Quick Links: Table of Contents
- How Much Water Should a Rhodesian Ridgeback drink?
- How to Calculate How Much Water Your Rhodesian Ridgeback Needs
- Rhodesian Ridgeback Water Calculator
- How Much Water Should a 57-Pound Rhodesian Ridgeback Drink?
- How Much Water Should a 21-week-Old Rhodesian Ridgeback Drink?
- How Much Water Should a 6-month-Old Rhodesian Ridgeback Drink?
- How Much Water Should a 49-week-Old Rhodesian Ridgeback Drink?
- How Much Water Should a 8-month-Old Rhodesian Ridgeback Drink?
- Other Factors that Affects How Much Water Your Rhodesian Ridgeback Needs
- Rhodesian Ridgeback Not Drinking Enough Water
- Rhodesian Ridgeback Drinking Too Much Water
- Do Rhodesian Ridgebacks Drink a Lot of Water?
- How to Tell if Your Rhodesian Ridgeback is Drinking Too Much, Too Little, or Enough Water
- How To Tell If Your Rhodesian Ridgeback is Dehydrated
- Conclusion
How Much Water Should a Rhodesian Ridgeback drink?
Hydrating your hound is very important since water makes up approximately 56 percent of an adult Rhodesian Ridgeback`s body weight (73 percent of lean body mass). Water is an essential nutrient for your Rhodesian Ridgeback`s existence.
Your Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback, 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback weighs 34.9 Kg (77.0 pounds), and therefore requires 1750.0 milliliters (59.2 ounces or 7.4 cups) of water every day, given that your dog is not a very active dog.
Essentially, the amount of water your Rhodesian Ridgeback needs a day depends very much on how much your Rhodesian Ridgeback weighs.
Also, the amount of water your Rhodesian Ridgeback drinks depends on your Rhodesian Ridgeback activity level. Very active dogs need more water than inactive dogs.
Use our Rhodesian Ridgeback water calculator to estimate how much water your Rhodesian Ridgeback should drink every day based on its weight and activity level.
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is generally a high-activity level dog breed. So, your Rhodesian Ridgeback will drink more water than the regular average dog breed.
To find out how much food you need to be feeding your Rhodesian Ridgeback, check out our Rhodesian Ridgeback feeding guide and food calculator.
How to Calculate How Much Water Your Rhodesian Ridgeback Needs
Enter the weight and activity level of your Rhodesian Ridgeback in the Rhodesian Ridgeback water calculator below to estimate how much water your Rhodesian Ridgeback needs.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Water Calculator
*1 cup = 8 fluid ounces = 236.588 milliliters
Our Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgebacks of different activity levels (low, medium, and high) need.
In our calculator, a medium-activity level Rhodesian Ridgeback needs one and a half as much water as a low-activity level Rhodesian Ridgeback each day. Similarly, a high-activity level Rhodesian Ridgeback needs twice as much water as a low-activity level Rhodesian Ridgeback needs.
Check out our dog water calculator for all dog breeds here.
One way to improve your Rhodesian Ridgeback`s water drinking experience is to buy your dog a water fountain.
A water fountain will also encourage your Rhodesian Ridgeback to drink enough water.
This is because the continuously flowing stream of water with a fresh taste from a water fountain will entice your Rhodesian Ridgeback to drink enough water.
Furthermore, pet water fountains continuously filter the water that it delivers to your dog. A water fountain ensures that your Rhodesian Ridgeback has access to clean fresh filtered water all the time.
Giving your Rhodesian Ridgeback water from a fountain is more hygienic than giving your Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgebacks. These water fountains are durable, made with food-grade materials, and operate very quietly with little noise:
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The PetSafe Drinkwell 2 Gallon Pet Fountain with Adjustable Stream. Click here to check price on Amazon.
Dog Water Fountain
How Much Water Should a 57-Pound Rhodesian Ridgeback Drink?
A 57-pound Rhodesian Ridgeback should drink 87.6 ounces (11.0 cups) of water every day.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are generally high-activity dogs, and about 87.6 ounces is the amount of water a High Activity Level 57-pound Rhodesian Ridgeback needs every day.
However, if your 57-pound Rhodesian Ridgeback is a low-activity dog, then it will need about 43.8 ounces of water (5.5 cups) every day.
Similarly, if your 57-pound Rhodesian Ridgeback is of medium activity, then it will need about 65.7 ounces of water (8.2 cups) every day.
