How much water should they have a day
 

Ok everyone, I need your advise. Bella is almost 7 months old now. She is quite good at going to potty outside. But here is the problem. All day she is good, I take her out and she goes , however from about 4pm to 8pm. she is peeing all the time. She is usually playing at that time or chewing on her bones, but I take her outside and she pees, then in an hour she will pee again about 2 to 3 times. She has been like this since I got her. I was wondering if I may be giving her too much water as she seems to drink more at that time. I measured her water dish and it is about 1.5 cups and she drinks all of it. Am I giving her too much water. It is down all the time and she drinks it freely. She weighs 4.7 pounds. She free feeds, but she is generally done eating by mid afternoon. She eats 1/2 cup dry food a day and 1/3 of a caesar wet meal. Should I leave the water down all the time or should I measure out a smaller amount and give it to her throughout the day. I would love some info on this matter as it is very frustrating to be wiping up pee all the time. She knows to go to the door, but sometimes it just seems like she is so involved with playing that she forgets and then just goes wherever.

I am a firm believer in never limiting water. Frequent intake and elimination is healthier for both dogs and humans. Water is crucial for all of the body's vital organs and systems. Dogs tend to drink more when they play or chew on bones because that is when they need it, and small dogs need to eliminate more often.

The only suggestion I can make is to supervise your girl closely and encourage her to go out to do her business during those times when she is more tempted to do it in the house. Be sure to give praise for each good potty trip and maybe give a treat. She will be more inclined to take the time to potty in the right place.

My dog drinks over a cup of water every day. I refresh it several times a day, because I don't like the way stale water tastes and I worry about bacteria growing. Am I nuts? Probably.

Like Maximo, I am a total believer in not limiting water intake. Just like our water intake varies depending on our exercise and environmental conditions, so does it for dogs. Have you had a vet check her out? Could she have a bladder infection? Or something else? If she checks out ok, I would say it's just a phase and to take her out as frequently as you can and not limit her water. You may be able to train her on a pee pee pad in the house, but I am sure this will pass as she gets a little older.

Great post! I agree, you should never limit the amount of water they drink.

I would never limit their water either. We have water dishes all over our home because we have 5 dogs and many many cats. There is always water for evreybody. Is your home dry? I know mine is I think that may be the reason for the thirst. I know I drink alot of water. We also have the same problem with our Yorkie, he pees alot and it seems to be toward the evening. He's been checked out and everything was fine. You should check it out with the vet though just to put your mind at ease.

You're not nuts!! I do the same thing. I wash his dish too each time I change the water. I wouldn't want to drink water that's been sitting all day.

I think they should have water all the time and as much as they want. If shes playing and being active she is going to need more water.

If she's playing and running around, she's probably just warm and wants to cool down. Harley runs like a nut in the evenings and drinks a lot more, he also plays in it... which is why I never limit his water. As long as she is drinking lots, it's ok if they are peeing lots. If she wasn't drinking much and was peeing lots all day long it may be a sign of UTI, but like you said she's just drinking a lot, which is very healthy.

Another thing to consider which I've heard of, is that they know they get treats from a successful pee, so they may pee more often to get treats (yes these little guys are smart) instead of letting it all out at once.

We always maje sure their water bowls are clean and fresh water is always there, 24/7.

I agree. Also, since she's running around she probably has to pee more then. I'm assuming that's when you're home from work and she gets to come out and play. My Nala is very playful and drinks a lot of water and goes a lot.

A side note- maybe you could switch from Ceaser's to a different food. Maybe more water is needed to digest it since it's not necessarily high quality protein.

She is drinking over double what she should be. Both frequent drinking and frequent urination require a vet visit to rule out medical problems. On average (can vary quite a bit) they drink an ounce per pound of body weight daily. She is getting 12+ ounces plus some canned food. Her vet needs to know.

I agree.

I am also am a firm believer in never limiting water.. I ALWAYS have clean fresh bottled water avalible 24/7. I also wash her dish everytime I refresh it. 3 to 4 times a day.. I hate the taste of stale water, so I KNOW Taycie must:)

I am totally guessing here but If you have carpet maybe she is smelling urine and that is why she goes inside. Dogs can smell urine even when you can't and if she can smell it she it going to go no matter what.

I would also have her checked, your vet could rule out a possible cause for a UTI, this will also ease your mind if you are having concerns.