Ensuring your dog stays hydrated is crucial to maintaining their overall health - water is a vital component of the body's living cells and without it, your dog's body will not function properly, leading to dehydration.

Cleaning and refilling your dog's water bowl daily is essential to prevent dehydration. Keep an eye out for any changes in the amount of water your dog drinks, as excessive drinking can be a sign of an underlying health problem.

The amount of water a dog needs varies based on their individual circumstances. As a general guideline, dogs should drink about 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight per day. However , diet, health conditions, environmental influences and more can affect water intake.

Common reasons why dogs drink less water include eating wet or home-cooked food, illness, pain and increased physical activity. Dogs can get some moisture from their food, so if they are on a wet or home-cooked diet, they may drink less water.

Dehydration has serious consequences for your dog's health. It can damage organs and prolonged dehydration can lead to organ failure and ultimately death. Certain conditions, such as kidney disease, metabolic disorders, cancer and pregnancy, can increase the risk of dehydration.

To check for dehydration, gently pinch the skin between your dog's shoulder blades - the skin should quickly return to its original position. Dry gums, sunken eyeballs and a dry nose and mouth are additional signs of dehydration.

If your dog is drinking unusually much water or urinating more than usual, consult your vet as this could be a symptom of an underlying health problem and may require a thorough examination and blood or urine tests.

Regularly clean your dog's water and food bowls with manure and water to prevent the growth of bacteria. Bowls should be smooth, easy to clean and free of gaps and scratches.

If you have doubts about the safety of your local tap water, consider providing your dog with bottled or filtered water.

If you have concerns about your dog's water intake or suspect dehydration, consult your veterinarian. Proper hydration is vital to your dog's health and should not be overlooked.

Reference: PetMD - The Importance of Water for Your Dog