How to Keep Your Dog Hydrated
|
As we slowly but surely creep towards Summer and the days begin to get ever so slightly warmer it’s really important you think about your dog’s hydration.
It may not be the most exciting part of dog care, but it is one of those tip top essentials you need to get right in order for your dog to stay happy and healthy.
You see, water supports digestion, circulation, temperature control, organ function, joint health and the everyday business of being a dog like sniffing, snoozing, zooming and pretending they absolutely haven’t already had dinner.
And while most dogs are pretty good at drinking when they need to, others need a little encouragement.
Some are fussy. Some are forgetful. Some seem personally offended by the water bowl you lovingly cleaned five minutes ago, yet will happily investigate a questionable puddle on a walk (and, if they’re anything like my dog will chug it, just bring it back up 2 seconds later…).
So, how do you keep your dog hydrated? Especially if they don’t want to drink water!
Let’s get into it…
Table of contents
Why is hydration so important for dogs?
Your dog’s body relies on water for almost every major function. It helps move nutrients around the body, supports healthy digestion, keeps cells working properly and is the star when it comes to temperature control. Which is incredibly important over the warmer season.
Why?
Well, dogs don’t sweat in the same way humans do. They mainly cool themselves through panting, which means they can lose moisture more quickly in hot weather, after exercise or when they’re stressed, unwell or overexcited.
Veterinary guidance estimates a dog’s daily maintenance fluid needs using formulas such as 30 x body weight in kg + 70 ml per day, although your dog’s exact needs will change depending on their diet, activity level, health, age and, indeed, the weather.
So when it comes to hydration for dogs, it isn’t about obsessively measuring every sip or monitoring their water bowl levels with a water gauge. It’s about making sure your dog always has easy access to clean water and knowing what’s normal for them.
It’s also important to note that a dog who eats dry kibble may drink more from their bowl than a dog eating moisture rich fresh food like Years.
Not to mention activity levels have a huge impact too with super active pup’s (we’re looking at you Malinois…) naturally needing more than a dog who’d rather spend their time snoozing on the sofa.
How much water should a dog drink?
There isn’t one perfect amount for every dog. Size matters, but so do diet, exercise, temperature, health and life stage.
As a general guide thought, dogs need enough fluid to replace what they lose through everyday body functions, panting, urination, exercise and digestion. Veterinary fluid calculations provide a useful estimate, but your dog’s real life needs may go up or down depending on circumstances.
Your dog may need more water if they are:
Very active
Exercising in warm weather
Eating mostly dry food
Pregnant or nursing
Recovering from illness
Experiencing vomiting or diarrhoea
Older or managing certain health conditions
They may also appear to drink less if they eat fresh food, wet food or water rich treats (more on that later), as some of their fluid is coming from food. That’s not automatically a problem, but fresh drinking water should still be available at all times.
Signs your dog may be dehydrated
Dehydration can range from mild to serious, so it’s worth knowing the warning signs.
Possible signs of dehydration in dogs include:
Dry or sticky gums
Loss of skin elasticity
Sunken looking eyes
Low energy
Weakness
Excessive panting
Vomiting
Changes in breathing
A super easy and fairly common at home check if your dog is dehydrated is the skin tent test.
Simply gently lift the skin over your dog’s shoulders and let go. In a well hydrated dog, the skin should return to normal quickly. If it stays raised or moves back slowly, dehydration may be something to think about.
That said, this test isn’t perfect.
Older dogs, very thin dogs and dogs with naturally loose skin can be harder to assess. So don’t rely on one sign alone, look at your dog’s overall behaviour, gums, energy levels and recent history.
If your dog seems flat, weak, wobbly, confused, is vomiting repeatedly, has diarrhoea or refuses water, it’s best to contact your vet to ensure everything is AOK.
How to keep your dog hydrated every day
@yearsuk The most simple hydrating dog treat recipe for your dog #dogtreat #frozendogtreat #simpletreats #simplerecipe #dogmum #dognutrition #dogfood ♬ original sound - YEARS UK
Easy access to clean water
Your dog should always have access to clean drinking water.
Simple, yes. But also very easy to overlook. Bowls get knocked over, warmed by the sun, filled with grass, dust, food crumbs or the mysterious fluff that appears in every pet household.
So a good rule of thumb to follow is to refresh your dog’s water at least once or twice a day, and more often in warm weather.
Wash their bowl daily too, especially if your dog is a slobbery drinker.
Some dogs are fussy about “old” water. And honestly, fair enough, would you like to drink a glass of water that had been set out in the morning and sitting in the sun all day?
