Reviewed by Dr. Fiona Lee
Just like humans—and most animals—dogs must drink water to survive. But unlike us, dogs don't sweat through their skin to regulate their body temperature. Instead, dogs expel body heat through the evaporation of moisture on their tongues, as well as through their paw pads and nose.1 Hydration is particularly important for dogs in hot weather and during heavy or even moderate exercise.
Your dog relies on you, their owner, to remain hydrated! Dogs generally need at least an ounce of water per pound of body weight daily.2 Here, we explain how you can best help your furry buddy stay safe and healthy—and what to do if you recognize signs of dehydration.
What Causes Dehydration in Dogs?
Throughout the day, dogs lose water naturally during normal activities like breathing and panting, through urinating and defecating and even through evaporation through their nose, paws and mouth.3 If their water intake is lower than the amount being lost, a dog can become dehydrated and stripped of natural minerals called electrolytes—sodium, chloride and potassium—that balance pH, facilitate muscle movement and more.4
Dehydration in healthy dogs is virtually always caused by inadequate water intake, so it's essential to ensure your dog always has access to clean water, and to wash their home water bowl regularly. Your dog's hydration is mostly up to you, particularly on warmer days or when your dog is engaged in heavy exercise, like on a hike or a romp at the dog park.3
In rare cases, dehydration can occur even without obstacles to your dog's access to water. Some dogs simply need more encouragement to drink water. But if your dog is sick with a gastrointestinal disorder (e.g., if they have a stomach bug, diarrhea or vomiting), they can become severely dehydrated, so monitor their water intake closely. Dehydration can also be a symptom of an underlying condition like kidney disease, diabetes or cancer. Puppies, senior dogs, nursing mothers and toy dog breeds have an elevated risk of dehydration.3
What Are Some of the Warning Signs or Symptoms of Dehydration?
It's important to identify behaviors and even physical appearances that can be the result of dehydration so you can take corrective action promptly. Keep in mind that while your dog's nose is typically wet to the touch, a dry nose is not a reliable indicator of dehydration.
Here's what to look for instead:
- Check your dog's eyes. A dehydrated dog may have sunken eyes and a noticeably dry eye surface.5
- Do a skin turgor test. Gently pinch the skin between your dog's shoulder blades. The skin of a healthy, hydrated dog will quickly bounce back into form when gently pinched or tented upward, while a dehydrated dog's skin may stay tented or return to normal at a slow pace. However, this test may be influenced by your dog's age, existing skin conditions and overall health.6
- Check your dog's mouth. A hydrated dog's mouth will have healthy gums that are slick with saliva.5 Gums that are tacky or sticky or lined with dry, pasty mucous is a sign of dehydration called xerostomia.7
These are some of the milder signs of dehydration. If your dog is showing signs of heatstroke, shock or severe dehydration—lethargy, weakness, excessive panting, increased heart rate and deep-red-colored gums—contact your veterinarian immediately, as serious levels of dehydration should be treated with intravenous fluids.7
How Do You Treat a Dehydrated Dog?
Mild dehydration symptoms can be addressed by giving your dog small amounts of water every few minutes, or with small pieces of ice to lick or even chew. Be careful not to give your dog access to unlimited amounts of water. For smaller dogs, start with only a teaspoon. For larger dogs, start with 1/4 cup every couple of hours, and increase only as your dog can tolerate it.5 A dehydrated dog needs electrolytes, so even sports drinks like Gatorade may be used in a pinch.
But What If My Dog Is Really Sick?
If your dog is sick and vomiting or has diarrhea, it's crucial to not force them to drink more water, as this can worsen the problem.2 Instead, limit their access and monitor their behavior until the condition improves. If your dog has experienced severe dehydration symptoms, your veterinarian can run diagnostic tests and create a treatment plan tailored to your dog's needs. In severe cases, an intravenous treatment such as Ringer's lactate can help replenish lost minerals.7
How Do You Prevent Dehydration in Dogs?
Preventing dehydration in dogs is easy for healthy dogs. Avoid the worst of the summer heat by keeping your dog indoors during peak sunshine hours, and always keep their home water bowls clean and filled.1 Don't leave your dog in the car for longer than a few minutes, and always be sure to ventilate the vehicle and ensure your dog has access to water. Keeping your dog on a balanced diet is crucial to their overall health, as are regular veterinarian visits.
Sick dogs require special care and attention to address dehydration—they should be taken to the veterinarian immediately if symptoms become severe.2
If you're planning to take your dog on an outing where they will exert a lot of energy—like a day at the beach or on the trail—keep your dog's health in mind and bring enough water for both of you. There are plenty of lightweight, collapsible or foldable hydration systems for dogs available. Whether you prefer walks on the beach or in the park, or if mountain hiking is more your jam, find a hydration system that fits your needs.
A Word From Pets Best
Dehydration can be serious—and in some cases life-threatening—for your dog. Protect your pup with Pets Best dog insurance to help them stay safe and healthy. Pets Best dog insurance plans are customizable, and our network of veterinary experts is available anytime through our 24/7 Pet Helpline.
Sources/Citations
1. "How Do Dogs Sweat? And How Do Dogs Cool Themselves Down?" Lindsay Boyers (7/2023), BeChewy, https://be.chewy.com/do-dogs-sweat/, accessed March 14, 2024.
2. "Dehydration in Dogs - Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments," (8/2020), Memphis Veterinary Specialists & Emergency, https://www.memphisveterinaryspecialists.com/site/blog-cordova/2020/08/14/dehydration-in-dogs-causes-symptoms-treatment, accessed March 14, 2024.
3. "Warning Signs of Dehydration in Dogs," Jan Reisen (11/2023), American Kennel Club, https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/warning-signs-dehydration-dogs/, accessed March 14, 2024.
4. "Dehydration in Dogs - Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments," (9/2021), Newtown Veterinary Specialists, https://www.newtownvets.com/site/blog/2021/09/16/dehydration-in-dogs, accessed March 14, 2024.
5. "Is My Dog Dehydrated?" Michelle Diener (2/2022), PetMD, https://www.petmd.com/dog/symptoms/is-my-dog-dehydrated, accessed March 14, 2024.
6. "Is Your Pet Dehydrated? Try These Simple Tests," Hank Champion (7/2022), Pet Safe, https://www.petsafe.com/blog/is-your-pet-dehydrated-try-these-simple-tests/, accessed March 14, 2024.
7. "Signs of Dehydration in Dogs & What You Should Do," (1/2021), Northeast Veterinary Referral Hospital, https://www.northeast-vet.com/site/pet-care-blog-plains-vet/2021/01/25/dehydration-in-dogs-causes-symptoms-treatment, accessed March 14, 2024.