What is the daily maintenance fluid rate for small dogs?

• A. 40 ml/kg/day
• B. 60 ml/kg/day
• C. 50 ml/kg/day
• D. 45 ml/kg/day

Answer: (B)

Maintenance fluids in dogs are set to cover ongoing losses from urine, feces, and insensible losses. For dogs, a standard rule of thumb is about 60 ml per kilogram per day. This baseline helps ensure a small dog stays adequately hydrated over 24 hours; for example, a 5 kg dog would need roughly 300 ml per day. Values like 40 ml/kg/day are typical for cats, while 45 or 50 ml/kg/day fall below the usual dog maintenance rate, which is why 60 ml/kg/day is the correct choice.