Quick Links: Table of Contents
- How Much Water Should a Dutch Shepherd drink?
- How to Calculate How Much Water Your Dutch Shepherd Needs
- Dutch Shepherd Water Calculator
- How Much Water Should a 24-Pound Dutch Shepherd Drink?
- How Much Water Should a 33-week-Old Dutch Shepherd Drink?
- How Much Water Should a 10-month-Old Dutch Shepherd Drink?
- How Much Water Should a 28-week-Old Dutch Shepherd Drink?
- How Much Water Should a 3-month-Old Dutch Shepherd Drink?
- Other Factors that Affects How Much Water Your Dutch Shepherd Needs
- Dutch Shepherd Not Drinking Enough Water
- Dutch Shepherd Drinking Too Much Water
- Do Dutch Shepherds Drink a Lot of Water?
- How to Tell if Your Dutch Shepherd is Drinking Too Much, Too Little, or Enough Water
- How To Tell If Your Dutch Shepherd is Dehydrated
- Conclusion
How Much Water Should a Dutch Shepherd drink?
Hydrating your hound is very important since water makes up approximately 56 percent of an adult Dutch Shepherd`s body weight (73 percent of lean body mass). Water is an essential nutrient for your Dutch Shepherd`s existence.
Your Dutch 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 Dutch 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 Dutch Shepherd weighs 26.8 Kg (59.0 pounds), and therefore requires 1340.9 milliliters (45.3 ounces or 5.7 cups) of water every day, given that your dog is not a very active dog.
Essentially, the amount of water your Dutch Shepherd needs a day depends very much on how much your Dutch Shepherd weighs.
Also, the amount of water your Dutch Shepherd drinks depends on your Dutch Shepherd activity level. Very active dogs need more water than inactive dogs.
Use our Dutch Shepherd water calculator to estimate how much water your Dutch Shepherd should drink every day based on its weight and activity level.
The Dutch Shepherd is generally a high-activity level dog breed. So, your Dutch Shepherd will drink more water than the regular average dog breed.
To find out how much food you need to be feeding your Dutch Shepherd, check out our Dutch Shepherd feeding guide and food calculator.
How to Calculate How Much Water Your Dutch Shepherd Needs
Enter the weight and activity level of your Dutch Shepherd in the Dutch Shepherd water calculator below to estimate how much water your Dutch Shepherd needs.
Dutch Shepherd Water Calculator
*1 cup = 8 fluid ounces = 236.588 milliliters
Our Dutch 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 Dutch Shepherds of different activity levels (low, medium, and high) need.
In our calculator, a medium-activity level Dutch Shepherd needs one and a half as much water as a low-activity level Dutch Shepherd each day. Similarly, a high-activity level Dutch Shepherd needs twice as much water as a low-activity level Dutch Shepherd needs.
Check out our dog water calculator for all dog breeds here.
One way to improve your Dutch Shepherd`s water drinking experience is to buy your dog a water fountain.
A water fountain will also encourage your Dutch 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 Dutch 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 Dutch Shepherd has access to clean fresh filtered water all the time.
Giving your Dutch Shepherd water from a fountain is more hygienic than giving your Dutch 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 Dutch 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 24-Pound Dutch Shepherd Drink?
A 24-pound Dutch Shepherd should drink 36.9 ounces (4.6 cups) of water every day.
Dutch Shepherds are generally high-activity dogs, and about 36.9 ounces is the amount of water a High Activity Level 24-pound Dutch Shepherd needs every day.
However, if your 24-pound Dutch Shepherd is a low-activity dog, then it will need about 18.4 ounces of water (2.3 cups) every day.
Similarly, if your 24-pound Dutch Shepherd is of medium activity, then it will need about 27.7 ounces of water (3.5 cups) every day.
Use our Dutch Shepherd dog water calculator to find out how much water Dutch Shepherd should drink at different weights.
| Low Activity | Medium Activity | High Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 18.4 ounces (2.3 cups) | 27.7 ounces (3.5 cups) | 36.9 ounces (4.6 cups) |
How Much Water Should a 33-week-Old Dutch Shepherd Drink?
The average weight of 33-week-Old Dutch Shepherd is 48 pounds (21.8 kg).
Learn how much 33-week-Old Dutch Shepherd should weigh here.
A 48-pound Dutch Shepherd should drink 73.8 ounces (9.2 cups) of water every day.
