 The Short Answer is: |
Puppies can usually go eight hours without water (overnight). It is very likely that puppies under 12 weeks of age will need to go to the bathroom during the night even if you leave them without fresh water at night. |
In this article you will know the answer to the query “How Long Can a Puppy Go Without Water At Night?“.
You should always put the health of your dog first when you’re a pet owner regardless of whether you have just gotten a puppy and want to know how you can prevent them from peeing on the carpet when you’re sleeping or you have had your dog for several years and just want to learn more about proper hydration.
Having to deal with fresh urine delivery each morning as your pup grows up can be frustrating but perhaps you’re unsure whether or not its safe to prevent them from drinking water at night. In this article we will discuss how to properly hydrate your dog.
How long can a puppy go without water?
The general rule of thumb is that adult dogs can survive around 3-4 days without water but what is known for certain is that puppies need more water than adults.
Puppies also need more water since they are still growing and probably because they tend to run around a lot.
Dogs who are older need more water than those who are middle-aged.
The amount of water a dog really needs depends on four things:
- As mentioned above age
- And size matter- larger dogs require more water
- At a higher temperature- when the weather is hotter dogs need more water
- Diet- dogs on a dry food diet require more water than dogs on a wet food diet
- Activity level- an active dog needs more water.
Dogs need different amounts of water based on their size so the amount of water a puppy needs will increase as it grows.
For every pound of body weight your puppy needs between 0.5-1.0 ounces of water.
While your dog can survive for roughly half a week without water dehydration will begin to affect him much sooner.
Dogs who suffer from this can have an increased heart rate or a weaker pulse than normal lack of energy shivering discolored gums fainting and even death.
You should always have clean water available for your dogs at all times unless there is a specific reason for keeping them from consuming too much water.
Especially on hot days when dehydration becomes a more prominent force to overcome. On an average day a dog will consume approximately twice as much water as he consumes food. As a result if your dog eats roughly three cups of food per day he or she should drink roughly six cups of water.
Finding a routine so that your pup does not mess up your floors during the night isnot easy before you effectively train them not to pee in the house. Taking their water bowl away during the night might help reduce their need to relieve themselves and there is nothing wrong with that.
Dogs can go without water for 8 hours without any problems but pups will need a drink of water and a bathroom break within the first four hours of bedtime. You can always add some moisture to their meal to keep them hydrated if you’re worried.
It is pretty difficult to prevent midnight messes until the child gets a little older and develops better bladder control. Newspaper can make it easier to clean in the morning if you place it in the areas where they normally urinate.
At this point potty training should be a priority. When your pup understands that he needs to pee outside you would not have to step in puddles when you wake up and your house will smell normal again.
You might want to hire a pet sitter to take care of your dogs food and water requirements while you’re away from home while you’re at work. On the road keep in mind that if you’re thirsty or you feel the need to use the bathroom your dog is most likely experiencing the same thing.
How to tell if your dog is suffering from dehydration?
The loss of proper organ function can be caused by a lack of hydration. As a result the body may have difficulty disposing of waste delivering nutrients to all parts of the body maintaining properly lubricated joints and digesting food adequately. High temperatures can make it hard to stay hydrated and some dogs have a tendency to overheat which makes keeping them cool and hydrated even more challenging.
A dogs urine will also turn yellow if they are dehydrated just like humans. Shades of yellow that are darker indicate a more severe level of dehydration. You should also pay attention to other signs such as excessive panting a dry nose dry gums excessive sleepiness dry eyes and a poor appetite. In addition if his or her skin does not return to its normal position after being softly lifted up theres a good chance he or she is dehydrated. For comparison you will need to be aware of what your dogs skin elasticity is like in general. If you want to ensure your dog has access to clean water all the time install a water dispenser rather than using a regular water bowl. You will be able to have more water ready to be poured into your dogs bowl as he drinks.
Helpful bedtime practices for your dog
As your puppy grows it is inevitable that it will pee somewhere in the house but there are some techniques you can try to make the process a little easier. In the same way you develop a routine for yourself before bedtime you should do the same for your pup.
The best way to ensure your dog gets enough exercise is to ensure he gets enough exercise during the day. Walking your dog or playing fetch is a great way to burn off excess energy so that when it comes to bedtime they will sleep better and for longer periods of time. Walking your dog in the late afternoon before dinner will tire him out nicely.
Some dogs respond well to calming music to reduce their nervous energy. Your pup may have a hard time adjusting to the noises in the house while getting used to them. Your pup might get stressed out by every noise and you’ll probably be the one to wake him up and calm him down. Its true that classical music might be able to mask triggering sounds in the area but your dog will take longer to adjust to their surroundings if they suddenly have to sleep without their favorite tunes.
You can also allow your pup to sleep with something they love. One of your shirts a favorite toy or a blanket will remind them of your presence. Your puppy may feel safe and calmed if you do this to calm his overactive mind. Also you might want to put your dogs bed next to yours so that they feel protected. Your pup will remain calm during the night and you will be able to handle any potential problems they might encounter. You do not have to do this permanently but it can help at first while your puppy gets used to the house.
Your dog and you live together so you are bound to affect each other in a variety of ways. You will start to develop certain habits as your bond develops. If you’re a night owl your pup will learn to sleep later and awaken later in the day as a result or you will need to learn to wake up early in the morning to let them out. Dogs can not wait to start their days so many people get up at 5 am every morning.
What to look out for if your dog is drinking too much water
The amount of water your dog consumes will vary according to its size and breed how much physical activity he performs during the day and how hot it is where you live. Drinking 20 to 70ml of water per kilogram of body weight is considered healthy or normal.
If your dog drinks more water than it should (a condition called polydipsia) this could be an indication of an underlying problem such as kidney failure or diabetes. You should take your dog to see a veterinarian if he or she isnot drinking enough water.
On the other hand if they are not drinking enough water there may also be a fundamental issue that needs attention. During the urine and blood tests your veterinarian should be able to tell you what the problem is. Occasionally dogs will drink too much water out of boredom even to the point of vomiting so a professional should be consulted.
Conclusion
Its better to try other methods if you’re hoping to keep your dog from urinating at night if they suffer from a health issue as restricting the amount of water they drink could worsen their condition. In order to get more fluids into your dogs body add moisture to their food if you think they are not getting enough.
If possible keep water readily available at all times. There should be one bowl in the living room or kitchen and one outside in the garden. If you have any doubts about whether or not you’re doing things correctly consult a veterinarian.
Amanda (Author)
With over a decade of experience, Amanda is a distinguished dog trainer. Her expertise in canine behavior has transformed countless lives, fostering harmonious human-canine connections. Through compassionate and personalized approaches, she empowers owners to understand and connect with their furry companions, creating a legacy of joyful tails and transformed lives.
Osvaldo Maciel (Content Reviewer)
Osvaldo Maciel, a stalwart in the field with 14 years of experience, is a revered dog trainer. His journey is defined by a profound understanding of canine behavior, shaping unbreakable human-canine bonds. Osvaldo guides owners to connect with their beloved pets, leaving an indelible mark of happiness and transformation. His legacy shines through the countless lives he has touched.
