| Metric | Lower | Upper |
|---|---|---|
| ml / day | – | – |
| liters / day | – | – |
| cups / day | – | – |
| # | Name | Weight (kg) | Life | Act | Climate | Diet | Base | ml/day (low) | ml/day (high) | cups/day (low) | cups/day (high) |
|---|
Illustrative scenarios to show how multipliers change results.
| # | Name | kg | Life | Act | Climate | Diet | Base | ml/day (low) | ml/day (high) | cups/day (low) | cups/day (high) |
|---|
The calculator estimates a daily hydration band using a standard guideline of 50–60 milliliters per kilogram of body weight per day, then applies multipliers for life stage, activity, climate, and diet moisture.
DailyWater_ml = weight_kg × base_ml_per_kg × life_stage × activity × climate × diet
- Base ml/kg/day: selectable bands (40–50, 50–60, 60–70) to reflect very calm to very active baselines.
- Life stage: Puppy 1.2, Adult 1.0, Senior 1.0, Pregnant 1.3, Lactating 1.8.
- Activity: Low 0.9, Moderate 1.0, High 1.2, Working 1.4.
- Climate: Cool 0.95, Temperate 1.0, Hot 1.2, Very hot 1.35.
- Diet: Dry kibble 1.1, Wet/canned 0.8, Raw or rehydrated 1.0, Home-cooked 1.0.
Results are shown as a lower and upper band in milliliters, liters, and household cups (1 cup ≈ 236.6 ml). Always monitor actual drinking and urine output; consult your veterinarian for medical questions.
- Enter your dog's weight and choose the correct unit.
- Select life stage, activity level, climate, and diet that best describe current conditions.
- Pick a base range (leave at 50–60 ml/kg/day for typical cases).
- Click Calculate to see the recommended hydration band.
- Optionally add multiple scenarios to the Scenario Log for side‑by‑side comparison.
- Export your Scenario Log as CSV or PDF for records or to share with your vet.
Tip: If your dog’s routine changes, create a fresh scenario to see how the recommendation shifts.
1) Is this tool a substitute for a veterinary recommendation?
No. It provides general educational estimates and cannot account for specific medical needs. Always follow your veterinarian’s advice.
2) What if my dog drinks more than the upper band?
Occasional variation is normal. Persistently high intake can signal issues such as diabetes, kidney disease, or medication effects. Track intake and speak with your vet.
3) Should I cap water to the lower band?
Never restrict access to clean water unless your vet specifically instructs it. Use the band as guidance to ensure adequate availability throughout the day.
4) How accurate are the multipliers?
They are evidence‑informed heuristics to personalize the standard ml/kg/day guideline. They help model increases with heat, activity, life stage, and diet moisture.
5) Can I use pounds instead of kilograms?
Yes. Choose lb from the unit selector. The tool converts to kilograms automatically using 1 lb = 0.45359237 kg.
6) What containers equal one cup?
One US cup is about 236.6 ml. A typical medium pet bowl holds roughly 2 to 3 cups; check your bowl markings for accuracy.