Quick Links: Table of Contents
- How Much Water Should a Bichon Frise drink?
- How to Calculate How Much Water Your Bichon Frise Needs
- Bichon Frise Water Calculator
- How Much Water Should a 7-Pound Bichon Frise Drink?
- How Much Water Should a 12-week-Old Bichon Frise Drink?
- How Much Water Should a 4-month-Old Bichon Frise Drink?
- How Much Water Should a 34-week-Old Bichon Frise Drink?
- How Much Water Should a 6-month-Old Bichon Frise Drink?
- Other Factors that Affects How Much Water Your Bichon Frise Needs
- Bichon Frise Not Drinking Enough Water
- Bichon Frise Drinking Too Much Water
- Do Bichon Frises Drink a Lot of Water?
- How to Tell if Your Bichon Frise is Drinking Too Much, Too Little, or Enough Water
- How To Tell If Your Bichon Frise is Dehydrated
- Conclusion
How Much Water Should a Bichon Frise drink?
Hydrating your hound is very important since water makes up approximately 56 percent of an adult Bichon Frise`s body weight (73 percent of lean body mass). Water is an essential nutrient for your Bichon Frise`s existence.
Your Bichon Frise 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 Bichon Frise, 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 Bichon Frise weighs 3.6 Kg (8.0 pounds), and therefore requires 181.8 milliliters (6.1 ounces or 0.8 cups) of water every day, given that your dog is not a very active dog.
Essentially, the amount of water your Bichon Frise needs a day depends very much on how much your Bichon Frise weighs.
Also, the amount of water your Bichon Frise drinks depends on your Bichon Frise activity level. Very active dogs need more water than inactive dogs.
Use our Bichon Frise water calculator to estimate how much water your Bichon Frise should drink every day based on its weight and activity level.
The Bichon Frise is generally a high-activity level dog breed. So, your Bichon Frise will drink more water than the regular average dog breed.
To find out how much food you need to be feeding your Bichon Frise, check out our Bichon Frise feeding guide and food calculator.
How to Calculate How Much Water Your Bichon Frise Needs
Enter the weight and activity level of your Bichon Frise in the Bichon Frise water calculator below to estimate how much water your Bichon Frise needs.
Bichon Frise Water Calculator
*1 cup = 8 fluid ounces = 236.588 milliliters
Our Bichon Frise 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 Bichon Frises of different activity levels (low, medium, and high) need.
In our calculator, a medium-activity level Bichon Frise needs one and a half as much water as a low-activity level Bichon Frise each day. Similarly, a high-activity level Bichon Frise needs twice as much water as a low-activity level Bichon Frise needs.
Check out our dog water calculator for all dog breeds here.
One way to improve your Bichon Frise`s water drinking experience is to buy your dog a water fountain.
A water fountain will also encourage your Bichon Frise to drink enough water.
This is because the continuously flowing stream of water with a fresh taste from a water fountain will entice your Bichon Frise to drink enough water.
Furthermore, pet water fountains continuously filter the water that it delivers to your dog. A water fountain ensures that your Bichon Frise has access to clean fresh filtered water all the time.
Giving your Bichon Frise water from a fountain is more hygienic than giving your Bichon Frise 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 Bichon Frises. 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 7-Pound Bichon Frise Drink?
A 7-pound Bichon Frise should drink 10.8 ounces (1.3 cups) of water every day.
Bichon Frises are generally high-activity dogs, and about 10.8 ounces is the amount of water a High Activity Level 7-pound Bichon Frise needs every day.
However, if your 7-pound Bichon Frise is a low-activity dog, then it will need about 5.4 ounces of water (0.7 cups) every day.
Similarly, if your 7-pound Bichon Frise is of medium activity, then it will need about 8.1 ounces of water (1.0 cups) every day.
Use our Bichon Frise dog water calculator to find out how much water Bichon Frise should drink at different weights.
| Low Activity | Medium Activity | High Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 5.4 ounces (0.7 cups) | 8.1 ounces (1.0 cups) | 10.8 ounces (1.3 cups) |
How Much Water Should a 12-week-Old Bichon Frise Drink?
The average weight of 12-week-Old Bichon Frise is 4 pounds (1.8 kg).
