How to Tell if Your Dog Is Dehydrated: A Simple Home Check + Vet Red Flags

Dogs can get dehydrated faster than many owners realize, especially after play sessions, warm weather walks, vomiting, diarrhea, or a day of low water intake. Mild dehydration may look like “just a tired dog,” while more serious dehydration can become a medical emergency. The good news: you can do a quick at-home hydration check in a few minutes and know when it is time to call your veterinarian.

Why hydration matters more than most owners think

Water supports circulation, digestion, temperature control, joint health, and normal organ function. When a dog is dehydrated, blood volume drops and the body has to work harder to keep everything running. Puppies, senior dogs, and dogs with chronic conditions are at higher risk of complications.

A healthy dog should always have access to fresh water. As a general guideline, many dogs drink around about 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight per day, but activity level, diet type, and weather can change that amount.

The 5-minute at-home hydration check

Use this checklist to get a practical picture of your dog’s status. One sign alone may not mean much, but several signs together are important.

1) Check the gums

• Gently lift your dog’s lip and look at the gums.
• Normal: pink and moist.
• Concerning: tacky, dry, or very pale gums.

2) Test skin elasticity (“skin tent” test)

• Gently lift skin over the shoulder blades, then release.
• Normal: skin returns quickly.
• Concerning: skin returns slowly or stays tented.

This test is less reliable in very young, very old, or overweight dogs, so combine it with other signs.

3) Watch energy and behavior

• Normal: typical alertness for your dog.
• Concerning: unusual lethargy, weakness, confusion, or reluctance to move.

4) Check urine patterns

• Darker yellow urine and less frequent urination can indicate lower hydration.
• If your dog is straining, cannot urinate, or has blood in urine, call a vet promptly.

5) Look for compounding symptoms

• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Heavy panting
• Loss of appetite
• Sunken-looking eyes

When dehydration is paired with stomach upset or heat exposure, risk rises quickly.

What to do for mild dehydration at home

If your dog is alert, not actively vomiting, and has only mild signs, try these steps:

• Offer small, frequent drinks of cool fresh water instead of one large amount.
• Move to a cool, quiet area and stop activity.
• Add moisture to food (for example, a little warm water in kibble) if your dog will eat.
• Use pet-safe hydration options only if your vet recommends them.

Avoid forcing water by syringe unless your veterinarian has instructed you. Forced drinking can increase stress and aspiration risk.

When to call your veterinarian the same day

• Your dog refuses water for several hours
• Repeated vomiting or ongoing diarrhea
• Dry/tacky gums plus low energy
• Known medical issues (kidney disease, diabetes, heart conditions)
• Puppy or senior dog with any dehydration signs

If you are unsure, call. Early treatment is easier, safer, and often less expensive than waiting until symptoms worsen.

Emergency red flags: go now

• Collapse or inability to stand
• Confusion, disorientation, or unresponsiveness
• Persistent vomiting with inability to keep water down
• Very pale gums, rapid heartbeat, or labored breathing
• Suspected heatstroke

These are emergency signs and should be evaluated immediately.

How to prevent dehydration in daily life

• Keep multiple clean water bowls in your home.
• Bring water and a collapsible bowl on walks and car trips.
• Schedule exercise during cooler hours in warm months.
• Increase water breaks for active, double-coated, or brachycephalic dogs.
• Track your dog’s normal drinking habits so changes stand out early.

Quick owner checklist

• Daily: fresh water access and bowl cleaning.
• After activity: offer water + cooldown time.
• At first concern: gums, skin test, energy, urine check.
• If symptoms stack: call your veterinarian.

Trust your baseline knowledge of your own dog. If something feels “off,” you are usually right to investigate. A fast hydration check and early vet guidance can prevent a small issue from becoming a major one.

For additional guidance, see the AVMA hot weather pet safety guidance and AAHA pet hydration information.

PupPursuit Team

Our team consists of passionate dog trainers, experienced pet owners, and dedicated animal lovers committed to providing you with the most accurate and inspiring content. Read full bio