We've given you lots of Tips  about water safety - that's water like lakes, rivers, ponds, and pools.
Now some Tips about Water -  as in drinking water.

Water is a key nutrient for dogs, just as it is for people.  Water composes a large percentage of a dog’s body - up 84 % of a newborn puppy and about 60% of an adult dog. Water is critical for many body functions -  from circulation to respiration to converting food to energy.  As good pet “guardians”, how do we make sure that our dog’s are getting the water that they need?

How much water does a dog need every day?
Every day an adult dog needs about ½ ounce to 1 ounce for every pound of body weight.  That means that a dog Tucker’s size, about 50 pounds, needs between 25 - 50 oz. or between 3 to 6 cups.   Heat, amount of exercise and diet affect this amount.  (Dogs eating a raw or canned diet will get some of their water from their diet, so they may need less water to drink than a dog eating dry kibble.) 
 
Can  a dog drink too much water?
Yes, just like people,  dogs can suffer from water intoxication (or hyponatremia). This can happen during “water play” - swimming or chasing a toy in a pool or lake.  Try to determine if your dog is ingesting a lot of water. If you think they may be getting too much, make them take a break. 
Taking in more water than can be removed can lead to an  electrolyte imbalance and is potentially
fatal. Symptoms include: nausea, vomiting, general weakness, seizures, loss of consciousness.
The symptoms may be mild at first, but can rapidly escalate.

How can you be sure the water your dog is drinking is “safe”?
You know that untreated, standing water, like that in a puddle, may seem appealing to your dog, but such water can contain bacteria, viruses, or parasites. So, you don’t let your dog drink that kind of water.  But what about the water from your tap?  It might not be safe either.  If you drink bottled or filtered water- then so should your dog.
(In the US, go to http://www.epa.gov/safewater/dwinfo/index.html to get the test score for your municipality’s tap water.)

Is snow a safe source of hydration?
Most dogs like to eat a little snow when playing on a winter’s day.  But snow is not considered a good source of hydration for dogs.  First, freshly fallen snow is mostly air - as much as 95% air.  You might need to melt as much as 20 inches of snow to get one inch of water.  Secondly, it takes a lot of the dog’s internal calories  to melt the snow to water.  Thirdly, the snow can be contaminated.  So, even if you dog is outside in the winter, you need to make sure they have access to fresh water.

What about the water bowls?
Even the best quality water is no good if served in a dirty dish.  (Or DISHES.  Be sure to keep a dish handy, wherever your dog spends time. Tucker has one by his food dish and one in the office.)  Stainless steel or ceramic dishes are the easiest to keep clean.  Remember - if you wouldn’t drink from it, neither should your dog.

 How can I take water along for my dog when we exercise?
Whether working out or out for stroll, whenever you stop to take a drink, remember your canine companion.  The Sigg water bottle will work for both of you.  (See the product review.)  You can teach your dog to drink from the sports cap or  take along a Ruff Wear quencher bowl.   

What should I do if I notice a change in my dog’s drinking pattern?
You should have a good idea of how much and how often your dog drinks.  If that pattern changes significantly - either drinking more or drinking less - let your veterinarian know.  The change may be a sign of illness.
 

We've given you lots of Tips  about water safety - that's water like lakes, rivers, ponds, and pools.
Now some Tips about Water -  as in drinking water.

Water is a key nutrient for dogs, just as it is for people.  Water composes a large percentage of a dog’s body - up 84 % of a newborn puppy and about 60% of an adult dog. Water is critical for many body functions -  from circulation to respiration to converting food to energy.  As good pet “guardians”, how do we make sure that our dog’s are getting the water that they need?

How much water does a dog need every day?
Every day an adult dog needs about ½ ounce to 1 ounce for every pound of body weight.  That means that a dog Tucker’s size, about 50 pounds, needs between 25 - 50 oz. or between 3 to 6 cups.   Heat, amount of exercise and diet affect this amount.  (Dogs eating a raw or canned diet will get some of their water from their diet, so they may need less water to drink than a dog eating dry kibble.) 
 
Can  a dog drink too much water?
Yes, just like people,  dogs can suffer from water intoxication (or hyponatremia). This can happen during “water play” - swimming or chasing a toy in a pool or lake.  Try to determine if your dog is ingesting a lot of water. If you think they may be getting too much, make them take a break. 
Taking in more water than can be removed can lead to an  electrolyte imbalance and is potentially
fatal. Symptoms include: nausea, vomiting, general weakness, seizures, loss of consciousness.
The symptoms may be mild at first, but can rapidly escalate.

How can you be sure the water your dog is drinking is “safe”?
You know that untreated, standing water, like that in a puddle, may seem appealing to your dog, but such water can contain bacteria, viruses, or parasites. So, you don’t let your dog drink that kind of water.  But what about the water from your tap?  It might not be safe either.  If you drink bottled or filtered water- then so should your dog.
(In the US, go to http://www.epa.gov/safewater/dwinfo/index.html to get the test score for your municipality’s tap water.)

Is snow a safe source of hydration?
Most dogs like to eat a little snow when playing on a winter’s day.  But snow is not considered a good source of hydration for dogs.  First, freshly fallen snow is mostly air - as much as 95% air.  You might need to melt as much as 20 inches of snow to get one inch of water.  Secondly, it takes a lot of the dog’s internal calories  to melt the snow to water.  Thirdly, the snow can be contaminated.  So, even if you dog is outside in the winter, you need to make sure they have access to fresh water.

What about the water bowls?
Even the best quality water is no good if served in a dirty dish.  (Or DISHES.  Be sure to keep a dish handy, wherever your dog spends time. Tucker has one by his food dish and one in the office.)  Stainless steel or ceramic dishes are the easiest to keep clean.  Remember - if you wouldn’t drink from it, neither should your dog.

 How can I take water along for my dog when we exercise?
Whether working out or out for stroll, whenever you stop to take a drink, remember your canine companion.  The Sigg water bottle will work for both of you.  (See the product review.)  You can teach your dog to drink from the sports cap or  take along a Ruff Wear quencher bowl.   

What should I do if I notice a change in my dog’s drinking pattern?
You should have a good idea of how much and how often your dog drinks.  If that pattern changes significantly - either drinking more or drinking less - let your veterinarian know.  The change may be a sign of illness.