Ever wonder how much water your new German Shorthaired Pointer Puppy needs? Let’s solve that now and ease your mind!
Don’t have time to read? No Problem, here is the short answer: A GSP (or German Shorthair Pointer) puppy should drink approximately 1/8 of a cup of water per pound of body weight daily.
How Much Water Should A GSP Puppy Drink?
Getting a new puppy is a big new world for many people and is often compared to raising a child. If you have raised a dog before from puppy to adulthood, you know that’s basically true (minus teenage years lol). Part of the stress of new puppy ownership is making sure your GSP puppy is getting all the nutrients and hydration they need to grow up healthy from their food and water intake.
A GSP (or German Shorthair Pointer) puppy should drink approximately 1/8 of a cup of water per pound of body weight daily. Now, that’s the official answer, but nobody really measures the amount of water that their dog drinks on a daily basis, it just wouldn’t be plausible for most people. The best course of action for all puppies, including your GSP puppy, is to make sure that they have access to plenty of fresh, clean water throughout the day.
Your German Shorthair puppy is an intelligent animal and will know when to head to their bowl for more water. Just make sure that the water is in a place they are familiar with because unfamiliar surroundings can result in your puppy not drinking even when they need to. So long as they have access to their water, most puppies can monitor their own water intake. Wanna know just how smart your GSP is? Read up here about the intelligence of a German Shorthair Pointer.
Consider Outside Temperatures and Physical Activity
There are some instances in which the amount of water they drink requires extra care and attention on your part, however. First, it’s important to note that as your puppy continues to grow, they’ll likely become even more adventurous and excitable than they are now – and this means more physical activity.
Even young puppies can do a surprising amount of exercise in a day, so keep an eye on how much they are running around and playing because on days when they do more, they’ll need to drink more. Again, it’s nothing you need to worry about, just monitor their water bowl because it’ll empty faster than usual.
The same also applies to hot days. Just like we as humans reach for a glass of water more when the temperatures outside are soaring, your gsp puppy will do the same. A good sign to look out for that your puppy needs water is panting. A dog will pant for a variety of reasons, but if it’s hot outside or they’ve been exercising a lot, then it’s usually just because they need to head to their water bowl for an extra drink.
We will give you one word of warning as new puppy owners, though. German Shorthair Pointers, like most dogs, are people pleasers. They love nothing more than showing off how well they can behave by doing exactly what you want. Whilst that’s a very endearing trait, it could also come at some risk to your new puppy.
If it’s hot outside and your puppy is running around the park chasing the ball that you’re throwing for them, they might not stop even when they should. So the onus is on you as the puppy parent to call time when it’s obvious that your puppy is becoming tired and might need a drink.
Keep Your Puppies Water Clean
The final point that needs to be made about how much water your puppy should drink is about cleanliness. Your dog’s water bowl should be cleaned with soap and water daily, just like you would with any plates or bowls you use throughout the day.
Water bowls are a great place for bacteria to thrive otherwise, and your puppy will quickly catch on that it’s the water that is making them sick and might refuse to drink from their bowl because of it. So, be extra careful with cleanliness, and you’ll ensure that your GSP puppy keeps coming back for more water whenever they need it!
When To Get Worried
It can sometimes be easy to get worried about a new puppy. From injuries to illness, a new puppy can offer a lot of challenges. When it comes to water intake, you should only really become concerned if your puppy won’t drink any water (or eat any food). This is not normal behavior for your puppy and could indicate a deeper issue that a licensed veterinarian can diagnose and treat. Maybe you are unsure if your puppy is dehydrated overall, check out the signs to be aware of in a dehydrated puppy here from the American Kennel Club. If your GSP puppy isn’t drinking their water at all, call the vet asap!
Conclusion
Hopefully, this was helpful in your new German Shorthair Puppy ownership. Rest easy, enjoy these cute early days and just make sure to have clean water readily available when your puppy wants it.
