Dog Hydration: How to Keep Your Dog Healthy and Hydrated

Chances are that, at some time in your life, you’ve been grateful for a bottle of water, whether bought at an event, brought to the gym or picked out of a cooler. Staying hydrated is a key part of staying healthy. The same is true for dogs. They just need us to provide that bottle or bowl of water for them.

All dogs need to drink enough water each day to support basic bodily functions, from blood circulation to food digestion. Dog hydration – how much water your dog should drink – depends on their size, health and activity level, as well as other factors like needing to stay cool in summer. Unlike people, dogs don’t sweat to cool down (except a small amount through their paw pads), so they rely mostly on panting and adequate hydration to regulate their body temperature.

The Importance of Dog Hydration

We all know that maintaining the correct water balance is essential for proper body function. Each day, dogs lose water through natural behavior like panting and urinating, and they replace those losses by drinking water. Because water is so important, the body has lots of checks and balances to ensure that water balance remains stable.

Dehydration occurs when the body loses more water than it takes in. This can happen in several ways: through decreased drinking because of illness, from not drinking enough because water isn’t available or because of trouble drinking – for example, if a dog is too weak, injured or has a problem that makes it hard to swallow or reach the bowl. Dehydration can also occur with excessive water loss, such as from vomiting, diarrhea, fever or certain diseases.

Water is a crucial component of blood, and when a dog becomes dehydrated, blood volume decreases, which in turn leads to reduced blood flow to all the body’s organs.

Dehydration can spiral quickly and, in the most serious cases, can result in permanent organ damage or even death.

Proper hydration for dogs is therefore fundamental to their health, and understanding how to prevent and recognize dehydration in your dog is an important skill for pet owners to learn.

How Much Water Does a Dog Need?

A general rule is that a dog should drink 1 ounce of fluids per pound of body weight per day.^1,2

As with all rules, there are exceptions. A dog that eats wet food may drink less water than a dog that eats kibble. When temperatures rise (externally, such as on a hot summer day, or internally due to fever), water requirements also increase. Dogs that are exercising, regardless of the outside temperature, will need more water. Some diseases can increase water consumption, and puppies and nursing or pregnant dogs also have higher daily water requirements.

Providing consistent access to clean water is the best way to prevent dehydration. Make sure that water bowls are sturdy and cannot be tipped over. A spilled water bowl on a hot day can quickly lead to dehydration.  

It is never a good idea to restrict your dog’s access to water unless under the guidance of your veterinary care team (and those instances are rare). If your dog appears to be drinking more than usual, seek veterinary advice before taking away the water bowl.

Signs of Dog Dehydration

It isn’t hard to check for dog dehydration, and it’s a great skill for all pet owners to have!

Signs of Dehydration in Dogs

• Skin tenting that does not return quickly to normal
• Dry or tacky gums
• Delayed gum color refill (longer than 3 seconds to return to pink after pressing)
• Thick, ropey saliva instead of normal watery saliva
• General signs of illness even without obvious dehydration 

How to Check for Dehydration

Skin Tenting Test

• Gently pinch a small fold of skin on your dog’s neck, and release it.
• Normal: Skin snaps back quickly.
• Possible dehydration: Skin takes a few seconds or stays “tented.”
• Limitations: Less accurate in dogs with loose skin (e.g., Shar Pei), older dogs, or dogs with certain diseases.
• Note: Dehydration is often advanced before skin tenting becomes obvious.

Gum Test

• Lift your dog’s lip, and feel the gums.
• Normal: Moist and slippery.
• Possible dehydration: Dry and tacky.
• Press a finger against the gums until it turns white, then release.
• Normal: Pink color returns in less than 3 seconds.
• Possible dehydration or illness: Takes longer than 3 seconds.

Saliva Check

• Normal: Watery saliva.
• Possible dehydration: Thick, ropey saliva.

Although these tests are easy to do, they’re not foolproof.1 If your dog is ill but not obviously dehydrated, it’s important to seek veterinary care – they can still be suffering from dehydration.

Why is My Dog Drinking Lots of Water (Polydipsia)?

There are several reasons why a dog may be drinking more water than usual. Factors as simple as exercise, diet and outdoor temperature can cause a dog to drink more. However, many diseases can cause a dog to drink more, as well.

