Why Do German Shepherds Drink Water?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Exercise. Another reason your German Shepherd will drink a lot of water is

because they have been physically active

. Just like humans get thirsty when exercising, so do dogs. So, if your GSD just finished running around, expect them to be thirstier than normal.

Why does my German shepherd keep drinking water?

Your Dog is

Eating Too Much Dry Food

For example, German Shepherds that eat too much dry food may drink a lot more water than usual. Dog foods like kibble contain very little water content so the German Shepherd will need to compensate that by drinking more water.

Why do German Shepherd puppies drink a lot of water?

Also, puppies that drink more water than they usually do may have

polydipsia

, which could be a sign of underlying metabolic changes, such as kidney issues, infection of the uterus, diabetes, or Cushing’s disease. This is especially true if it’s paired with an increase in urination.

Do German Shepherds enjoy water?

German Shepherd

Unlike many other dog breeds on this list, German Shepherds weren’t specifically bred to swim. … But since they are naturally athletic and courageous dogs,

they are more likely to love water

and become strong swimmers.

How much water should my GSD drink?

It all depends on her activity level, size, age and the weather, but in general, an average dog needs to drink between

8.5 to 17 ounces of water per 10 pounds

(55 to 110 milliliters per kilogram) per day, according to Otto.

Do German shepherds drink a lot?

So, Do German Shepherds Drink a lot of Water?

Yes

, German Shepherds are large dogs and as such will drink more water than a smaller dog. In addition, German Shepherds are very active so they will need more water to keep hydrated than more sedentary dogs.

How long can German shepherds go without water?

How long can German shepherds go without water? Dog can survive

approximately 72 hours

without water, but after the first 24 the affects of dehydration will start to present.

When can German Shepherd puppies start drinking water?

When to Introduce Water and Food

The best time to introduce water and puppy food is

around 3 to 4 weeks of age

. This is the time to start to slowly wean the puppy from her mother’s milk and care so she can become more independent.

How long do you feed puppy food to a German shepherd?

When can I safely switch my German shepherd puppy to adult food? German shepherd puppies don’t stop growing and aren’t ready to eat adult food until they reach

12 to 24 months of

age. Switching your puppy to adult food too soon may increase your dog’s risk of permanent hip and joint damage.

Why do dogs drink a lot of water all of a sudden?

If your dog is suddenly very thirsty for a day or so, it’s usually not a cause for concern. Dogs may drink more if they’re

very hot

, bored, have eaten certain foods, or have recently exercised. Very active dogs and nursing dogs drink more than other dogs.

Do German Shepherds like to cuddle?

3) They

often snuggle or cuddle

.

Apart from following you around, German Shepherds like to feel physically close to you. Snuggling or cuddling is one of the best signs that your GSD is being affectionate because this is one way they treat you as part of their pack.

Do German Shepherds like to sleep with their owners?

German Shepherds are

renowned for forming an intense bond with their owners

. When you let your puppy sleep with you, the bond might become a bit too intense and can inadvertently make your GSD extremely clingy.

Can German Shepherds be left alone?

German Shepherds shouldn’t be left alone for

longer than 4 hours

. Young puppies and seniors shouldn’t be left alone for longer than 1-3 hours. … If you leave your GSD alone for too long, they could suffer from separation anxiety and distress.

How often should I wash my GSD?

Unlike other breeds, German Shepherds don’t need to bathe often. In fact, it’s best that they only bathe

every 3-4 months

. German Shepherds have a double coat – the topcoat and the undercoat. The topcoat protects them from sun exposure, dust and other particles.

What can I give my dog to drink other than water?

  • Try an ice cube, instead.
  • Make a doggy smoothie.
  • Make an ice pop (watermelon is great because it’s 80% water)
  • Offer it from your hand.
  • Mix some into their kibble recipe.
  • Make sure it’s fresh.
  • Wash bowls daily.
  • Flavour it with a bit of bone broth (yummy).

Why is my German Shepherd puppy not drinking water?

In some cases, illnesses such as

diabetes

and kidney disease may cause a dog’s appetite for water to diminish completely. Bladder infection or urinary tract infection can also cause a decrease in thirst. So if you think your dog won’t drink water because of a disease, you should contact your vet immediately.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.