Quick Links: Table of Contents
- How Much Water Should a Icelandic Sheepdog drink?
- How to Calculate How Much Water Your Icelandic Sheepdog Needs
- Icelandic Sheepdog Water Calculator
- How Much Water Should a 18-Pound Icelandic Sheepdog Drink?
- How Much Water Should a 19-week-Old Icelandic Sheepdog Drink?
- How Much Water Should a 5-month-Old Icelandic Sheepdog Drink?
- How Much Water Should a 36-week-Old Icelandic Sheepdog Drink?
- How Much Water Should a 8-month-Old Icelandic Sheepdog Drink?
- Other Factors that Affects How Much Water Your Icelandic Sheepdog Needs
- Icelandic Sheepdog Not Drinking Enough Water
- Icelandic Sheepdog Drinking Too Much Water
- Do Icelandic Sheepdogs Drink a Lot of Water?
- How to Tell if Your Icelandic Sheepdog is Drinking Too Much, Too Little, or Enough Water
- How To Tell If Your Icelandic Sheepdog is Dehydrated
- Conclusion
How Much Water Should a Icelandic Sheepdog drink?
Hydrating your hound is very important since water makes up approximately 56 percent of an adult Icelandic Sheepdog`s body weight (73 percent of lean body mass). Water is an essential nutrient for your Icelandic Sheepdog`s existence.
Your Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog, 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 Icelandic Sheepdog weighs 10.9 Kg (24.0 pounds), and therefore requires 545.5 milliliters (18.4 ounces or 2.3 cups) of water every day, given that your dog is not a very active dog.
Essentially, the amount of water your Icelandic Sheepdog needs a day depends very much on how much your Icelandic Sheepdog weighs.
Also, the amount of water your Icelandic Sheepdog drinks depends on your Icelandic Sheepdog activity level. Very active dogs need more water than inactive dogs.
Use our Icelandic Sheepdog water calculator to estimate how much water your Icelandic Sheepdog should drink every day based on its weight and activity level.
The Icelandic Sheepdog is generally a high-activity level dog breed. So, your Icelandic Sheepdog will drink more water than the regular average dog breed.
To find out how much food you need to be feeding your Icelandic Sheepdog, check out our Icelandic Sheepdog feeding guide and food calculator.
How to Calculate How Much Water Your Icelandic Sheepdog Needs
Enter the weight and activity level of your Icelandic Sheepdog in the Icelandic Sheepdog water calculator below to estimate how much water your Icelandic Sheepdog needs.
Icelandic Sheepdog Water Calculator
*1 cup = 8 fluid ounces = 236.588 milliliters
Our Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdogs of different activity levels (low, medium, and high) need.
In our calculator, a medium-activity level Icelandic Sheepdog needs one and a half as much water as a low-activity level Icelandic Sheepdog each day. Similarly, a high-activity level Icelandic Sheepdog needs twice as much water as a low-activity level Icelandic Sheepdog needs.
Check out our dog water calculator for all dog breeds here.
One way to improve your Icelandic Sheepdog`s water drinking experience is to buy your dog a water fountain.
A water fountain will also encourage your Icelandic Sheepdog to drink enough water.
This is because the continuously flowing stream of water with a fresh taste from a water fountain will entice your Icelandic Sheepdog to drink enough water.
Furthermore, pet water fountains continuously filter the water that it delivers to your dog. A water fountain ensures that your Icelandic Sheepdog has access to clean fresh filtered water all the time.
Giving your Icelandic Sheepdog water from a fountain is more hygienic than giving your Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdogs. These water fountains are durable, made with food-grade materials, and operate very quietly with little noise:
-
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 18-Pound Icelandic Sheepdog Drink?
A 18-pound Icelandic Sheepdog should drink 27.7 ounces (3.5 cups) of water every day.
Icelandic Sheepdogs are generally high-activity dogs, and about 27.7 ounces is the amount of water a High Activity Level 18-pound Icelandic Sheepdog needs every day.
However, if your 18-pound Icelandic Sheepdog is a low-activity dog, then it will need about 13.8 ounces of water (1.7 cups) every day.
Similarly, if your 18-pound Icelandic Sheepdog is of medium activity, then it will need about 20.7 ounces of water (2.6 cups) every day.
Use our Icelandic Sheepdog dog water calculator to find out how much water Icelandic Sheepdog should drink at different weights.
| Low Activity | Medium Activity | High Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 13.8 ounces (1.7 cups) | 20.7 ounces (2.6 cups) | 27.7 ounces (3.5 cups) |
How Much Water Should a 19-week-Old Icelandic Sheepdog Drink?
