Quick Links: Table of Contents
- How Much Water Should a Mal Shi drink?
- How to Calculate How Much Water Your Mal Shi Needs
- Mal Shi Water Calculator
- How Much Water Should a 7-Pound Mal Shi Drink?
- How Much Water Should a 17-week-Old Mal Shi Drink?
- How Much Water Should a 6-month-Old Mal Shi Drink?
- How Much Water Should a 33-week-Old Mal Shi Drink?
- How Much Water Should a 3-month-Old Mal Shi Drink?
- Other Factors that Affects How Much Water Your Mal Shi Needs
- Mal Shi Not Drinking Enough Water
- Mal Shi Drinking Too Much Water
- Do Mal Shis Drink a Lot of Water?
- How to Tell if Your Mal Shi is Drinking Too Much, Too Little, or Enough Water
- How To Tell If Your Mal Shi is Dehydrated
- Conclusion
How Much Water Should a Mal Shi drink?
Hydrating your hound is very important since water makes up approximately 56 percent of an adult Mal Shi`s body weight (73 percent of lean body mass). Water is an essential nutrient for your Mal Shi`s existence.
Your Mal Shi 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 Mal Shi, 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 Mal Shi 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 Mal Shi needs a day depends very much on how much your Mal Shi weighs.
Also, the amount of water your Mal Shi drinks depends on your Mal Shi activity level. Very active dogs need more water than inactive dogs.
Use our Mal Shi water calculator to estimate how much water your Mal Shi should drink every day based on its weight and activity level.
The Mal Shi is typically a medium-activity level dog breed. So, your Mal Shi will drink an average amount of water compared to other dog breeds of similar weight.
To find out how much food you need to be feeding your Mal Shi, check out our Mal Shi feeding guide and food calculator.
How to Calculate How Much Water Your Mal Shi Needs
Enter the weight and activity level of your Mal Shi in the Mal Shi water calculator below to estimate how much water your Mal Shi needs.
Mal Shi Water Calculator
*1 cup = 8 fluid ounces = 236.588 milliliters
Our Mal Shi 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 Mal Shis of different activity levels (low, medium, and high) need.
In our calculator, a medium-activity level Mal Shi needs one and a half as much water as a low-activity level Mal Shi each day. Similarly, a high-activity level Mal Shi needs twice as much water as a low-activity level Mal Shi needs.
Check out our dog water calculator for all dog breeds here.
One way to improve your Mal Shi`s water drinking experience is to buy your dog a water fountain.
A water fountain will also encourage your Mal Shi to drink enough water.
This is because the continuously flowing stream of water with a fresh taste from a water fountain will entice your Mal Shi to drink enough water.
Furthermore, pet water fountains continuously filter the water that it delivers to your dog. A water fountain ensures that your Mal Shi has access to clean fresh filtered water all the time.
Giving your Mal Shi water from a fountain is more hygienic than giving your Mal Shi 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 Mal Shis. 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 Mal Shi Drink?
A 7-pound Mal Shi should drink 8.1 ounces (1.0 cups) of water every day.
Mal Shis are generally high-activity dogs, and about 8.1 ounces is the amount of water a Medium Activity Level 7-pound Mal Shi needs every day.
However, if your 7-pound Mal Shi is a high-activity dog, then it will need about 10.8 ounces of water (1.3 cups) every day.
Similarly, if your 7-pound Mal Shi is of low activity, then it will need about 5.4 ounces of water (0.7 cups) every day.
Use our Mal Shi dog water calculator to find out how much water Mal Shi 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 17-week-Old Mal Shi Drink?
The average weight of 17-week-Old Mal Shi is 5 pounds (2.2 kg).
Learn how much 17-week-Old Mal Shi should weigh here.
A 5-pound Mal Shi should drink 5.8 ounces (0.7 cups) of water every day.
Mal Shis are generally high-activity dogs, and about 5.8 ounces is the amount of water a Medium Activity Level 5-pound Mal Shi needs every day.
However, if your 5-pound Mal Shi is a high-activity dog, then it will need about 7.7 ounces of water (1.0 cups) every day.
Similarly, if your 5-pound Mal Shi is of low activity, then it will need about 3.8 ounces of water (0.5 cups) every day.
Use our Mal Shi dog water calculator to find out how much water Mal Shi 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 6-month-Old Mal Shi Drink?
The average weight of 6-month-Old Mal Shi is 6 pounds (2.8 kg).
Learn how much 6-month-Old Mal Shi should weigh here.
A 6-pound Mal Shi should drink 6.9 ounces (0.9 cups) of water every day.
Mal Shis are generally high-activity dogs, and about 6.9 ounces is the amount of water a Medium Activity Level 6-pound Mal Shi needs every day.
However, if your 6-pound Mal Shi is a high-activity dog, then it will need about 9.2 ounces of water (1.2 cups) every day.
Similarly, if your 6-pound Mal Shi is of low activity, then it will need about 4.6 ounces of water (0.6 cups) every day.
Use our Mal Shi dog water calculator to find out how much water Mal Shi should drink at different weights.
| Low Activity | Medium Activity | High Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 4.6 ounces (0.6 cups) | 6.9 ounces (0.9 cups) | 9.2 ounces (1.2 cups) |
How Much Water Should a 33-week-Old Mal Shi Drink?
The average weight of 33-week-Old Mal Shi is 7 pounds (3.2 kg).
Learn how much 33-week-Old Mal Shi should weigh here.
A 7-pound Mal Shi should drink 8.1 ounces (1.0 cups) of water every day.
