How much water should a dog drink a day?

Is there a formula of sorts? Our dog was in for a dental cleaning a week ago and the pre-anesthetic blood panel showed a slightly elevated BUN level and a high creatinine (2.5). The vet asked if he was showing signs of kidney failure (excessive water intake, lack of appetitie, lethargic, accidents in the house). He's shown none of these signs. He actually doesn't seem to drink enough. Urine test showed bacteria-so he's currently on an antibiotic, but the bacteria culture came back "no growth" - so she said it must not have been a significant infection. He also had low urine concentration. He goes back at the end of this week for another urine test. Since then we bought bottled water-thinking our softened well water might not be good for stressed kidneys. I've been measuring and he only drinks about 2.5 cups of water a day, even though he has an endless supply. That doesn't seem like enough. He's 95 pounds, 8 years old, Chesapeake Bay Retriever. Will ask the vet this week of course.

How much water should a dog drink a day?
I think bottled water is a good idea. I agree that for a 95 pound dog that 2.5 cups sounds low. Maybe try putting icecubes in the water...not to make it cold, but to make it more interesting to him. It may help.
Reply:We always have a full bowl and depending on the season...More in hot months....Less in the winter....She will empty her bowl by the end of the day and we fill it once more. She's good till morning.
Reply:It depends on the size of your dog if it is any bigger than a full grown lab it should drink about as much as us or more but if its small like a beagle,min pin, or a chihuahua probably about 6 to 7 cups a day. Dont get worried if your dog does not drink this much some dogs dont need that much because of what they do during the day. I
Reply:let him drink as much as he wants.
Reply:The dog should be allowed and able to drink as much water as he or she desires. I make it a point to give my animals fresh water everytime I walk into the kitchen. Even if there's still water in the bowl, I'll top it off with cold water from the tap.





If he's just refusing to drink, that sounds like another problem all together.