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Hydration Tips for Active Dogs
- Kristina Voltin
- 17 hours ago
- 12 min read
Keeping your dog hydrated is critical to their health and energy, especially if they're active. Here's what you need to know:
- Daily Water Needs: Dogs require about 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight daily. This can double in hot weather or during intense activity.
- Signs of Dehydration: Look for excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, dry gums, or skin that doesn’t bounce back when pinched.
- Hydration Tips:
- Always provide fresh, clean water and wash bowls daily to prevent bacteria.
- Take water breaks every 10–15 minutes during exercise. Use portable bottles and collapsible bowls.
- Add moisture to meals by rehydrating freeze-dried food or mixing in water, bone broth, or raw goat milk.
- Use electrolyte solutions for long activities or hot days to replenish lost minerals.
- Pre-Hydration: Start hydrating your dog 3–5 days before intense activities by mixing water into their food.
Quick Tip: Monitor your dog’s water intake, adjust for activity level and weather, and always watch for early dehydration signs to keep them happy, healthy, and ready for adventure.
🐾 How to Hydrate Your Dog on Adventures! 🌊 How to Make a Dog Drink Water 🌞
1. Keep Fresh, Clean Water Available
Ensuring your dog always has access to fresh, clean water is the cornerstone of proper hydration. It’s easy to overlook how quickly water can become stale or contaminated, especially for active dogs that need frequent hydration. Regular cleaning is a must to keep bacteria at bay.
Did you know that pet bowls are among the germiest spots in your home? They rank fourth on the list, harboring bacteria like , which can form a pink slime and potentially lead to infections such as pneumonia[6][8].
"Dogs aren't the tidiest eaters. They drool, slop food around, and their mouths are full of bacteria that when mixed with food particles and moisture, can create the perfect environment for harmful microorganisms to thrive."
- Dr. Kelly Hood, DVM, in-house veterinary expert at Pet Portraits[6]
To keep your dog’s water bowl clean, wash it daily to prevent bacterial buildup. Use mild soap and warm water, scrubbing thoroughly to remove any slimy biofilm. Make sure to rinse it well - soap residue can discourage your dog from drinking. For even better results, rinse with warm water at around 140°F or run the bowl through the hottest cycle of your dishwasher[10].
Switching to stainless steel or ceramic bowls is a smart choice. Unlike plastic, these materials are nonporous, which makes them more resistant to bacteria growth[5][7]. For active dogs, placing multiple water stations throughout your home and yard ensures they can rehydrate quickly after playtime or exercise.
When you’re on the go, bring water from home instead of relying on unfamiliar sources that might upset your dog’s stomach[9]. A frozen water bottle is a great trick for longer outings - it melts gradually, providing cool, refreshing water your dog will love[10]. If you’re setting up water outside, keep bowls in shaded areas to prevent the water from getting too warm or developing algae.
2. Give Water Breaks During Exercise
Keeping water handy during exercise is crucial for your dog's health, especially to prevent overheating and dehydration during physical activity.
Plan to stop for water every mile or whenever your dog starts panting heavily. The PetMD Editorial team recommends:
"Stop for water breaks, maybe around every mile or when you see that your dog is panting hard, allowing your dog to drink just enough to quench her thirst each time. Don't allow her to gulp large amounts of water at one time, as this can lead stomach upset or bloating." [11]
If you're unsure about your dog's hydration needs, start with more frequent breaks - every ten minutes is a good baseline until you learn their patterns [12]. Pay attention to signs like excessive panting, lethargy, drooling, or dark red gums. These are cues to stop immediately and offer water. Dogs often slow down, seek shade, or even stop altogether when they need a break. This is their way of signaling they need water, rest, or relief from the heat [12][14].
For longer activities, aim for water breaks every 15 minutes. Offer small sips rather than letting your dog gulp water, which can upset their stomach. Make hydration breaks convenient by carrying a portable water bottle and collapsible bowl. Stick to shaded paths when possible, and if your dog shows signs of overheating, find shade and offer cool or room-temperature water right away [12][13]. On hot days, increase the frequency of breaks to keep your dog comfortable and safe [15].
3. Track Water Intake Based on Activity Level
Keeping an eye on your dog's water intake is crucial, especially when factoring in their activity level and the environment they’re in. A good starting point is to follow the general guideline of 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight per day, but you’ll need to increase that amount on days when your pup is more active.