Mal Shis are generally high-activity dogs, and about 8.1 ounces is the amount of water a Medium Activity Level 7-pound Mal Shi needs every day.
However, if your 7-pound Mal Shi is a high-activity dog, then it will need about 10.8 ounces of water (1.3 cups) every day.
Similarly, if your 7-pound Mal Shi is of low activity, then it will need about 5.4 ounces of water (0.7 cups) every day.
Use our Mal Shi dog water calculator to find out how much water Mal Shi 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 3-month-Old Mal Shi Drink?
The average weight of 3-month-Old Mal Shi is 4 pounds (1.7 kg).
Learn how much 3-month-Old Mal Shi should weigh here.
A 4-pound Mal Shi should drink 4.6 ounces (0.6 cups) of water every day.
Mal Shis are generally high-activity dogs, and about 4.6 ounces is the amount of water a Medium Activity Level 4-pound Mal Shi needs every day.
However, if your 4-pound Mal Shi is a high-activity dog, then it will need about 6.1 ounces of water (0.8 cups) every day.
Similarly, if your 4-pound Mal Shi is of low activity, then it will need about 3.1 ounces of water (0.4 cups) every day.
Use our Mal Shi dog water calculator to find out how much water Mal Shi 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) |
Other Factors that Affects How Much Water Your Mal Shi Needs
In addition to its weight and activity level, your Mal Shi may need more or less water depending on other factors in your Mal Shi`s life such as:
- The weather: Mal Shis need more water during the hot summer than in the cold winter.
- Your Mal Shi`s Diet: Mal Shis that eat moist/wet food will require less water than Mal Shis that eat dry food (kibble). Wet dog food contains 65-80% water, while dry dog food contains 10-12% water.
- Your Mal Shi`s age: Senior Mal Shis are generally more laid back than younger Mal Shis, therefore senior Mal Shis need less water.
- Pregnant Mal Shis and lactating Mal Shis: These need more water than normal.
- Mal Shis on Medication: Certain medications may make your Mal Shi drink more water.
Mal Shi Not Drinking Enough Water
If your Mal Shi is not drinking enough water, then your Mal Shi is at risk of dehydration, and the problems that come with dehydration.
Problems that come with your Mal Shi not drinking enough water include urinary tract issues like kidney stones and organ failure.
Your Mal Shi may be drinking less water than usual because of the following reasons:
- Your Mal Shi has limited access to fresh clean water.
- You changed your Mal Shi`s food (e.g. from dry food to wet food)
- You changed your Mal Shi`s water source
- The weather is cooler than it used to be
- Your Mal Shi is less active than it used to be
- Your Mal Shi is growing old
If none of these applies to your Mal Shi, then it might be that your Mal Shi has an underlying health condition and you might want to talk to your vet.
Also, your Mal Shi 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 Mal Shi is a picky drinker as such, then you should consider getting your Mal Shi a water fountain like one of these. A water fountain will entice your Mal Shi to drink water. With a water fountain, you can be sure that your Mal Shi 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 Mal Shi might not be drinking enough water.
Check your Mal Shi`s mouth for any oral infection. When checking your Mal Shi`s mouth, pay attention to the smell of your Mal Shi`s breath to make sure that your Mal Shi does not have bad breath as bad breath could be a sign of oral infection.
Furthermore, if you recently changed your Mal Shi`s water source, and your Mal Shi starts drinking less water, then you might want to change back to the old source.
Mal Shi Drinking Too Much Water
Your Mal Shi may be drinking too much water simply because you give it unrestricted access to water. Also, your Mal Shi may be drinking too much because it has a health problem such as diabetes.
If your Mal Shi is drinking too much water, then your Mal Shi 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 Mal Shi 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 Mal Shi is drinking too much water, then your Mal Shi will need to urinate frequently and take unnecessary bathroom breaks. This can be an inconvenience for your if you have to take your Mal Shi out of the house for its bathroom breaks.
If your Mal Shi is drinking too much water for no obvious reason, talk to your vet. However, if your Mal Shi is drinking too much water because it has access to water, then limit your Mal Shi`s access to water.
Do Mal Shis Drink a Lot of Water?
The amount of water a Mal Shi needs is proportional to the Mal Shi`s body weight and activity level. Older bigger adult Mal Shis drink a lot of water compared to younger smaller Mal Shis.
Also, Mal Shis that are not very active drink a lot less water than very active Mal Shis. Also, Mal Shis drink lots of water in the hot summer months than in the cold winter months.
To find how much water your Mal Shi should be drinking, use our Mal Shi dog water calculator to estimate your Mal Shi`s daily water needs.
How to Tell if Your Mal Shi is Drinking Too Much, Too Little, or Enough Water
A simple way to check if your Mal Shi 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 Mal Shi`s bowl so that your Mal Shi can drink water without a limit.
Then, in the evening, measure the amount of water left in your Mal Shi`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 Mal Shi has drunk.
Finally, use our Mal Shi 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 Mal Shi water with a water fountain.
How To Tell If Your Mal Shi is Dehydrated
If your Mal Shi 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 Mal Shi. 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 Mal Shi in good health, you need to keep your Mal Shi hydrated. Therefore, you need to keep an eye on your Mal Shi`s water intake to make sure your Mal Shi is getting the right amount of water that it needs.
To encourage your Mal Shi to drink enough water, make sure that your Mal Shi has access to clean water all the time.
A good way to ensure your Mal Shi has clean water available to it is to invest in a good water fountain like one of these.
If you think your Mal Shi is drinking an unusual amount of water (too much or too little), then do not hesitate to speak with a pet vet.