What is the minimum volume of water required by mammals to sustain life?

The minimum volume of water required by mammals to sustain life, which is recognized as a critical consideration in veterinary medicine and animal care, is indeed in the range of 2 to 4 milliliters per kilogram per hour. This figure represents the absolute baseline necessary for basic physiological functions and maintaining hydration.

Mammals have varying water requirements depending on size, activity level, environmental conditions, and specific metabolic needs. However, the lower threshold of 2 to 4 mL/kg/hr is sufficient to meet the minimal needs for maintaining cellular homeostasis and normal physiological processes such as thermoregulation and nutrient transport in the body.

When water intake drops significantly below this range, dehydration sets in, which can quickly lead to serious health consequences, particularly in smaller animals or those already under stress. This foundational understanding is vital for veterinarians and animal caretakers, especially when managing cases of fluid therapy or when animals are unable to access water due to illness or environmental factors.