Put water where your dog actually spends time
Some dogs are not proactive drinkers. They aren’t necessarily unwell, they just aren’t going to leave the comfy spot, walk across the kitchen and make a sensible hydration choice.
Try placing bowls in a few useful places:
Near their bed
In the kitchen
By the back door
In the garden on warm days
Upstairs, if your dog sleeps there
Near where they rest after walks
This is especially helpful for puppies, senior dogs, dogs with mobility issues and dogs who generally treat movement as a negotiation.
Take water on walks
If you’re heading out for a longer walk, especially in warm weather, take water with you.
A collapsible bowl or dog water bottle makes this much, much easier. Offer small drinks during the walk rather than waiting until your dog is panting heavily at the end.
This is particularly important for:
Flat faced breeds
Thick coated dogs
Overweight dogs
Senior dogs
Very energetic dogs
Dogs who don’t know when to stop
Some dogs will keep playing even when they’re hot and tired, so it’s our job to be the sensible one.
Also, if it’s a very warm day, really consider if your pup should be heading out for a long walk. They overheat much faster than we do and sometimes letting them rest in the cool is better for them.
Add water to meals
One of the simplest ways to hydrate your dog is to add a splash of water to their food.
This can be especially useful for dogs eating dry food, but it can also work with fresh food if your dog enjoys a softer texture. Warm water can make food smell more appealing too, which is handy for dogs who need a little encouragement to eat.
Start small if your dog is fussy. Add just enough to loosen the texture, then build from there if they’re happy.
Feed moisture rich food
The good news is your dog’s food can contribute to hydration too.
Fresh food like Years, wet food and water rich whole foods naturally contain more moisture than dry kibble. That doesn’t replace the need for drinking water, but it can support your dog’s overall fluid intake.
This is one reason some dogs drinking less from the bowl may not necessarily be dehydrated if they’ve switched to a moisture rich diet. They may simply be getting more water from their meals.
Still, water bowl access is non-negotiable.
How to hydrate a dog that won’t drink water
A dog not drinking water can be worrying. Sometimes there’s a simple explanation… the bowl smells odd, the water is too warm, they’re less active than usual or they’ve had more moisture from food.
But refusing water can also be linked to pain, nausea, dental problems, infection, stress, overheating or another health issue.
Experts recommend contacting a vet if reduced water intake is seen alongside signs such as dry gums, sunken eyes, lethargy or weakness, as these may indicate dehydration.
So, if your dog seems unwell, don’t try to manage it with clever tricks alone. Speak to your vet.
If your dog is otherwise bright, eating, behaving normally and just being a bit reluctant to drink, these gentle ideas may help.
1. Change the bowl
Some dogs are strangely specific about bowls.
Metal bowls can make noises or reflections. Plastic bowls can hold smells. Deep bowls can bother dogs with sensitive whiskers. Some dogs simply prefer a different shape, height or location.
Try:
A ceramic bowl
A wider, shallower bowl
A raised bowl for older dogs
A freshly washed bowl
A bowl in a quieter location
It sounds minor, but for some dogs, the bowl really is the drama.
2. Add a safe splash of flavour
You can make water more appealing by adding a small amount of dog safe flavour.
Good options include:
Unsalted chicken broth
Unsalted bone broth
A little water from plain cooked chicken
A spoonful of wet or fresh food stirred into water
Many human broths and stock cubes contain too much salt, so always go for a flavour top up option that is dog friendly.
3. Refresh the water more often
Some dogs are water snobs. They want it fresh, cool and preferably presented with the enthusiasm of a boutique spa (feel free to top up with some cucumber slices for the full effect).
Try:
Changing the water several times a day
Adding a couple of ice cubes
Using filtered water if your tap water has a strong smell
Moving the bowl away from food, litter trays or busy areas
If your dog suddenly stops drinking after travel, a house move or a change in water source, taste or smell could be part of the issue.
4. Try a different drinking style
Some dogs won’t drink from their bowl but will lick water from:
Your hand
A spoon
A shallow plate
A travel bottle
A lick mat with watered-down food
This can be useful if your dog is stressed, recovering from a mild upset or feeling unsure.
However, don’t force water into your dog’s mouth unless your vet specifically tells you to. Syringing water can be risky, especially if your dog is weak, nauseous or struggling to swallow.
5. Offer moisture rich snacks
If your dog is still eating, you can offer small amounts of water rich, dog safe foods.