Learn how much 12-week-Old Bichon Frise should weigh here.
A 4-pound Bichon Frise should drink 6.1 ounces (0.8 cups) of water every day.
Bichon Frises are generally high-activity dogs, and about 6.1 ounces is the amount of water a High Activity Level 4-pound Bichon Frise needs every day.
However, if your 4-pound Bichon Frise is a low-activity dog, then it will need about 3.1 ounces of water (0.4 cups) every day.
Similarly, if your 4-pound Bichon Frise is of medium activity, then it will need about 4.6 ounces of water (0.6 cups) every day.
Use our Bichon Frise dog water calculator to find out how much water Bichon Frise should drink at different weights.
| Low Activity | Medium Activity | High Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 3.1 ounces (0.4 cups) | 4.6 ounces (0.6 cups) | 6.1 ounces (0.8 cups) |
How Much Water Should a 4-month-Old Bichon Frise Drink?
The average weight of 4-month-Old Bichon Frise is 5 pounds (2.4 kg).
Learn how much 4-month-Old Bichon Frise should weigh here.
A 5-pound Bichon Frise should drink 7.7 ounces (1.0 cups) of water every day.
Bichon Frises are generally high-activity dogs, and about 7.7 ounces is the amount of water a High Activity Level 5-pound Bichon Frise needs every day.
However, if your 5-pound Bichon Frise is a low-activity dog, then it will need about 3.8 ounces of water (0.5 cups) every day.
Similarly, if your 5-pound Bichon Frise is of medium activity, then it will need about 5.8 ounces of water (0.7 cups) every day.
Use our Bichon Frise dog water calculator to find out how much water Bichon Frise should drink at different weights.
| Low Activity | Medium Activity | High Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 3.8 ounces (0.5 cups) | 5.8 ounces (0.7 cups) | 7.7 ounces (1.0 cups) |
How Much Water Should a 34-week-Old Bichon Frise Drink?
The average weight of 34-week-Old Bichon Frise is 8 pounds (3.8 kg).
Learn how much 34-week-Old Bichon Frise should weigh here.
A 8-pound Bichon Frise should drink 12.3 ounces (1.5 cups) of water every day.
Bichon Frises are generally high-activity dogs, and about 12.3 ounces is the amount of water a High Activity Level 8-pound Bichon Frise needs every day.
However, if your 8-pound Bichon Frise is a low-activity dog, then it will need about 6.1 ounces of water (0.8 cups) every day.
Similarly, if your 8-pound Bichon Frise is of medium activity, then it will need about 9.2 ounces of water (1.2 cups) every day.
Use our Bichon Frise dog water calculator to find out how much water Bichon Frise should drink at different weights.
| Low Activity | Medium Activity | High Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 6.1 ounces (0.8 cups) | 9.2 ounces (1.2 cups) | 12.3 ounces (1.5 cups) |
How Much Water Should a 6-month-Old Bichon Frise Drink?
The average weight of 6-month-Old Bichon Frise is 7 pounds (3.2 kg).
Learn how much 6-month-Old Bichon Frise should weigh here.
A 7-pound Bichon Frise should drink 10.8 ounces (1.3 cups) of water every day.
Bichon Frises are generally high-activity dogs, and about 10.8 ounces is the amount of water a High Activity Level 7-pound Bichon Frise needs every day.
However, if your 7-pound Bichon Frise is a low-activity dog, then it will need about 5.4 ounces of water (0.7 cups) every day.
Similarly, if your 7-pound Bichon Frise is of medium activity, then it will need about 8.1 ounces of water (1.0 cups) every day.
Use our Bichon Frise dog water calculator to find out how much water Bichon Frise should drink at different weights.
| Low Activity | Medium Activity | High Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 5.4 ounces (0.7 cups) | 8.1 ounces (1.0 cups) | 10.8 ounces (1.3 cups) |
Other Factors that Affects How Much Water Your Bichon Frise Needs
In addition to its weight and activity level, your Bichon Frise may need more or less water depending on other factors in your Bichon Frise`s life such as:
- The weather: Bichon Frises need more water during the hot summer than in the cold winter.
