- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Dogs can become dehydrated when they lose more fluid than they take in. Dehydration in dogs can go from mild to serious very quickly, so knowing the signs could save your dog’s life.
Dogs should always have access to fresh water, says Dr. Brad Hinsperger, veterinarian at Kingsdale Animal Hospital. Going without water for more than 24 hours can lead to a medical emergency.
Not every sign of dehydration is what it seems, though. Dr. Hinsperger says a dry nose often causes more worry than it should—a perfectly healthy dog might have a dry nose, and a sick dog can have a wet one. He adds that vomiting and diarrhea cause more fluid loss than most pet parents realize. If your dog isn’t drinking enough to replace those losses, they can rapidly become dehydrated.
Read on to learn how to spot dehydration at home, what to do about it, and when to call your vet.
Signs and Symptoms of Dehydration in Dogs
Dehydration symptoms can vary. Some dogs may have one, a few, or many. Some signs point to mild dehydration, while others signal something more urgent.
| Symptom | What It Looks Like | Severity |
| Sticky gums | Gums feel tacky and it’s hard to run a finger along them | Mild–Moderate |
| Dry, sticky tongue | Tongue feels dry and tacky instead of moist | Mild–Moderate |
| Stringy saliva | Saliva is thick and ropy instead of watery | Mild–Moderate |
| Excessive panting | More panting than usual, meaning the body is struggling to regulate temperature | Mild–Moderate |
| Reduced appetite | Dog shows little interest in food | Mild–Moderate |
| Skin tenting | Pinched skin is slow to snap back | Moderate |
| Lethargy or weakness | Dog seems tired, sluggish, or unsteady | Moderate–Severe |
| Sunken eyes | Eyes look sunken and corneas appear dull | Severe |
How To Check for Dehydration at Home
At-home tests can help you check your dog’s level of hydration. One test alone may not give you a clear answer, so try a few to get a better picture.
Skin tenting
Skin tenting is one of the more reliable at-home checks for dog dehydration. To do this test, gently pinch the skin between your dog’s shoulder blades, base of the skull, or above the eyelids.
In a well-hydrated dog, the skin snaps back within one to two seconds. If the skin is slow to return or stays pinched in place, your dog may be moderately dehydrated. Age and body condition can affect skin elasticity, so pair this with other signs.
Capillary refill test
The capillary refill test checks blood circulation in your dog’s gums. Press your index finger firmly against them until they turn white, then watch how fast the pink color returns. In a hydrated dog, color returns in about two seconds. A slower return may point to poor circulation, so contact your vet if you notice this sign alongside others.
Gum moisture test
The gum moisture test is one of the first noticeable signs of dehydration. Run your finger along your dog’s gums just above the large canine tooth. Healthy gums feel slick and moist. Tacky, sticky, or dry gums can mean your dog is dehydrated.
How To Rehydrate Your Dog or Puppy
How you respond depends on the severity of the dehydration. You can often handle mild cases at home with support from your vet. More severe cases will usually need vet care right away.
Treating mild dehydration in dogs
Dr. Hinsperger recommends adding water to your dog’s food or switching to canned food to boost fluid intake. Never force water into your dog’s mouth. This can cause aspiration, which is when liquid enters the lungs.
If your dog seems reluctant to drink, try the following:
- Offer small amounts of water every few minutes rather than a full bowl at once
- Add a little low-sodium broth to the water to make it more appealing
- Let your dog lick ice cubes
- Offer Pedialyte or Gatorade (1 teaspoon per pound of body weight every 2 to 3 hours)
Go to a vet for severe dehydration
If your dog refuses to drink water altogether, head to the vet. Signs like sunken eyes, weakness, or unsteady movement mean things have progressed beyond what home care can address.
Severe dehydration is treated with IV fluids. This is the most efficient way to safely rehydrate a dog but requires hydration.
Preventing the Causes of Dehydration in Dogs
Dehydration is often a symptom of something else. Understanding the root causes helps you prevent it from happening in the first place.
Heatstroke
Heatstroke happens when a dog’s body temperature rises faster than it can cool down. Hot and humid weather increases the risk, as dogs lose more fluid through panting in high temperatures. Brachycephalic breeds, like Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boxers, are especially vulnerable because their shortened airways make it harder to regulate body temperature through panting.
Prevention tips:
- Never leave your dog in a parked car.
- Avoid walks during peak heat hours.
- Always bring fresh water on outings.
- Watch for early warning signs like heavy panting, drooling, or stumbling.
Exercise and activity
Dogs who exercise vigorously, especially in warm weather, have a greater risk of dehydration. This includes working dogs, sporting breeds, and dogs participating in activities like agility or flyball.
Prevention tips:
- Offer water before, during, and after exercise.
- Take breaks in the shade on warm days.
- Scale back intensity during heat waves or high humidity.
Not enough water intake
Some dogs simply don’t drink enough, especially those eating dry kibble. Dogs on mostly wet or raw diets naturally take in more moisture through food and may drink less from their bowl.
Prevention tips:
- Keep multiple fresh water bowls around your house.
- Clean bowls daily, since dogs are more likely to drink from clean sources.
- If you travel or board your dog, leave your dog sitter clear instructions on your dog’s drinking habits and any health conditions that affect hydration.
Underlying illness
Conditions like kidney disease, diabetes, and Cushing’s disease can increase water loss or reduce your dog’s desire to drink. Vomiting and diarrhea are also common symptoms of illness, which can quickly lead to dehydration.
Prevention tips:
- Transition to new foods slowly over 7 to 10 days.
- Keep your dog up to date on parasite prevention.
- Avoid letting your dog drink from standing water sources, which can harbor Giardia and other parasites.
- Schedule regular vet checkups, especially for senior dogs.
- Watch for changes in drinking habits. Drinking more or less than usual can signal a health issue.
FAQs About Dog Dehydration (and Rehydration)
Why is my dog refusing to drink water?
According to Dr. Hinsperger, the most common reason is an underlying medical issue. Nausea or discomfort can cause dogs to stop eating and drinking.
Diet changes can also be a factor. If you recently switched to canned food or started adding water to meals, your dog may be getting enough moisture from food and simply drinking less.
Can dogs have Pedialyte or Gatorade for dehydration?
Pedialyte and Gatorade can help treat mild dog dehydration, Dr. Hinsperger says. However, limit how much you give since these beverages contain added sugar. A general guideline is 1 teaspoon per pound of body weight every 2 to 3 hours.
Which dogs are at higher risk for dehydration?
Puppies, senior dogs, and brachycephalic breeds face a higher risk. Working dogs, sporting breeds, and dogs who exercise heavily in warm weather also have a higher risk. Dogs with kidney disease, diabetes, or gastrointestinal conditions are also more prone to chronic dehydration.
How can I prevent dehydration in my dog?
The best way to prevent dehydration is to stay ahead of it. Keep fresh water available at all times, watch for changes in your dog’s drinking habits, and don’t skip routine vet visits. If your dog has a known health condition or is a puppy or senior, talk to your vet about their specific hydration needs.
