Is My Dog Drinking Enough Water? The Summer Hydration Guide

Most dog owners don't think about hydration until there's a problem. The bowl gets topped up, your dog has a quick drink, and life carries on.

But during summer, especially when temperatures climb, hydration becomes one of the most important factors affecting your dog's health and wellbeing. Even mild dehydration in dogs can affect energy levels, digestion, appetite and comfort.

Here's everything you need to know about dog hydration, including how much water your dog should drink, the signs of dehydration in dogs, and some simple ways to boost fluid intake naturally during warmer weather.

How Much Water Should a Dog Drink?

As a general guide, dogs need around 50ml of water per kilogram of body weight per day.

That means a 20kg Labrador would typically require around 1 litre of water daily under normal conditions.

In hot weather, after exercise, during travel, or when spending more time outdoors, that requirement can increase significantly.

Every dog is different. Age, activity levels, diet, health status and environmental temperature all play a role. The most important thing is ensuring fresh, clean water is always available and paying attention to your dog's normal drinking habits.

Signs of Dehydration in Dogs

Dogs cannot tell us when they are dehydrated, so recognising the early warning signs is important.

Dry or Sticky Gums

Healthy gums should feel moist and smooth. If they feel dry, tacky or sticky, your dog may not be getting enough fluids.

Loss of Skin Elasticity

Gently lift a small fold of skin at the back of your dog's neck and release it. In a well-hydrated dog, the skin should return immediately to its normal position.

If the skin remains tented or moves back slowly, dehydration may be present.

Sunken or Dull Eyes

Bright, alert eyes are generally a good sign of hydration. Eyes that appear dull, sunken or less expressive than usual may indicate a problem.

Lethargy and Reduced Appetite

Dehydration can quickly affect energy levels. A dog that seems unusually tired, reluctant to exercise, or uninterested in food may need closer attention.

Dark or Reduced Urination

If your dog is urinating less frequently than normal or producing dark yellow urine, they may not be consuming enough fluids.

If your dog is showing several of these symptoms, or if you are concerned about their condition, contact your vet promptly.

When Dehydration Becomes an Emergency

Dehydration can develop into a much more serious condition during hot weather.

Seek immediate veterinary attention if your dog shows any of the following signs:

• Excessive panting

• Collapse or weakness

• Vomiting

• Disorientation

• Difficulty standing

• Bright red gums

• Unresponsiveness

These may be signs of heatstroke, which is a medical emergency and requires urgent treatment.

Why Some Dogs Don't Drink Enough Water

Many owners assume that if water is available, their dog will naturally drink enough.

Unfortunately, that is not always the case.

Bowl Placement Matters

Dogs often prefer drinking away from where they eat or sleep.

If your dog rarely visits their water bowl, try moving it to a different location around the home or garden.

Water Can Taste Stale

Dogs have an extraordinary sense of smell. Water left standing for long periods can pick up odours from the bowl, environment and even tap water treatment.

Refreshing water at least twice daily during summer can make a noticeable difference.

Some Dogs Prefer Running Water

Many dogs are naturally attracted to moving water. A drinking fountain can encourage reluctant drinkers to consume more fluids throughout the day.

Bowl Material Makes a Difference

Plastic bowls can retain odours and bacteria over time.

Stainless steel and ceramic bowls are generally easier to keep clean and are often preferred by dogs.

Age and Health Can Affect Drinking Habits

Older dogs and dogs with dental discomfort may be less motivated to drink regularly. In these situations, increasing moisture through food can be particularly beneficial.

Natural Ways to Improve Dog Hydration

Supporting hydration doesn't have to mean constantly encouraging your dog to drink more water.

Adding moisture through food can be highly effective.

Add Wet Food to Meals

A spoonful of high-quality wet food can significantly increase moisture intake while making meals more appealing.

Our natural wet dog food recipes are ideal for adding hydration to daily feeding routines, with moisture-rich ingredients and complete, balanced nutrition.

Try Goat's Milk

Goat's milk remains one of our most popular recommendations in-store.

Naturally rich in moisture and highly palatable, it can be poured over meals, served separately, or frozen into cooling summer treats.

You can browse our Fettle Whole Goat's Milk Powder online.

Use Bone Broth Toppers

Dog-safe bone broth is an excellent way to add flavour and hydration at the same time.

Whether poured over kibble or frozen into enrichment toys, bone broth toppers are a simple addition that many dogs enjoy.

You can also browse our wider health and wellbeing range for natural feeding additions.

Create Frozen Hydration Treats

Freezing wet food, goat's milk or bone broth into silicone moulds or enrichment toys provides both hydration and mental stimulation.

For an easy summer option, our Giddy Goat ice cream range is designed to be mixed and frozen at home.

Offer Hydrating Fruits and Vegetables

Several dog-safe fruits and vegetables naturally contain high levels of water.

Good options include:

• Watermelon without seeds or rind

• Cucumber

• Courgette

• Blueberries

These can make excellent summer snacks and provide additional fluid intake throughout the day.

Can Dogs Drink Too Much Water?

Although dehydration is the more common concern during summer, excessive drinking can also indicate an underlying issue.

If your dog suddenly begins drinking far more water than usual and there is no obvious explanation such as heat or increased exercise, it is worth speaking to your vet.

Conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes and Cushing's disease can all cause increased thirst.

A Simple Summer Hydration Routine

Keeping your dog hydrated doesn't need to be complicated.

A few simple daily habits can make all the difference.

• Refresh water bowls every morning.

• Wash bowls regularly to prevent odours and bacteria.

• Carry water and a travel bowl on walks.

• Check gums periodically during hot weather.

• Monitor drinking habits and toilet frequency.

• Add moisture-rich foods where appropriate.

Small actions performed consistently are often the most effective.

Final Thoughts

Hydration supports almost every aspect of your dog's wellbeing, from digestion and energy levels to joint comfort, coat condition and overall health.

Getting dog hydration right during summer does not require a major change in routine. It simply requires awareness, fresh water, and a few smart ways to increase moisture intake when temperatures rise.

If you'd like advice on bone broth toppers, goat's milk, wet food, natural cooling treats or hydration-friendly feeding options, visit us in Chorlton or Handforth, or browse our range online.

Wellness Begins in the Bowl.