Use our Rhodesian Ridgeback dog water calculator to find out how much water Rhodesian Ridgeback should drink at different weights.
| Low Activity | Medium Activity | High Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 43.8 ounces (5.5 cups) | 65.7 ounces (8.2 cups) | 87.6 ounces (11.0 cups) |
How Much Water Should a 21-week-Old Rhodesian Ridgeback Drink?
The average weight of 21-week-Old Rhodesian Ridgeback is 47 pounds (21.5 kg).
Learn how much 21-week-Old Rhodesian Ridgeback should weigh here.
A 47-pound Rhodesian Ridgeback should drink 72.2 ounces (9.0 cups) of water every day.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are generally high-activity dogs, and about 72.2 ounces is the amount of water a High Activity Level 47-pound Rhodesian Ridgeback needs every day.
However, if your 47-pound Rhodesian Ridgeback is a low-activity dog, then it will need about 36.1 ounces of water (4.5 cups) every day.
Similarly, if your 47-pound Rhodesian Ridgeback is of medium activity, then it will need about 54.2 ounces of water (6.8 cups) every day.
Use our Rhodesian Ridgeback dog water calculator to find out how much water Rhodesian Ridgeback should drink at different weights.
| Low Activity | Medium Activity | High Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 36.1 ounces (4.5 cups) | 54.2 ounces (6.8 cups) | 72.2 ounces (9.0 cups) |
How Much Water Should a 6-month-Old Rhodesian Ridgeback Drink?
The average weight of 6-month-Old Rhodesian Ridgeback is 53 pounds (23.8 kg).
Learn how much 6-month-Old Rhodesian Ridgeback should weigh here.
A 53-pound Rhodesian Ridgeback should drink 81.5 ounces (10.2 cups) of water every day.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are generally high-activity dogs, and about 81.5 ounces is the amount of water a High Activity Level 53-pound Rhodesian Ridgeback needs every day.
However, if your 53-pound Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback is of medium activity, then it will need about 61.1 ounces of water (7.6 cups) every day.
Use our Rhodesian Ridgeback dog water calculator to find out how much water Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 49-week-Old Rhodesian Ridgeback Drink?
The average weight of 49-week-Old Rhodesian Ridgeback is 74 pounds (33.6 kg).
Learn how much 49-week-Old Rhodesian Ridgeback should weigh here.
A 74-pound Rhodesian Ridgeback should drink 113.7 ounces (14.2 cups) of water every day.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are generally high-activity dogs, and about 113.7 ounces is the amount of water a High Activity Level 74-pound Rhodesian Ridgeback needs every day.
However, if your 74-pound Rhodesian Ridgeback is a low-activity dog, then it will need about 56.9 ounces of water (7.1 cups) every day.
Similarly, if your 74-pound Rhodesian Ridgeback is of medium activity, then it will need about 85.3 ounces of water (10.7 cups) every day.
Use our Rhodesian Ridgeback dog water calculator to find out how much water Rhodesian Ridgeback should drink at different weights.
| Low Activity | Medium Activity | High Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 56.9 ounces (7.1 cups) | 85.3 ounces (10.7 cups) | 113.7 ounces (14.2 cups) |
How Much Water Should a 8-month-Old Rhodesian Ridgeback Drink?
The average weight of 8-month-Old Rhodesian Ridgeback is 63 pounds (28.6 kg).
Learn how much 8-month-Old Rhodesian Ridgeback should weigh here.
A 63-pound Rhodesian Ridgeback should drink 96.8 ounces (12.1 cups) of water every day.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are generally high-activity dogs, and about 96.8 ounces is the amount of water a High Activity Level 63-pound Rhodesian Ridgeback needs every day.
However, if your 63-pound Rhodesian Ridgeback is a low-activity dog, then it will need about 48.4 ounces of water (6.1 cups) every day.
Similarly, if your 63-pound Rhodesian Ridgeback is of medium activity, then it will need about 72.6 ounces of water (9.1 cups) every day.
Use our Rhodesian Ridgeback dog water calculator to find out how much water Rhodesian Ridgeback should drink at different weights.
| Low Activity | Medium Activity | High Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 48.4 ounces (6.1 cups) | 72.6 ounces (9.1 cups) | 96.8 ounces (12.1 cups) |
Other Factors that Affects How Much Water Your Rhodesian Ridgeback Needs
In addition to its weight and activity level, your Rhodesian Ridgeback may need more or less water depending on other factors in your Rhodesian Ridgeback`s life such as:
- The weather: Rhodesian Ridgebacks need more water during the hot summer than in the cold winter.
- Your Rhodesian Ridgeback`s Diet: Rhodesian Ridgebacks that eat moist/wet food will require less water than Rhodesian Ridgebacks that eat dry food (kibble). Wet dog food contains 65-80% water, while dry dog food contains 10-12% water.
