7 Creative Ways to Keep Your Dog Hydrated

Most of us know how important it is for people to stay hydrated, but sometimes it’s easy to forget dogs are also at risk for dehydration or heat exhaustion if they don’t drink enough water.

Warmer weather is upon us here in Colorado so it’s important to be aware of how crucial drinking enough water is for your dog’s health.

Staying hydrated:

• Promotes urinary tract health.

Dogs who stay hydrated have a lower risk of urinary tract infections, urinary stones or crystals.

• Helps regulate body temperature.

Water has a cooling effect on your dog’s body and helps him or her maintain a healthy temperature.

• Keeps energy levels up.

Water helps dogs convert fat to energy. Staying hydrated helps your dog maintain his or her energy for play and exercise.

• Promotes easier healing and recovery.

Just like humans, drinking water helps flush toxins out of your dog’s body. This helps them recover from illness or injury quicker as well as maintains their overall health.

Here are 7 ways to keep your dog hydrated and cool.

1. Know the signs of dehydration

Common signs of dehydration include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Lethargy
• Excessive, ongoing panting
• Loss of appetite
• Sunken, dry eyes
• Dry, sticky gums

If you suspect your dog is dehydrated, call your veterinarian right away. He or she can monitor your dog’s condition and administer fluids if needed.

Wondering how to check hydration levels at home? Check out this video from PetSafe.

2. Know how much water your dog needs

Dogs need one ounce of water for each pound of their body weight. A 70 lb. Labrador Retriever needs approximately 70 ounces of water per day.

It can be a little challenging to monitor how much water your dog is drinking, especially if he or she drinks from multiple water sources. But if you are concerned about your dog being dehydrated, it is a good idea to keep track of his or her water intake as best you can.

3. Bring water with you

When you’re out and about, be sure to bring water with you. I really like bringing a collapsible water bowl along when I’m on the go with my pooch. Taking a road trip? Stop a few times and give your dog a chance to drink some fresh water. Running or hiking with your dog? Be sure to stop for a drink and give your fur buddy some water.

4. Provide a place to cool off

Dogs can get overheated easily; make sure you are offering shade or an air conditioned space if it’s hot outside. And never leave your dog in a parked car on a warm or hot day. Dogs die in hot cars every summer; vehicle temperatures can rise very quickly.

If you bring your dog with you in a vehicle during hot months, consider wrapping an extra collar or small leash, or some other reminder onto your steering wheel or on your bag or purse, so you don’t forget your dog is with you. My dog is a great traveler and she is very quiet in the back seat. I always bring something with me to remind me she is in the car too.

5. Add water to your dog’s food

Human foods tend to have a lot of water in them, but if your dog eats dry kibble, he may need more water in the food he eats. Try adding a little water or broth to his or her dry food or add wet food to his or her diet.

6. Give ice cubes or popsicles as treats 

Some dogs will enjoy licking ice cubes or ice as a way to supplement water intake. Try:

• Adding ice cubes to your dog’s water to keep it cool
• Use silicone molds to freeze treats for your dog. Try adding a little water to some plain yogurt, pouring into a mold, adding in some berries and freezing. Or add a little water to some peanut butter (make sure it doesn’t have any xylitol in it, which can be deadly for dogs), pour into a mold and freeze. You can also try making different flavors by blending plain yogurt, fruit and a small amount of water in a blender. 
• Consider making a project toy and freeze it in a bucket of water. Dogs have a great time licking the ice off to get to the project toy.

7. Try a dog drinking fountain

Dogs have an instinct to drink running water. In nature, running water is fresh water, while stagnant water is not always safe or healthy. For this reason, many pets are naturally drawn to running water and will drink more from a water fountain than they will from a traditional water dish.

Keep in mind both water quantity and quality are important. Be wary of unsanitary conditions, such as muddy puddles, uncovered toilet bowls, oily street water and stagnant water sources. Rivers, lakes and streams can harbor dangerous parasites that can cause illness or even death if ingested.

Water bowls at dog parks can be unsanitary as well. They are often covered in other dogs’ saliva and bacteria. It’s best to let your dog drink straight from a water fountain or bring your own water to ensure you steer clear of unsanitary conditions.

Keep these tips in mind to keep your dog hydrated, happy and healthy this summer!

What creative ways do you use to keep your dog hydrated on hot days? Please share with the rest of the Canine Campus community in the comments below.