The average weight of 19-week-Old Icelandic Sheepdog is 13 pounds (6.0 kg).
Learn how much 19-week-Old Icelandic Sheepdog should weigh here.
A 13-pound Icelandic Sheepdog should drink 20.0 ounces (2.5 cups) of water every day.
Icelandic Sheepdogs are generally high-activity dogs, and about 20.0 ounces is the amount of water a High Activity Level 13-pound Icelandic Sheepdog needs every day.
However, if your 13-pound Icelandic Sheepdog is a low-activity dog, then it will need about 10.0 ounces of water (1.2 cups) every day.
Similarly, if your 13-pound Icelandic Sheepdog is of medium activity, then it will need about 15.0 ounces of water (1.9 cups) every day.
Use our Icelandic Sheepdog dog water calculator to find out how much water Icelandic Sheepdog should drink at different weights.
| Low Activity | Medium Activity | High Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 10.0 ounces (1.2 cups) | 15.0 ounces (1.9 cups) | 20.0 ounces (2.5 cups) |
How Much Water Should a 5-month-Old Icelandic Sheepdog Drink?
The average weight of 5-month-Old Icelandic Sheepdog is 14 pounds (6.3 kg).
Learn how much 5-month-Old Icelandic Sheepdog should weigh here.
A 14-pound Icelandic Sheepdog should drink 21.5 ounces (2.7 cups) of water every day.
Icelandic Sheepdogs are generally high-activity dogs, and about 21.5 ounces is the amount of water a High Activity Level 14-pound Icelandic Sheepdog needs every day.
However, if your 14-pound Icelandic Sheepdog is a low-activity dog, then it will need about 10.8 ounces of water (1.3 cups) every day.
Similarly, if your 14-pound Icelandic Sheepdog is of medium activity, then it will need about 16.1 ounces of water (2.0 cups) every day.
Use our Icelandic Sheepdog dog water calculator to find out how much water Icelandic Sheepdog should drink at different weights.
| Low Activity | Medium Activity | High Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 10.8 ounces (1.3 cups) | 16.1 ounces (2.0 cups) | 21.5 ounces (2.7 cups) |
How Much Water Should a 36-week-Old Icelandic Sheepdog Drink?
The average weight of 36-week-Old Icelandic Sheepdog is 20 pounds (8.9 kg).
Learn how much 36-week-Old Icelandic Sheepdog should weigh here.
A 20-pound Icelandic Sheepdog should drink 30.7 ounces (3.8 cups) of water every day.
Icelandic Sheepdogs are generally high-activity dogs, and about 30.7 ounces is the amount of water a High Activity Level 20-pound Icelandic Sheepdog needs every day.
However, if your 20-pound Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog is of medium activity, then it will need about 23.1 ounces of water (2.9 cups) every day.
Use our Icelandic Sheepdog dog water calculator to find out how much water Icelandic Sheepdog 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) |
How Much Water Should a 8-month-Old Icelandic Sheepdog Drink?
The average weight of 8-month-Old Icelandic Sheepdog is 19 pounds (8.4 kg).
Learn how much 8-month-Old Icelandic Sheepdog should weigh here.
A 19-pound Icelandic Sheepdog should drink 29.2 ounces (3.7 cups) of water every day.
Icelandic Sheepdogs are generally high-activity dogs, and about 29.2 ounces is the amount of water a High Activity Level 19-pound Icelandic Sheepdog needs every day.
However, if your 19-pound Icelandic Sheepdog is a low-activity dog, then it will need about 14.6 ounces of water (1.8 cups) every day.
Similarly, if your 19-pound Icelandic Sheepdog is of medium activity, then it will need about 21.9 ounces of water (2.7 cups) every day.
Use our Icelandic Sheepdog dog water calculator to find out how much water Icelandic Sheepdog should drink at different weights.
| Low Activity | Medium Activity | High Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 14.6 ounces (1.8 cups) | 21.9 ounces (2.7 cups) | 29.2 ounces (3.7 cups) |
Other Factors that Affects How Much Water Your Icelandic Sheepdog Needs
In addition to its weight and activity level, your Icelandic Sheepdog may need more or less water depending on other factors in your Icelandic Sheepdog`s life such as:
- The weather: Icelandic Sheepdogs need more water during the hot summer than in the cold winter.
- Your Icelandic Sheepdog`s Diet: Icelandic Sheepdogs that eat moist/wet food will require less water than Icelandic Sheepdogs that eat dry food (kibble). Wet dog food contains 65-80% water, while dry dog food contains 10-12% water.
