I was surprised by a question that frequently comes up on my Facebook page and through emails: How much water should Pomeranians drink? I assumed that dogs, especially Pomeranians, would drink when needed. However, thatβs not always the case. Most Pomeranians instinctively know how much water to drink to meet their needs. However, some donβt drink enough or may even drink too much. This can leave them either under-hydrated or over-hydratedβboth of which have their own dangers.
Why Monitoring Your Pomeranianβs Water Intake Is Important
If youβre a new Pommy Mommy, itβs crucial to monitor your Pomeranianβs water consumption. Drinking too little water can lead to dehydration, which may cause problems like kidney stones or even organ failure. On the other hand, drinking too much water can be toxic to your little one, even though it might sound counterintuitive.
Watch for Changes in Water Consumption
Monitoring your Pomeranianβs water intake can help you spot potential health issues. Donβt jump to conclusions or start second-guessing every little change, but be aware that shifts in water consumption could be a sign of something more serious. For example, Pomeranians with pancreatitis, leptospirosis, or parvovirus may limit their water intake. In contrast, excessive water consumption could indicate metabolic issues such as Cushingβs disease or diabetes. Bladder or kidney infections can also cause your Pom to drink more water than usual. If you notice your Pomeranian drinking significantly more or less water, scheduling a vet visit is a good idea.
So, How Much Water Should Pomeranians Drink?
A Pomeranian’s water needs depend on their size, age, diet, activity level, and where they live. A general guideline is that a Pomeranian should drink Β½ to 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight each day. For example, my Yoki weighs 7 pounds and drinks about 8 ounces (1 cup) of water daily. Mika, who has a heart murmur and needs extra water due to her medication, weighs 10 pounds and drinks about 16 ounces (1 pint) daily. Niko, at 7 pounds, drinks about 8 ounces a day.
The Role of Diet in Water Consumption
Many Pommy Mommies feed their furry babies a moisture-rich, Pomeranian-appropriate diet such as raw or lightly cooked food. If this applies to you, your Pom may get some hydration from their food and might not drink as much water from their bowl. If you feed your Pomeranian primarily dry dog food or kibble (which I donβt recommend), you might want to add extra water to compensate for the lack of moisture in their food.
Hydration Tips for Pomeranian Puppies
If you have a Pomeranian puppy, monitor their water intake carefully. Puppies must drink smaller amounts of water more frequentlyβabout every two hours. Since puppies are often distracted by everything around them, you might need to encourage them to drink to stay hydrated.
Hydration in Hot Climates and After Activity
Living in Vegas, Iβm constantly monitoring my Pomsβ water intake, especially after a park visit, a vigorous play session, or a long walk. Itβs essential to ensure they drink enough water, but be careful not to gulp down too much at once, as it can lead to vomiting. During any activity, always bring water and give your Pomeranian short, frequent breaks to ensure they stay hydrated.
How to Tell If Your Pomeranian Is Hydrated
I use a simple trick to check if my Poms are hydrated: gently lift the skin on the back of their neck. If the skin falls back into place quickly, theyβre hydrated. If it falls slowly and forms a tent, they need more water. You can also check their gumsβif theyβre moist and slick, your Pom is hydrated; if theyβre dry or sticky, your Pom needs water.
Watch for Signs of Overhydration
Though rare, some Pomeranians may drink more water than they need, a condition known as βpsychogenic polydipsiaβ or βwater intoxication.β Signs include staggering, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, bloating, lethargy, and excessive salivation. In extreme cases, it can lead to seizures, difficulty breathing, or even death. This usually happens to Pomeranians who love playing in or around water. If your Pomeranian enjoys swimming, monitor their activity to prevent overhydration, especially if they drink water while playing.
Tips for Pomeranians That Donβt Drink Enough
If your Pomeranian isnβt drinking enough water, try praising them when they drink or placing a water bowl near their bed or favorite spot. Some Poms can be picky about water, so I always fill their bowls with filtered water that my husband and I drink. If your Pom is particularly fussy, add a bit of bone broth to their water to make it more appealing.
If your Pomeranian eats dry dog food, consider switching to canned, lightly cooked, or raw food to increase their hydration through their diet. Ensuring your Pomeranian stays adequately hydrated is crucial for their health and well-being.
Related Posts:
How to Take Care of a Pomeranian with an Upset Tummy
Remedies for Pomeranian Constipation
Heat Stroke Tips for Your Pomeranian