If you think your dog is drinking more and there’s no clear cause (such as exercise or high temperature), call your veterinarian for guidance. Again, never be tempted to limit your dog’s access to clean water.

What Causes Dog Dehydration?

Common causes of dehydration include restricted access to water, vomiting, diarrhea, fever and a variety of other illnesses such as kidney disease, diabetes, Cushing’s disease (hyperadrenocorticism), cancer and liver disease. 

Although not confirmed in dogs, it’s well known that elderly people are more likely to become dehydrated. A decreased thirst drive, dementia, reduced kidney function and mobility or pain problems can all contribute to dehydration in people, and dogs may be affected in the same way.³ If you’re the pet parent of a senior dog, pay special attention to ensure they’re drinking adequate amounts each day and can easily access their water bowls.

How to Hydrate a Dog

To start with, make sure your dog always has easy access to fresh, clean water. This might mean placing several water bowls around your home. You can also add water to wet or dry food.

If you’re considering hydration supplements for your dog, ask your veterinarian which products are safe and when it’s appropriate to use them. Electrolyte solutions designed for people can be harmful in some cases of dehydration, so consult with your veterinarian before giving them to your dog. Clean, fresh water is still the best choice. 

If you’re faced with the dilemma of how to keep a dog hydrated when sick or how to hydrate a dog with diarrhea, your best source of advice is your veterinarian. However, several of the same approaches as those used with healthy dogs (see the list in the next section) can be useful when you consider how to hydrate a dog.

If your dog is sick and dehydrated, call your veterinarian, who may need to give your dog subcutaneous fluids. There is no “home hack” when it comes to how to hydrate dogs fast; professional help is needed.

What Can I Give My Dog for Hydration?

Pet owners can take other measures if dog hydration is a concern: 

• Feeding wet food, either exclusively or with dry food, is one way to increase your pet’s fluid intake. Adding a few dog-safe vegetables and fruits to your dog’s diet can also be helpful, but be careful not to overdo them.
• You can change the temperature of your dog’s water to see if they prefer room-temperature water (some dogs do) or cooler water. Some dogs like ice cubes, but chewing on them can sometimes cause dental damage; check with your veterinarian before offering ice cubes as a cooling option. Also, make sure that your dog’s water isn’t too hot, especially when bowls are outside.
• Dog popsicles for hydration are also fun options when temperatures rise. Just make sure that they are made of dog-safe ingredients and don’t contain foods that are toxic to dogs, like grapes and raisins, artificial sweeteners like xylitol, chocolate or onions.
• Another simple strategy is to have multiple water sources scattered throughout the house and yard. Easy accessibility can encourage more water consumption.
• Make sure water bowls are cleaned and refilled frequently. Although we’ve all heard jokes about dogs drinking from the toilet, most dogs are more selective about the condition of their water bowl than owners might realize. Dogs may avoid drinking (or drink less) if there is foreign material in their water bowl, if their bowl smells or it isn’t the correct size for their facial conformation or body size. Always check that the bowl is free of debris or small objects that could pose a choking hazard. If your dog is reluctant to drink plain water, ask your veterinarian about safe, palatable additives that may encourage hydration.
• Although water fountains are often considered a “cat thing,” some dogs also like drinking from this type of water source. Consider trying out a fountain if your dog’s water consumption is lower than you’d like. As with all other types of dog bowls, these need to be cleaned regularly even if they contain water filters.

Finally, don’t forget to bring water and a bowl for your pup if you’re taking a long walk or hike. And remember, it’s just as important to ensure adequate dog hydration in the winter as it is in summer. Cold air is dry, and winter activities can be as dehydrating as summer ones.

Prioritizing Your Dog’s Hydration for a Happy, Healthy Life

Water is crucial to survival, but it’s easy to overlook when it comes to your dog. Dehydration is a common and preventable problem. A few minutes spent considering the water sources in your home and observing your dog’s water consumption could have a major impact on your pet’s health and well-being.

For more expert tips on dog feeding, explore our other dog feeding guide articles. 

References 

1. Water. In: National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press; 2006:246.  

2. Zanghi B. In: Proceedings From the Nestlé Purina Companion Animal Nutrition Summit; 2017. 

3. Cave N. Water – the forgotten nutrient. Proceedings of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association World Congress; 2013.