- Your Bichon Frise`s Diet: Bichon Frises that eat moist/wet food will require less water than Bichon Frises that eat dry food (kibble). Wet dog food contains 65-80% water, while dry dog food contains 10-12% water.
- Your Bichon Frise`s age: Senior Bichon Frises are generally more laid back than younger Bichon Frises, therefore senior Bichon Frises need less water.
- Pregnant Bichon Frises and lactating Bichon Frises: These need more water than normal.
- Bichon Frises on Medication: Certain medications may make your Bichon Frise drink more water.
Bichon Frise Not Drinking Enough Water
If your Bichon Frise is not drinking enough water, then your Bichon Frise is at risk of dehydration, and the problems that come with dehydration.
Problems that come with your Bichon Frise not drinking enough water include urinary tract issues like kidney stones and organ failure.
Your Bichon Frise may be drinking less water than usual because of the following reasons:
- Your Bichon Frise has limited access to fresh clean water.
- You changed your Bichon Frise`s food (e.g. from dry food to wet food)
- You changed your Bichon Frise`s water source
- The weather is cooler than it used to be
- Your Bichon Frise is less active than it used to be
- Your Bichon Frise is growing old
If none of these applies to your Bichon Frise, then it might be that your Bichon Frise has an underlying health condition and you might want to talk to your vet.
Also, your Bichon Frise 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 Bichon Frise is a picky drinker as such, then you should consider getting your Bichon Frise a water fountain like one of these. A water fountain will entice your Bichon Frise to drink water. With a water fountain, you can be sure that your Bichon Frise 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 Bichon Frise might not be drinking enough water.
Check your Bichon Frise`s mouth for any oral infection. When checking your Bichon Frise`s mouth, pay attention to the smell of your Bichon Frise`s breath to make sure that your Bichon Frise does not have bad breath as bad breath could be a sign of oral infection.
Furthermore, if you recently changed your Bichon Frise`s water source, and your Bichon Frise starts drinking less water, then you might want to change back to the old source.
Bichon Frise Drinking Too Much Water
Your Bichon Frise may be drinking too much water simply because you give it unrestricted access to water. Also, your Bichon Frise may be drinking too much because it has a health problem such as diabetes.
If your Bichon Frise is drinking too much water, then your Bichon Frise 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 Bichon Frise 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 Bichon Frise is drinking too much water, then your Bichon Frise will need to urinate frequently and take unnecessary bathroom breaks. This can be an inconvenience for your if you have to take your Bichon Frise out of the house for its bathroom breaks.
If your Bichon Frise is drinking too much water for no obvious reason, talk to your vet. However, if your Bichon Frise is drinking too much water because it has access to water, then limit your Bichon Frise`s access to water.
Do Bichon Frises Drink a Lot of Water?
The amount of water a Bichon Frise needs is proportional to the Bichon Frise`s body weight and activity level. Older bigger adult Bichon Frises drink a lot of water compared to younger smaller Bichon Frises.
Also, Bichon Frises that are not very active drink a lot less water than very active Bichon Frises. Also, Bichon Frises drink lots of water in the hot summer months than in the cold winter months.
To find how much water your Bichon Frise should be drinking, use our Bichon Frise dog water calculator to estimate your Bichon Frise`s daily water needs.
How to Tell if Your Bichon Frise is Drinking Too Much, Too Little, or Enough Water
A simple way to check if your Bichon Frise 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 Bichon Frise`s bowl so that your Bichon Frise can drink water without a limit.
Then, in the evening, measure the amount of water left in your Bichon Frise`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 Bichon Frise has drunk.
Finally, use our Bichon Frise 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 Bichon Frise water with a water fountain.
How To Tell If Your Bichon Frise is Dehydrated
If your Bichon Frise 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 Bichon Frise. 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 Bichon Frise in good health, you need to keep your Bichon Frise hydrated. Therefore, you need to keep an eye on your Bichon Frise`s water intake to make sure your Bichon Frise is getting the right amount of water that it needs.
To encourage your Bichon Frise to drink enough water, make sure that your Bichon Frise has access to clean water all the time.
A good way to ensure your Bichon Frise has clean water available to it is to invest in a good water fountain like one of these.
If you think your Bichon Frise is drinking an unusual amount of water (too much or too little), then do not hesitate to speak with a pet vet.