Russ Kelley, Science Lead Nutritionist at Eukanuba's Pet Health and Nutrition Center, emphasizes the importance of hydration:
"A dog's body is approximately 70% water. That water is used by cells in every body system, from the muscular to the nervous to the digestive systems and all others." [17]
This underscores why monitoring your dog's hydration is essential for their overall health and performance.
Establishing a Baseline
Start by determining your dog’s baseline water needs. For instance, a 44-pound dog can lose anywhere from 0.5 to 1.5 gallons of water daily, depending on factors like size, activity level, and environmental conditions [16]. A simple way to estimate their minimum water requirement is to multiply the daily cups of dry food they consume by three [16][17].
Here’s a quick reference table to help you gauge daily water needs based on weight:
Dog's Weight (pounds) | Daily Water (ounces) | Daily Water (cups) |
5 lbs | 5 oz | ⅝ cup |
10 lbs | 10 oz | 1 ¼ cups |
20 lbs | 20 oz | 2 ½ cups |
30 lbs | 30 oz | 3 ¾ cups |
50 lbs | 50 oz | 6 ¼ cups |
75 lbs | 75 oz | 9 ⅜ cups |
100 lbs | 100 oz | 12 ½ cups |
Environmental and Activity Considerations
Environmental factors can significantly influence your dog’s hydration needs. For example, exercising in warm weather can more than double their water requirements [4]. Dr. Sanjiv Rajadhyaksha, Medical Director at Wiggles MyVet, explains how humidity plays a role:
"High humidity levels can hinder the natural process of evaporation from their bodies, making it harder for them to cool down and regulate their internal temperature. On the other hand, low humidity levels can accelerate evaporation, causing moisture loss and dehydration." [18]
To stay on top of this, measure the water you provide daily and track how much is left. Pair this with notes on weather conditions to identify patterns. Active dogs, especially in hot climates, may need extra water beyond the standard guidelines [2].
Pre-Hydration for Intense Activities
If you’re planning a demanding activity, pre-hydration can make a big difference. Start hydrating your dog 3–5 days in advance by mixing water into their food at a 1:1 ratio [16][17]. This gradual increase ensures they’re well-hydrated before the activity begins, helping to prevent dehydration during exercise.
4. Add Moisture to Meals
Keeping your dog hydrated isn’t just about water breaks and fresh bowls - it’s also about what’s in their meals. Adding moisture to their food is a simple yet effective way to support hydration, especially for active dogs who burn through water reserves quickly. Naturally, dogs are designed to get a good portion of their hydration from food, not just from drinking water [21].
Fresh foods are naturally packed with water, containing about 60–75%, which helps with hydration and nutrient absorption. Compare that to kibble, which only has around 10–12% moisture - it's clear why adding moisture to meals can make a big difference [22][23]. Water in food doesn’t just hydrate; it also aids in nutrient absorption, improves circulation, cushions joints, and helps with waste removal [21].
Rehydrating Freeze-Dried Food
Freeze-dried raw food is a fantastic option for active dogs. Why? It retains about 98% of its original nutrients and is easy to rehydrate [19]. Unlike kibble, freeze-dried food isn’t heat-processed, which means it keeps its natural enzymes and nutritional value intact [20].
Take Loyal Saints freeze-dried raw dog food, for instance. Made with human-grade, all-natural ingredients, it’s crafted to provide balanced nutrition for dogs at every life stage. Once rehydrated, it turns into a moisture-rich meal that not only quenches your dog’s thirst but also fuels their active lifestyle.
How to Rehydrate Freeze-Dried Food
Rehydrating freeze-dried food is quick and straightforward. Here’s how:
For extra flavor and nutrients, swap out plain water for low-sodium bone broth [19]. If you crumble the freeze-dried nuggets first, they’ll absorb water faster [20]. These small steps make it easy to prepare a hydrating, nutrient-packed meal for your dog.
Other Ways to Add Moisture
If you’re looking for more ways to boost hydration, try these options:
- Raw goat milk: Contains about 79% moisture.
- Bone broth (like Primal Bone Broth): Packs an impressive 98% moisture [21].
High-moisture foods are also easier for dogs to digest, meaning they’ll spend less energy on digestion and have more for play and exercise [22].
