Quick Answer: Common signs of dehydration in dogs include dry or sticky gums, thick saliva, sunken eyes, low energy, and loss of skin elasticity — pinch the skin between the shoulder blades and it should snap back instantly; if it stays tented, your dog needs water now. To encourage drinking in summer heat, offer fresh water in multiple locations, keep it moving and cool with a pet fountain, add a splash of low-sodium bone broth, and always carry a portable water bottle on walks.
Quick answers for keeping your dog drinking enough when temperatures climb.
Signs Your Dog May Be Dehydrated
What does dog dehydration actually look like?
Dry or tacky gums, thick or stringy saliva, sunken-looking eyes, low energy or unusual lethargy, and reduced urination. In more serious cases, dogs may pant heavily, seem disoriented, or refuse food. If you notice several of these together, especially after time outside in the heat, offer water immediately and contact your vet if symptoms don't improve quickly.
The Skin Tent Test
How can I quickly check if my dog is dehydrated?
Gently pinch and lift the loose skin between your dog's shoulder blades, then let go. In a well-hydrated dog, the skin snaps back flat almost instantly. If it slowly sinks back down, or stays "tented" for a moment, your dog is likely dehydrated and needs water — and possibly a vet visit if it's severe.
Why Dogs Don't Drink Enough in Summer
Why won't my dog drink more water when it's hot?
Some dogs simply don't recognize thirst the way humans do, especially if their water bowl is warm, stale, or far from where they nap and play. Picky drinkers may avoid water that's been sitting out, and dogs panting heavily can lose fluids faster than they instinctively replace them — which is exactly when access to fresh, appealing water matters most.
How to Encourage Your Dog to Drink More
- 🐾 Multiple water stations — place bowls in 2-3 locations around the house, especially near resting spots
- 🐾 Keep it fresh and moving — circulating, filtered water from a pet water fountain stays oxygenated and appealing far longer than a still bowl
- 🐾 Add flavor — a splash of low-sodium, onion-free bone broth or the liquid from canned food can entice picky drinkers
- 🐾 Ice cubes — dropping a few in the bowl keeps water cool longer and turns drinking into a game for some dogs
- 🐾 Bring water on every walk — a portable water bottle with a built-in bowl makes offering water easy enough that you'll actually do it
- 🐾 Wet food — switching even one meal a day to wet food adds meaningful moisture to your dog's diet
Hydration and Heat Go Together
Dehydration risk climbs fast on hot walks — if you haven't already, check out our guide on how hot is too hot to walk your dog in Phoenix this summer for pavement safety tips that pair directly with good hydration habits.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much water should my dog drink per day?
A general guideline is about 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight per day, more in hot weather or after exercise. A 50 lb dog might need roughly 50-70 oz on a hot day.
Is my dog drinking enough if the bowl never seems to go down?
Not necessarily — check for the warning signs above. Some dogs barely touch still water but drink readily from a fountain or after a walk with a portable bottle.
Can I give my dog electrolyte drinks made for humans?
Most human sports drinks contain too much sugar and sodium for dogs. Plain water, ice cubes, or vet-approved pet electrolyte products are safer choices.
What should I do if I think my dog is severely dehydrated?
Offer small amounts of water frequently rather than letting them gulp a large amount at once, move them to a cool area, and contact your vet right away — severe dehydration can become an emergency quickly.
Does a pet fountain really make a difference?
Yes — many dogs and cats are instinctively drawn to moving water, and fountains keep water cooler and fresher for longer than a static bowl, especially in summer heat.
10% of JJ's Legacy Collection sales go to local pet rescues.
Keep your dog drinking all summer with the Pet Water Fountain at home and a Portable Water Bottle for every walk or adventure.
