The Rottweiler is a common guard dog. It is large, strong, and intelligent. Precisely because it is large, it has a higher need for water. In many cases, however, a Rottweiler will not actively look for water on its own and needs the owner’s guidance and training. Fortunately, the Rottweiler is intelligent and relatively easy to train, so developing good drinking habits is not difficult.
At present, many people who keep Rottweilers simply place a water dispenser or water bowl there permanently. Many owners therefore assume that as long as water is never absent, the dog cannot possibly become dehydrated. In reality, dogs often do not take the initiative to drink, especially in winter, when they may drink very little.
Water in a dog’s body evaporates through the body surface and respiratory system, exchanging heat with the outside world and helping lower body temperature. Water is also essential for metabolism. Cell structure and endocrine function can remain normal only with water participation, and nutrients can only be fully absorbed and used once they are dissolved in water.
A dog may survive two days without food, but cannot safely go a day without water. Once water loss reaches about 20 percent, life is in danger. Under normal circumstances, an adult Rottweiler needs about 100 milliliters of water per kilogram of body weight per day, while a puppy needs about 150 milliliters per kilogram per day.
As a Rottweiler owner, you should always prepare clean, fresh, and sufficient drinking water for the dog. In addition, a dog drinks differently from a person, and there are many details that need attention. Only by understanding these points can you provide water in a scientific and reasonable way.