Good options include:
Cucumber
Watermelon with the rind and seeds removed
Strawberries with the leafy tops removed
These should be treats, not meal replacements. Introduce them gradually, keep portions sensible and cut them to a safe size for your dog.
6. Know when it’s time to call the vet
Contact your vet if your dog:
Refuses water for more than a short period
Seems lethargic, weak or wobbly
Has vomiting or diarrhoea
Has dry, sticky gums
Has sunken looking eyes
Is panting heavily
May have overheated
Is drinking much more than usual
Is a puppy, senior dog or has an existing health condition
Also watch for the opposite problem, drinking far more than normal. A sudden increase in thirst can be linked to health problems and should be checked by a vet.
What not to use for dog hydration
Hydration treats should still be dog safe. Avoid anything that could upset your dog’s stomach or put them at risk.
Avoid:
Grapes and raisins
Anything containing xylitol
Salty broths or stock cubes
Sugary drinks
Caffeinated drinks
Alcohol
Large frozen chunks your dog may swallow whole
Also avoid using human sports drinks unless your vet specifically recommends something suitable. Dogs don’t need sugary, flavoured drinks to stay hydrated, and some human products contain ingredients that aren’t appropriate for them.
The best hydration support is usually simple… fresh water, moisture rich meals and safe whole foods in sensible amounts.
How to keep your dog hydrated in hot weather
Warm weather is when hydration becomes extra important. Dogs can overheat quickly, especially if they’re exercising, playing hard or lying in direct sun.
To help keep your dog hydrated in summer:
Walk early in the morning or later in the evening
Avoid intense exercise during the hottest part of the day
Offer water before, during and after walks
Keep water bowls in shaded areas
Use cooling mats or damp towels
Offer frozen hydrating treats
Keep your dog out of hot cars
Watch flat faced breeds extra closely
Dogs who are brachycephalic, meaning flatfaced breeds like pugs, French bulldogs and English bulldogs, may struggle more in heat because they can find it harder to cool themselves efficiently through panting.
If your dog is panting heavily, drooling excessively, weak, confused, vomiting or collapsing, treat it as urgent. Heatstroke is an emergency.
Quick hydration checklist for dog owners
Is clean water available at all times?
Is the bowl washed daily?
Does your dog have more than one water station?
Do you take water on longer walks?
Are you adding moisture to meals if needed?
Are frozen treats cut small enough to be safe?
Is your dog drinking more or less than usual?
Are there any signs of dehydration or illness?
Final thoughts
Hydration isn’t about being perfect. It’s about knowing your dog, building good habits and acting quickly when something feels a bit off.
The main thing is knowing what’s normal for your dog. If they’re drinking much more or less than usual, seem lethargic, have dry gums, or show signs of illness, it’s always best to check in with your vet.
For most dogs, though, a few simple habits can go a long way in keeping them cool, comfortable and happily hydrated.
FAQs
How do I keep my dog hydrated?
The best way to keep your dog hydrated is to provide fresh, clean water at all times, wash their bowl daily, offer water on walks and add moisture to meals if needed. You can also use dog-safe water-rich foods like cucumber, watermelon and strawberries as occasional treats.
How much water should my dog drink each day to stay hydrated?
There isn’t one exact amount for every dog. Your dog’s water needs depend on their size, diet, activity level, health and the weather. Veterinary guidance uses body weight-based formulas to estimate daily maintenance fluid needs, but real-life requirements can vary.
Why is my dog not drinking water?
Your dog may not be drinking because their bowl is dirty, the water tastes different, they’re less active than usual or they’re getting moisture from food. However, not drinking can also be linked to illness, pain, nausea, dental issues or dehydration. If your dog seems unwell or shows signs such as dry gums, sunken eyes, lethargy or weakness, contact your vet.
What can I give my dog if they won’t drink water?
You can try fresh water in a different bowl, a splash of unsalted onion free broth, water mixed into food, or moisture rich snacks like cucumber or watermelon. Don’t force water into your dog’s mouth unless advised by your vet.
Can dogs eat frozen watermelon to stay hydrated?
Yes, many dogs can enjoy frozen watermelon as an occasional treat, as long as the rind and seeds are removed and the pieces are cut to a safe size. Serve in moderation because watermelon contains natural sugars.
When should I worry about dehydration in my dog?
You should contact your vet if your dog has dry or sticky gums, sunken eyes, weakness, low energy, heavy panting, vomiting, diarrhoea, collapse or refuses water. These can be signs of dehydration and may need veterinary treatment.