- Your Rhodesian Ridgeback`s age: Senior Rhodesian Ridgebacks are generally more laid back than younger Rhodesian Ridgebacks, therefore senior Rhodesian Ridgebacks need less water.
- Pregnant Rhodesian Ridgebacks and lactating Rhodesian Ridgebacks: These need more water than normal.
- Rhodesian Ridgebacks on Medication: Certain medications may make your Rhodesian Ridgeback drink more water.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Not Drinking Enough Water
If your Rhodesian Ridgeback is not drinking enough water, then your Rhodesian Ridgeback is at risk of dehydration, and the problems that come with dehydration.
Problems that come with your Rhodesian Ridgeback not drinking enough water include urinary tract issues like kidney stones and organ failure.
Your Rhodesian Ridgeback may be drinking less water than usual because of the following reasons:
- Your Rhodesian Ridgeback has limited access to fresh clean water.
- You changed your Rhodesian Ridgeback`s food (e.g. from dry food to wet food)
- You changed your Rhodesian Ridgeback`s water source
- The weather is cooler than it used to be
- Your Rhodesian Ridgeback is less active than it used to be
- Your Rhodesian Ridgeback is growing old
If none of these applies to your Rhodesian Ridgeback, then it might be that your Rhodesian Ridgeback has an underlying health condition and you might want to talk to your vet.
Also, your Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback is a picky drinker as such, then you should consider getting your Rhodesian Ridgeback a water fountain like one of these. A water fountain will entice your Rhodesian Ridgeback to drink water. With a water fountain, you can be sure that your Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback might not be drinking enough water.
Check your Rhodesian Ridgeback`s mouth for any oral infection. When checking your Rhodesian Ridgeback`s mouth, pay attention to the smell of your Rhodesian Ridgeback`s breath to make sure that your Rhodesian Ridgeback does not have bad breath as bad breath could be a sign of oral infection.
Furthermore, if you recently changed your Rhodesian Ridgeback`s water source, and your Rhodesian Ridgeback starts drinking less water, then you might want to change back to the old source.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Drinking Too Much Water
Your Rhodesian Ridgeback may be drinking too much water simply because you give it unrestricted access to water. Also, your Rhodesian Ridgeback may be drinking too much because it has a health problem such as diabetes.
If your Rhodesian Ridgeback is drinking too much water, then your Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback is drinking too much water, then your Rhodesian Ridgeback will need to urinate frequently and take unnecessary bathroom breaks. This can be an inconvenience for your if you have to take your Rhodesian Ridgeback out of the house for its bathroom breaks.
If your Rhodesian Ridgeback is drinking too much water for no obvious reason, talk to your vet. However, if your Rhodesian Ridgeback is drinking too much water because it has access to water, then limit your Rhodesian Ridgeback`s access to water.
Do Rhodesian Ridgebacks Drink a Lot of Water?
The amount of water a Rhodesian Ridgeback needs is proportional to the Rhodesian Ridgeback`s body weight and activity level. Older bigger adult Rhodesian Ridgebacks drink a lot of water compared to younger smaller Rhodesian Ridgebacks.
Also, Rhodesian Ridgebacks that are not very active drink a lot less water than very active Rhodesian Ridgebacks. Also, Rhodesian Ridgebacks drink lots of water in the hot summer months than in the cold winter months.
To find how much water your Rhodesian Ridgeback should be drinking, use our Rhodesian Ridgeback dog water calculator to estimate your Rhodesian Ridgeback`s daily water needs.
How to Tell if Your Rhodesian Ridgeback is Drinking Too Much, Too Little, or Enough Water
A simple way to check if your Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback`s bowl so that your Rhodesian Ridgeback can drink water without a limit.
Then, in the evening, measure the amount of water left in your Rhodesian Ridgeback`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 Rhodesian Ridgeback has drunk.
Finally, use our Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback water with a water fountain.
How To Tell If Your Rhodesian Ridgeback is Dehydrated
If your Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback. 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback in good health, you need to keep your Rhodesian Ridgeback hydrated. Therefore, you need to keep an eye on your Rhodesian Ridgeback`s water intake to make sure your Rhodesian Ridgeback is getting the right amount of water that it needs.
To encourage your Rhodesian Ridgeback to drink enough water, make sure that your Rhodesian Ridgeback has access to clean water all the time.
A good way to ensure your Rhodesian Ridgeback has clean water available to it is to invest in a good water fountain like one of these.
If you think your Rhodesian Ridgeback is drinking an unusual amount of water (too much or too little), then do not hesitate to speak with a pet vet.