- Your Icelandic Sheepdog`s age: Senior Icelandic Sheepdogs are generally more laid back than younger Icelandic Sheepdogs, therefore senior Icelandic Sheepdogs need less water.
- Pregnant Icelandic Sheepdogs and lactating Icelandic Sheepdogs: These need more water than normal.
- Icelandic Sheepdogs on Medication: Certain medications may make your Icelandic Sheepdog drink more water.
Icelandic Sheepdog Not Drinking Enough Water
If your Icelandic Sheepdog is not drinking enough water, then your Icelandic Sheepdog is at risk of dehydration, and the problems that come with dehydration.
Problems that come with your Icelandic Sheepdog not drinking enough water include urinary tract issues like kidney stones and organ failure.
Your Icelandic Sheepdog may be drinking less water than usual because of the following reasons:
- Your Icelandic Sheepdog has limited access to fresh clean water.
- You changed your Icelandic Sheepdog`s food (e.g. from dry food to wet food)
- You changed your Icelandic Sheepdog`s water source
- The weather is cooler than it used to be
- Your Icelandic Sheepdog is less active than it used to be
- Your Icelandic Sheepdog is growing old
If none of these applies to your Icelandic Sheepdog, then it might be that your Icelandic Sheepdog has an underlying health condition and you might want to talk to your vet.
Also, your Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog is a picky drinker as such, then you should consider getting your Icelandic Sheepdog a water fountain like one of these. A water fountain will entice your Icelandic Sheepdog to drink water. With a water fountain, you can be sure that your Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog might not be drinking enough water.
Check your Icelandic Sheepdog`s mouth for any oral infection. When checking your Icelandic Sheepdog`s mouth, pay attention to the smell of your Icelandic Sheepdog`s breath to make sure that your Icelandic Sheepdog does not have bad breath as bad breath could be a sign of oral infection.
Furthermore, if you recently changed your Icelandic Sheepdog`s water source, and your Icelandic Sheepdog starts drinking less water, then you might want to change back to the old source.
Icelandic Sheepdog Drinking Too Much Water
Your Icelandic Sheepdog may be drinking too much water simply because you give it unrestricted access to water. Also, your Icelandic Sheepdog may be drinking too much because it has a health problem such as diabetes.
If your Icelandic Sheepdog is drinking too much water, then your Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog is drinking too much water, then your Icelandic Sheepdog will need to urinate frequently and take unnecessary bathroom breaks. This can be an inconvenience for your if you have to take your Icelandic Sheepdog out of the house for its bathroom breaks.
If your Icelandic Sheepdog is drinking too much water for no obvious reason, talk to your vet. However, if your Icelandic Sheepdog is drinking too much water because it has access to water, then limit your Icelandic Sheepdog`s access to water.
Do Icelandic Sheepdogs Drink a Lot of Water?
The amount of water a Icelandic Sheepdog needs is proportional to the Icelandic Sheepdog`s body weight and activity level. Older bigger adult Icelandic Sheepdogs drink a lot of water compared to younger smaller Icelandic Sheepdogs.
Also, Icelandic Sheepdogs that are not very active drink a lot less water than very active Icelandic Sheepdogs. Also, Icelandic Sheepdogs drink lots of water in the hot summer months than in the cold winter months.
To find how much water your Icelandic Sheepdog should be drinking, use our Icelandic Sheepdog dog water calculator to estimate your Icelandic Sheepdog`s daily water needs.
How to Tell if Your Icelandic Sheepdog is Drinking Too Much, Too Little, or Enough Water
A simple way to check if your Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog`s bowl so that your Icelandic Sheepdog can drink water without a limit.
Then, in the evening, measure the amount of water left in your Icelandic Sheepdog`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 Icelandic Sheepdog has drunk.
Finally, use our Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog water with a water fountain.
How To Tell If Your Icelandic Sheepdog is Dehydrated
If your Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog. 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 Icelandic Sheepdog in good health, you need to keep your Icelandic Sheepdog hydrated. Therefore, you need to keep an eye on your Icelandic Sheepdog`s water intake to make sure your Icelandic Sheepdog is getting the right amount of water that it needs.
To encourage your Icelandic Sheepdog to drink enough water, make sure that your Icelandic Sheepdog has access to clean water all the time.
A good way to ensure your Icelandic Sheepdog has clean water available to it is to invest in a good water fountain like one of these.
If you think your Icelandic Sheepdog is drinking an unusual amount of water (too much or too little), then do not hesitate to speak with a pet vet.