We all know when we’re thirsty and desperately need a drink, but how would you know if your dog was on the verge of dehydration? Dehydration in dogs is common, but it can be life threatening, so read on to learn how to keep you dog safe and well by knowing the key signs to look out for. It is possible to get dehydrated in summer and winter, this article will help you recognise early signs.

Check their gums

Colour

A healthy dog’s gums should be pink, smooth and moist.

If the gums feel sticky or tacky rather than moist, this can be an early sign of dehydration. Dark red gums, particularly in hot weather, may indicate dehydration and can also be an early warning sign of heat exhaustion. Pale or white gums may suggest shock and require urgent veterinary attention.

Capillary refill time

In a healthy dog, gently press a finger onto the gum until it turns pale, then release it. The pink colour should return within 1-2 seconds.

If it takes longer than this, it may indicate dehydration, poor circulation or shock, and your dog should be assessed by a vet.

Check the skin

Gently lift the loose skin over the back of your dog’s neck or between the shoulder blades.

In a well-hydrated dog, the skin should spring back immediately when released. As dehydration develops, the skin loses elasticity and returns more slowly. In severe dehydration, it may remain tented for several seconds.

Bear in mind that this test is less reliable in older dogs, overweight dogs and some breeds with naturally loose skin.

Other signs of dehydration

Watch for:

• Excessive panting, especially when it isn’t particularly hot
• Dry nose and dry or sticky mouth
• Sunken or dull-looking eyes
• Lethargy or unusual tiredness
• Weakness or reluctance to exercise
• Loss of appetite
• Thick, sticky saliva
• Reduced urination or unusually dark urine

If your dog is also vomiting, has diarrhoea, collapses, becomes confused or seems unusually sleepy, dehydration can worsen very quickly and they should be seen by a vet urgently.

What should you do if you think your dog is dehydrated?

The sooner you act, the better.

• Move your dog somewhere cool, shaded and well-ventilated.
• Offer small amounts of fresh, cool water frequently. Avoid encouraging them to drink a large amount all at once as this may make them vomit.
• If they won’t drink from their bowl but are fully conscious and able to swallow normally, you can carefully offer very small amounts of water using a 5 ml syringe, gently placing tiny amounts into the side of their mouth and allowing them time to swallow. Never force water into their mouth, and never do this if they are unconscious, struggling to breathe or unable to swallow normally, as they could inhale the water.
• Some dogs are encouraged to drink by sucking on ice cubes or licking crushed ice. This can also help cool them gradually if they are becoming overheated.
• Offering very watery, dog-safe food or a very diluted, unseasoned chicken broth (with no onions, garlic, added salt or stock cubes) may encourage reluctant dogs to take on extra fluids.
• Continue to monitor them closely for improvement.

If your dog refuses to drink, continues panting heavily, becomes weak, vomits repeatedly, has diarrhoea, collapses or does not improve quickly after drinking, contact your vet immediately. Dogs with moderate or severe dehydration often need intravenous fluids and veterinary treatment.

How can you prevent your dog becoming dehydrated?

• Make sure your dog always has access to plenty of clean, fresh drinking water at home, on walks and when travelling.
• Refresh the water regularly and clean their bowl daily to prevent bacteria building up.
• Always carry water for your dog when out walking, particularly during warmer weather.
• Never allow your dog to drink seawater, as the high salt content can make them ill and worsen dehydration.
• In colder weather, stop your dog drinking from puddles whenever possible. Puddles can contain harmful chemicals, including antifreeze, which is highly toxic to dogs.
• Avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day. Walk early in the morning or later in the evening instead.
• Make sure there is always somewhere cool and shaded for your dog to rest.
• Never leave your dog alone in a parked car, even for a few minutes.

Many dogs naturally drink less when left alone at home, so during hot weather it’s particularly important to make drinking easy and encourage regular fluid intake.

Hot weather and heat exhaustion

Rapid or heavy panting can be one of the earliest signs that your dog is struggling with the heat.

Watch carefully for signs of heat exhaustion, particularly if your dog is panting heavily, appears distressed, is drooling excessively, seems weak or reluctant to move after exercise or on a hot day.

Flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds such as Pugs, Bulldogs and Boxers, as well as older dogs, overweight dogs, puppies and dogs with underlying medical conditions, are particularly vulnerable to overheating.

If you suspect your dog has heat exhaustion, move them somewhere cool immediately, begin cooling them with cool (not ice-cold) water, offer small amounts of drinking water if they are alert and able to swallow, and contact your vet without delay.

When should you see a vet?

If you think your dog is dehydrated and they fail to recover quickly after drinking, refuse fluids, are vomiting or have diarrhoea, seem unusually lethargic, collapse or show any signs of heatstroke or shock, seek veterinary attention immediately. Prompt treatment can prevent dehydration from becoming life-threatening.

First Aid for Pets provides this information for guidance and it is not in any way a substitute for veterinary advice. The author does not accept any liability or responsibility for any inaccuracies or for any mistreatment or misdiagnosis of any person or animal, however caused. It is strongly advised that you attend a practical First Aid for Pets course or take our online course to understand what to do in a medical emergency.