hydration level by pinching her skin. If her skin goes flat right away, that is a sign that your dog is properly hydrated. However, if it takes several seconds for your dog`s skin to go flat after a pinch, then that could be a sign that your dog is dehydrated.
- Weakness and low activity: A dehydrated dog will be weaker and less active than usual.
- Dry mouth: If your dog`s mouth is dry or if your dog salivates less, then she may be dehydrated and need water.
- Dry Nose
Conclusion
To keep your Australian Shepherd in good health, you need to keep your Australian Shepherd hydrated. Therefore, you need to keep an eye on your Australian Shepherd`s water intake to make sure your Australian Shepherd is getting the right amount of water that it needs.
To encourage your Australian Shepherd to drink enough water, make sure that your Australian Shepherd has access to clean water all the time.
A good way to ensure your Australian Shepherd has clean water available to it is to invest in a good water fountain like one of these.
If you think your Australian Shepherd is drinking an unusual amount of water (too much or too little), then do not hesitate to speak with a pet vet.
