5 Signs of Dehydration in Dogs

It's important to keep your dog hydrated, but that may be difficult if you don't know the signs of dehydration in dogs. We are here to help.

Some dogs may be more prone to dehydration than others. And nursing, pregnant, and elderly dogs are especially at risk of dehydration. Signs of dehydration in dogs include:

Skin tenting. This is when you pull up on their skin, and it remains in an upward position rather than snapping back to its original form.
Sunken eyes
Sticky gums
Depression or abnormal laziness and sleeping habits. This can be a sign of a lack of refreshment, which will drain your dog's energy.
Loss of appetite

Things You Can Do to Prevent Dehydration

If your dog spends a lot of time outdoors in the yard, make sure that they have a large bowl of fresh water always within reach. They will be relieving themselves outdoors if they need to, so having an extra large bowl of water is ok. Remember that on sunny or hot days, your dog will be more thirsty than usual.

Indoors, always remember to refill your dog's water bowl. A good reminder of this is to count how many times you go for a sip of water or juice throughout the day. Your dog may also get thirsty throughout the day.

If you're traveling with your pet, take water with you on the go. Devices like portable dog water bottles come with an attached reservoir to hold dispensed water, giving your dog a place to drink from. Alternatively, collapsable silicone bowls are also a good option.

Clean your dog's water bowl daily to prevent bacteria from growing, which can lead to other health problems.

Original article by C.J. Leger for The Mother's Diary