Some dogs might prefer the crunch of freeze-dried food without rehydration, and that’s okay, as long as they drink enough water and don’t show signs of dehydration [20]. However, for most active dogs, rehydrated meals provide a hydration boost that supports their energy levels, performance, and overall well-being.
5. Set Up Hydration Stations and Use Electrolytes
Hydration is key to keeping your active dog feeling great and performing well. Setting up hydration stations as pit stops can make a big difference, especially during longer outings or high-energy activities. Think of these as proactive ways to ensure your pup stays refreshed beyond regular water breaks.
Strategically place water stations in spots where your dog naturally pauses, like rest areas along hiking trails, shaded corners of dog parks, or familiar stops on your walking route. If you're planning a longer adventure, consider adding multiple stations so your dog always has access to fresh water.
When it comes to bowls, avoid plastic. Stainless steel, glass, or ceramic options are better at reducing bacteria buildup and keeping water fresh. For an extra touch, portable pet fountains can make hydration more appealing by keeping the water moving and cool.
Sometimes, though, plain water isn't enough - especially during intense activity or hot weather. This is where electrolytes come in. Electrolyte solutions can help replenish essential minerals like sodium, potassium, and chloride that your dog loses through activity. Studies suggest that dogs are more likely to drink flavored electrolyte solutions - up to four times more than plain water - which can significantly improve hydration [24][25]. Products like DoggyRade, often compared to "Gatorade for dogs", have become popular, boasting a 4.2-star rating on Amazon from 155 reviews. Some of these solutions even include prebiotics for added digestive support.
If you’re considering human electrolyte products like Pedialyte, stick to the unflavored version and dilute it with an equal amount of water to prevent stomach upset. Be sure to avoid anything with artificial sweeteners like sucralose or xylitol, as these can be harmful to dogs.
Want to make your own electrolyte solution at home? It’s simple: mix 4 pints of cooled, boiled water with 1 teaspoon of salt and 4 teaspoons of sugar [26].
Use electrolyte supplements after strenuous exercise, in extreme heat, or during recovery periods. For everyday activities, though, fresh water at your hydration stations should do the trick!
6. Know the Signs of Dehydration
Keeping your dog hydrated is key to maintaining their health and energy levels. Spotting dehydration early can make a big difference. Here are some common signs to look out for:
- Mild dehydration: dry nose, drooling, low energy, and sticky gums.
- Moderate dehydration: skin that doesn’t bounce back quickly, less interest in food, and sticky saliva.
- Severe dehydration: vomiting, diarrhea, heavy panting, and sunken eyes.
Recognizing these symptoms early can help you take action and protect your dog’s well-being.
Simple Tests You Can Do at Home
One easy way to check for dehydration is the skin elasticity test. Gently pinch the loose skin on your dog’s neck or shoulders and let go. If your dog is dehydrated, the skin will stay "tented" or take longer to return to its normal position.
"In well-hydrated dogs, the loose skin should instantly spring back to its original position. The skin of dehydrated dogs will take longer to fall back into place and will have the appearance of being tented above the neck or shoulders." - Michelle Diener, DVM [27]
Dr. Jerry Klein from the AKC also suggests testing your dog’s skin when they’re fully hydrated to understand what normal elasticity feels like. This is especially useful for breeds with naturally loose skin, like Bulldogs or Neapolitan Mastiffs.
"It's a good idea to first test your dog's skin when you are sure he's well-hydrated so that you have a base for what normal skin elasticity feels like. This is especially important for owners of wrinkly breeds, such as Bulldogs or Neapolitan Mastiffs, because their skin may not be as elastic, even under normal conditions." - Dr. Jerry Klein, Chief Veterinary Officer, AKC [3]
Another telltale sign is gum health. Healthy gums are pink and moist, while tacky, dry, or discolored gums can indicate dehydration.
"A healthy, hydrated dog's gums are pink and moist. Tacky, dry, or off-color gums can be a sign of dehydration." - Bond Vet [28]
You can also try a capillary refill test. Press your finger against your dog’s gums until they turn white, then release. If your dog is hydrated, the pink color should return almost immediately.
These simple tests can help you quickly determine if your dog needs extra care.
When to Call Your Veterinarian
If any of these tests suggest dehydration, it’s time to consult your veterinarian. Severe symptoms - like ongoing vomiting, refusal to drink, or signs of heatstroke - require immediate professional attention. Moderate to severe dehydration often needs fluid therapy to safely rehydrate your dog.
