5 Signs of Dehydration in Dogs

Just like us, dogs need to drink enough water to stay healthy, comfortable and full of energy. But unlike us, they can’t grab a glass from the kitchen or tote a Stanley cup on their morning walk. Your dog is completely dependent on you to make sure fresh water is always available and that they’re actually drinking it.

Some days, this is easy. After a long run in the park or on a hot afternoon, your dog will head straight for their bowl, slurping away like they’ve just crossed a desert. Other days, you might notice the water level in their bowl hasn’t budged, and you’re left wondering if your dog is drinking enough…

The tricky part is that dogs don’t always make it obvious when they’re thirsty. You can’t be expected to read your dog’s mind or know when their mouth is feeling a little dry. But without you realising it, there are early signs of dehydration in dogs that you can spot, and they can be the difference between a quick fix and a serious health issue. Because while dehydration in dogs can happen for many reasons, like hot weather, exercise or illness, it’s always something worth catching early.

Whether you live somewhere warm, have a particularly active pup, or just want to be proactive about their wellbeing, keeping an eye on their hydration is a small step that makes a big difference.

As a general rule of thumb, your dog will need around 50 to 100 millilitres of water per kilogram of body weight every day. That means a 5 kg Chihuahua might drink somewhere between 250 and 500 ml in 24 hours, while a 25 kg Labrador would be closer to 1,250 to 2,500 ml.

Of course, this isn’t an exact science. A dog’s needs can change depending on their age, activity level, diet and even the weather. A Westie who eats mainly wet food will get a lot of moisture from their meals and may drink less from the bowl, while a Greyhound on dry kibble after a long run will need more to make up for the loss through panting and exercise.

You should never limit your dog’s access to water. Fresh, clean water should be available to them at all times and rather than measuring every drop, focus on spotting changes in their drinking habits. If your normally water-loving pup stops drinking altogether or they’re suddenly emptying the bowl multiple times a day, it’s worth mentioning to your vet.

And remember, dogs can drink more when they’re feeling hot, after activity, or even when they’re anxious in certain situations. While occasional variation is normal, consistently drinking too much or too little can be a sign that something’s not right. Your vet can help you work out what’s normal for your individual dog and what might need attention, so never be afraid to ask them.

Dry Gums

One of the easiest signs of dehydration in dogs is dry or sticky gums. Normally, your dog’s gums should feel moist and smooth, but when they’re dehydrated, the gums can become tacky or dry to the touch. This happens because the body isn’t getting enough fluids, making dry gums a quick clue to possible dehydration.

Loss of Skin Elasticity

Another classic sign of dehydration in dogs is a loss of skin elasticity. If you gently pinch the skin between your dog’s shoulders and it doesn’t snap back quickly, this “skin tenting” is a clear warning that their body is lacking moisture. It’s an easy test you can do at home to check if your dog might be dehydrated.

Sunken Eyes

Sunken or dull eyes are often linked to dehydration in dogs. When a dog is dehydrated, the tissues around their eyes lose moisture, causing the eyes to appear recessed or less bright than usual. Keep an eye on this subtle but important sign.

Low Energy and Weakness

A lack of energy or noticeable weakness is a common symptom of dehydration in dogs. If your pup is usually lively but suddenly seems sluggish or less interested in activities, it could be their body reacting to a fluid shortage. Dehydration affects muscles and circulation, making them tire more easily.

Panting and Changes in Breathing

While panting is normal for dogs, heavy or excessive panting without obvious reason can indicate dehydration. Changes in breathing, like rapid or shallow breaths, also suggest your dog may be struggling to maintain proper hydration.

Keeping your dog hydrated is one of the simplest yet most important ways to help prevent dehydration in dogs. With a few easy tricks and tools, you can encourage your furry friend to drink more water and stay healthy, especially during busy days or hot weather. Here are some top tips to make hydration easy and enjoyable for your dog.

Easy Access to Clean & Fresh Water

Always provide your dog with fresh, clean water that’s changed regularly. A full dog water bowl in a quiet, shaded spot invites your dog to drink more often, which is key in preventing dehydration in dogs.

Hydration Supplements like Pawer Water

For picky drinkers or dogs that need an extra hydration boost, supplements like Pawer Water are a great solution. This tasty powder dissolves easily and adds electrolytes plus wellness ingredients in a natural chicken broth flavour that dogs love.

Keep Water Cool with a Cooling Bowl

Treat Them to a Healthy Smoothie 

If your dog is bored with plain old boring water, you could try keeping them hydrated with something a little tastier. Dog-friendly smoothies are a great way to do just that, whether it’s by blending water with mashed banana and natural yoghurt or choosing pre-made dog drinks like those from Furr Boost.

Available in flavours like Beef, Broccoli & Blueberry, these flavoured dog drinks can be served as they come or frozen into treat dispensers or onto lick mats for a longer lasting hydrating treat.

Get Them a Garden Water Fountain

Take Collapsible Water Bowls & Bottles On Walks

If you’re out and about with your dog, making it easy for them to drink on the go is key to preventing dehydration in dogs. Collapsible water bowls are lightweight, easy to carry and take up almost no space in your bag. Pair one with a dog water bottle, and you’ve got a portable hydration station wherever your adventures take you.

In the same way drinking plenty of water is important for your own wellbeing, ensuring your dog is properly hydrated is essential for our furry best friends’ health and happiness too. They need easy access to fresh, clean water throughout the day, especially after exercise or in warm weather.

Plus understanding how much your dog should be drinking and recognising the signs of dehydration in dogs helps you know when you might need to encourage more hydration or even book in a vet visit.

At WOOOF, we know how crucial hydration is for your dog’s wellbeing. That’s why we offer a wide range of tools to help prevent dehydration in dogs and keep them excited about drinking fresh water. Whether it’s a brand-new dog water bowl, hydration supplements, or delicious Furr Boost smoothies, we have everything you need to make hydration easy and enjoyable.

All information sourced from Dogs Trust and PetMD

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