Dutch Shepherds are generally high-activity dogs, and about 73.8 ounces is the amount of water a High Activity Level 48-pound Dutch Shepherd needs every day.
However, if your 48-pound Dutch Shepherd is a low-activity dog, then it will need about 36.9 ounces of water (4.6 cups) every day.
Similarly, if your 48-pound Dutch Shepherd is of medium activity, then it will need about 55.3 ounces of water (6.9 cups) every day.
Use our Dutch Shepherd dog water calculator to find out how much water Dutch Shepherd should drink at different weights.
| Low Activity | Medium Activity | High Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 36.9 ounces (4.6 cups) | 55.3 ounces (6.9 cups) | 73.8 ounces (9.2 cups) |
How Much Water Should a 10-month-Old Dutch Shepherd Drink?
The average weight of 10-month-Old Dutch Shepherd is 53 pounds (23.9 kg).
Learn how much 10-month-Old Dutch Shepherd should weigh here.
A 53-pound Dutch Shepherd should drink 81.5 ounces (10.2 cups) of water every day.
Dutch Shepherds are generally high-activity dogs, and about 81.5 ounces is the amount of water a High Activity Level 53-pound Dutch Shepherd needs every day.
However, if your 53-pound Dutch Shepherd is a low-activity dog, then it will need about 40.7 ounces of water (5.1 cups) every day.
Similarly, if your 53-pound Dutch Shepherd is of medium activity, then it will need about 61.1 ounces of water (7.6 cups) every day.
Use our Dutch Shepherd dog water calculator to find out how much water Dutch Shepherd should drink at different weights.
| Low Activity | Medium Activity | High Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 40.7 ounces (5.1 cups) | 61.1 ounces (7.6 cups) | 81.5 ounces (10.2 cups) |
How Much Water Should a 28-week-Old Dutch Shepherd Drink?
The average weight of 28-week-Old Dutch Shepherd is 43 pounds (19.6 kg).
Learn how much 28-week-Old Dutch Shepherd should weigh here.
A 43-pound Dutch Shepherd should drink 66.1 ounces (8.3 cups) of water every day.
Dutch Shepherds are generally high-activity dogs, and about 66.1 ounces is the amount of water a High Activity Level 43-pound Dutch Shepherd needs every day.
However, if your 43-pound Dutch Shepherd is a low-activity dog, then it will need about 33.0 ounces of water (4.1 cups) every day.
Similarly, if your 43-pound Dutch Shepherd is of medium activity, then it will need about 49.6 ounces of water (6.2 cups) every day.
Use our Dutch Shepherd dog water calculator to find out how much water Dutch Shepherd should drink at different weights.
| Low Activity | Medium Activity | High Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 33.0 ounces (4.1 cups) | 49.6 ounces (6.2 cups) | 66.1 ounces (8.3 cups) |
How Much Water Should a 3-month-Old Dutch Shepherd Drink?
The average weight of 3-month-Old Dutch Shepherd is 15 pounds (6.8 kg).
Learn how much 3-month-Old Dutch Shepherd should weigh here.
A 15-pound Dutch Shepherd should drink 23.1 ounces (2.9 cups) of water every day.
Dutch Shepherds are generally high-activity dogs, and about 23.1 ounces is the amount of water a High Activity Level 15-pound Dutch Shepherd needs every day.
However, if your 15-pound Dutch Shepherd is a low-activity dog, then it will need about 11.5 ounces of water (1.4 cups) every day.
Similarly, if your 15-pound Dutch Shepherd is of medium activity, then it will need about 17.3 ounces of water (2.2 cups) every day.
Use our Dutch Shepherd dog water calculator to find out how much water Dutch Shepherd should drink at different weights.
| Low Activity | Medium Activity | High Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 11.5 ounces (1.4 cups) | 17.3 ounces (2.2 cups) | 23.1 ounces (2.9 cups) |
Other Factors that Affects How Much Water Your Dutch Shepherd Needs
In addition to its weight and activity level, your Dutch Shepherd may need more or less water depending on other factors in your Dutch Shepherd`s life such as:
- The weather: Dutch Shepherds need more water during the hot summer than in the cold winter.
- Your Dutch Shepherd`s Diet: Dutch Shepherds that eat moist/wet food will require less water than Dutch Shepherds that eat dry food (kibble). Wet dog food contains 65-80% water, while dry dog food contains 10-12% water.