It’s worth noting that heavy panting doesn’t always mean dehydration. It could also signal pain, anxiety, or another health issue. If you’re unsure about your dog’s condition, reaching out to your vet is always the safest choice.
These quick checks can help ensure your dog stays healthy and ready for all of life’s adventures.
Conclusion
Keeping your active dog hydrated starts with understanding their individual needs. Water makes up 60–70% of your dog's body, playing a critical role in functions like regulating body temperature and maintaining joint health[33]. Without enough water, even the most athletic dogs are at risk for heat stress and organ strain.
The strategies we’ve covered - offering fresh water, scheduling exercise breaks, tracking water intake, incorporating moisture-rich meals, setting up hydration stations, and spotting early signs of dehydration - create a reliable system to keep your dog hydrated. Dogs generally require about one ounce of water per pound of body weight each day[1], and active dogs may need even more to stay in peak condition.
Dehydration, even in small amounts, can severely impact your dog's performance and overall health. For active dogs, it increases the chances of injuries, kidney issues, urinary tract infections, and life-threatening heatstroke[31][29]. Losing just 10–15% of body water can be fatal[30].
Rayven Nairn, a dietitian at Johns Hopkins University, emphasizes the importance of hydration for athletes:
"Hydration during a game, tournament or workout ― not just before and after ― can fall below the radar of an athlete and their trainer, but performance depends on it. Getting dehydrated increases risks of cramps, headaches, and heat-related illnesses."[32]
This advice applies just as much to our four-legged athletes.
Hydration and nutrition go hand in hand to help your dog perform at their best. While water meets immediate physical needs, high-quality food fuels energy and recovery. Loyal Saints freeze-dried raw dog food, made with all-natural, human-grade ingredients, supports muscle function, digestion, and overall recovery. Together, proper hydration and balanced nutrition ensure your dog is ready for every adventure.
Staying on top of hydration is straightforward: a portable water bowl and paying close attention to your dog's signals can keep them happy, healthy, and full of energy. Your dog relies on you to meet their needs, and now you’re equipped with the tools to do just that.
FAQs
What are the signs of dehydration in active dogs, and how should I respond if I notice them?
Dehydration in active dogs can manifest in several ways, including lethargy, a dry nose, sunken or dry-looking eyes, sticky or dry gums, or reduced skin elasticity (where the skin doesn’t quickly return to place after being gently pinched). These are clear signs your dog may need hydration immediately.
If you spot these symptoms, start by offering your dog small sips of water or letting them lick ice cubes to rehydrate gradually. Monitor their condition closely. If the signs persist or worsen, it’s essential to reach out to your veterinarian without delay. Severe dehydration might require professional intervention, such as administering fluids, to prevent serious complications.
How can I keep my active dog hydrated during long outdoor activities?
Keeping your energetic dog hydrated during outdoor activities is crucial for their well-being and stamina. Always pack plenty of fresh water along with a collapsible water bowl for easy drinking on the go. Offer water every 15–30 minutes while they're active to help maintain proper hydration.
Make sure to take breaks in shaded areas, especially when it's hot, to allow your dog to cool off. Keep an eye out for dehydration warning signs like heavy panting, dry gums, or sluggish behavior, and act quickly if you notice any. To make drinking more appealing, you can add a splash of low-sodium broth to their water or offer ice cubes as a refreshing treat.
By staying alert and prepared, you'll help your furry companion stay hydrated, healthy, and ready for every adventure!
What are some easy ways to keep my dog hydrated, especially if they mainly eat dry kibble?
Ensuring your dog gets enough water is important, especially if their diet mainly consists of dry kibble. A quick and effective way to boost hydration is by adding room temperature or warm water to their kibble. This softens the food and increases its moisture content. Letting it soak for 10–15 minutes before serving not only makes it easier to digest but also adds hydration to their meal.
Another option is to mix in a bit of low-sodium broth or a splash of unsweetened coconut water. These additions not only help with hydration but also make the meal more appetizing. You might also want to include foods with naturally higher moisture content, like premium freeze-dried raw dog food - brands like Loyal Saints are a great example. These simple adjustments can keep your dog feeling healthy, hydrated, and ready for outdoor activities or exercise.
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