- Your Dutch Shepherd`s age: Senior Dutch Shepherds are generally more laid back than younger Dutch Shepherds, therefore senior Dutch Shepherds need less water.
- Pregnant Dutch Shepherds and lactating Dutch Shepherds: These need more water than normal.
- Dutch Shepherds on Medication: Certain medications may make your Dutch Shepherd drink more water.
Dutch Shepherd Not Drinking Enough Water
If your Dutch Shepherd is not drinking enough water, then your Dutch Shepherd is at risk of dehydration, and the problems that come with dehydration.
Problems that come with your Dutch Shepherd not drinking enough water include urinary tract issues like kidney stones and organ failure.
Your Dutch Shepherd may be drinking less water than usual because of the following reasons:
- Your Dutch Shepherd has limited access to fresh clean water.
- You changed your Dutch Shepherd`s food (e.g. from dry food to wet food)
- You changed your Dutch Shepherd`s water source
- The weather is cooler than it used to be
- Your Dutch Shepherd is less active than it used to be
- Your Dutch Shepherd is growing old
If none of these applies to your Dutch Shepherd, then it might be that your Dutch Shepherd has an underlying health condition and you might want to talk to your vet.
Also, your Dutch 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 Dutch Shepherd is a picky drinker as such, then you should consider getting your Dutch Shepherd a water fountain like one of these. A water fountain will entice your Dutch Shepherd to drink water. With a water fountain, you can be sure that your Dutch 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 Dutch Shepherd might not be drinking enough water.
Check your Dutch Shepherd`s mouth for any oral infection. When checking your Dutch Shepherd`s mouth, pay attention to the smell of your Dutch Shepherd`s breath to make sure that your Dutch Shepherd does not have bad breath as bad breath could be a sign of oral infection.
Furthermore, if you recently changed your Dutch Shepherd`s water source, and your Dutch Shepherd starts drinking less water, then you might want to change back to the old source.
Dutch Shepherd Drinking Too Much Water
Your Dutch Shepherd may be drinking too much water simply because you give it unrestricted access to water. Also, your Dutch Shepherd may be drinking too much because it has a health problem such as diabetes.
If your Dutch Shepherd is drinking too much water, then your Dutch 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 Dutch 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 Dutch Shepherd is drinking too much water, then your Dutch Shepherd will need to urinate frequently and take unnecessary bathroom breaks. This can be an inconvenience for your if you have to take your Dutch Shepherd out of the house for its bathroom breaks.
If your Dutch Shepherd is drinking too much water for no obvious reason, talk to your vet. However, if your Dutch Shepherd is drinking too much water because it has access to water, then limit your Dutch Shepherd`s access to water.
Do Dutch Shepherds Drink a Lot of Water?
The amount of water a Dutch Shepherd needs is proportional to the Dutch Shepherd`s body weight and activity level. Older bigger adult Dutch Shepherds drink a lot of water compared to younger smaller Dutch Shepherds.
Also, Dutch Shepherds that are not very active drink a lot less water than very active Dutch Shepherds. Also, Dutch Shepherds drink lots of water in the hot summer months than in the cold winter months.
To find how much water your Dutch Shepherd should be drinking, use our Dutch Shepherd dog water calculator to estimate your Dutch Shepherd`s daily water needs.
How to Tell if Your Dutch Shepherd is Drinking Too Much, Too Little, or Enough Water
A simple way to check if your Dutch 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 Dutch Shepherd`s bowl so that your Dutch Shepherd can drink water without a limit.
Then, in the evening, measure the amount of water left in your Dutch 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 Dutch Shepherd has drunk.
Finally, use our Dutch 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 Dutch Shepherd water with a water fountain.
How To Tell If Your Dutch Shepherd is Dehydrated
If your Dutch 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 Dutch 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 Dutch Shepherd in good health, you need to keep your Dutch Shepherd hydrated. Therefore, you need to keep an eye on your Dutch Shepherd`s water intake to make sure your Dutch Shepherd is getting the right amount of water that it needs.
To encourage your Dutch Shepherd to drink enough water, make sure that your Dutch Shepherd has access to clean water all the time.
A good way to ensure your Dutch Shepherd has clean water available to it is to invest in a good water fountain like one of these.
If you think your Dutch Shepherd is drinking an unusual amount of water (too much or too little), then do not hesitate to speak with a pet vet.