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Did you know that dogs can get dehydrated in cold weather just as much as in hot weather?
It's the season when dogs are less likely to drink water; the dry air can draw moisture from their bodies, and the water sources they're used to drinking from may be frozen.
No matter the weather, it's important to keep your dog well-hydrated.
These dog hydration tips for all seasons will help ensure your pup stays healthy and hydrated, whether it’s hot or cold outside.
We'll discuss how our dogs' hydration needs change with the weather, how to encourage drinking, and the warning signs of dehydration you should watch for.
RELATED: 14 Reasons Your Dog Is Drinking a Lot of Water
Why Hydration Matters for Dogs
60–70% of a dog’s body is made up of water. Water helps regulate their body temperature, supports their organ health, and aids in their digestion.
Even mild dehydration can have a serious impact on our dogs' energy, kidney function, and skin elasticity.
As a general rule, a normal adult dog requires 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight per day.
Check this table out for quick reference:
| Dog Weight | Recommended Daily Water Intake |
|---|---|
| 10 lbs | 1.25 cups (10 oz) |
| 25 lbs | About 3 cups (25 oz) |
| 50 lbs | 6 1/4 cups (50 oz) |
| 75 lbs | About 9 cups (75 oz) |
However, active dogs will need more, especially in hot weather, if their diet is more dry (kibble) than moist, and if they have medical conditions like kidney disease or diabetes.
It's important not to limit their water intake, but beware of water intoxication in dogs. Too much water is as dangerous as having too little of it.
Dog Hydration Tips for Warm Weather
1. Always Provide Fresh, Cool Water
This is a no-brainer, since even we would keep reaching for icy, cold water in hot weather.
For dogs, keeping multiple water bowls around the house and outdoors will be important.
Just make sure to change the water frequently to avoid bacterial growth.
If you can, opt for stainless-steel or ceramic dog water bowls. They're more hygienic, easier to clean, and keep water cooler than plastic water bowls.
RELATED: Top 5 Best Auto-Fill Dog Water Bowls
2. Add Ice Cubes, Fruits, or Broth for Encouragement
Your dog will also enjoy icy drinks on a hot summer day! You can drop ice cubes in their water bowl to keep it cool.
If you have a picky drinker, adding a low-sodium chicken or beef broth can entice them to take a sip. Or, you can also alternate between plain water and diluted broth to make drinking more fun and interesting.
Adding dog-safe fruits like blueberries or apple slices can also make the water more appealing to them.
RELATED: How to Make a Dog Drink Water: Easy to Follow Steps!
3. Use Portable Water Bottles on Walks
Your dog will definitely need a drink if you are out for a walk or hike, so make sure to bring a collapsible bowl or a dog water bottle for easy, convenient drinking.
If your dog is particularly active, encourage them to take breaks every 20 to 30 minutes during outdoor play and remind them to hydrate.
4. Watch for Signs of Heat-Related Dehydration
Some signs that your dog is dehydrated are:
- Excessive panting
- Dry nose, gums, and paws
- Sunken eyes
- Drooling
- Lethargy
Quick test: Gently pinch the skin on your dog’s back. If it doesn’t bounce back quickly, they may be dehydrated.
If you see these, move them to a shaded area and offer them cool water.
Let them take small sips; don’t let them gulp. It's important to rehydrate them slowly to prevent a shock to their bodies.
You can also mist their paws and belly with cool (not icy cold!) water, especially if they're overheated.
If the signs last for a while, make sure to seek help from your veterinarian.
RELATED: How To Tell If Your Dog Is Dehydrated?
5. Offer Hydrating Foods
Your dog can get hydrated not only from water but also from their food.
You can add water-rich treats to their diet, such as cucumber, seedless watermelon, or ice pops made with dog-safe broth.
You can also try some of our frozen dog treat recipes, like the tasty watermelon dog treats in the video below.
RECIPE: Tasty Watermelon Dog Treats
Dog Hydration Tips for Cold Weather
1. Don’t Assume Dogs Drink Less Because It’s Cold
Unfortunately, it's easier to overlook signs of dehydration in dogs when it's cold outside.
But dogs can still become dehydrated due to dry indoor air and winter heating!
To avoid this, make sure to offer water frequently and check their outdoor water bowls to make sure they haven't frozen yet.
2. Warm Up Their Water
Lukewarm (not hot!) water will encourage your dog to drink water when the weather is chilly.
It's not going to be easy if you do it manually, so keeping a heated water bowl for dogs for the autumn or winter seasons is a must.
Avoid using metal dog bowls, especially outdoors, because they can freeze faster and stick to a dog's tongue, which isn't pleasant.
Interactive water fountains are also a great idea in this season. The moving water will not freeze, making drinking more fun and interesting for dogs.
3. Balance Exercise and Hydration
As we know, dogs still need walks and play even in cold months. You can still safely do this outdoors, but make sure not to forget their need to hydrate.
You can do this by bringing a portable thermos with warm water and a collapsible bowl so that they can keep hydrated even on cold days.
RELATED: 19 Ways to Keep Your Dog Healthy During Winter Months
4. Incorporate Hydrating Foods
As mentioned before, you can help hydrate your dog more by adding water to their food!
You can add moisture to your dog's meals by mixing in warm water or dog-safe broth with kibble.
Canned or fresh dog food also contains more water and naturally provides more hydration than dry kibble, so if your dog at least tolerates them, it's better to switch up their diet to these.
RECIPE: How to Make Bone Broth for Dogs
5. Maintain Indoor Humidity
Another winter hydration tip is to use humidifiers indoors. Humidifiers will address the dry air in your house caused by the heating system.
Also, make sure to keep your dog's water bowl away from the heaters to avoid evaporation and accidents!
RELATED: 7 Best Dog House Heaters and Furnaces
Dog Hydration Tips FAQs
How do I know if my dog is drinking enough water?
If you see your dog's gums are moist, they're energetic, and they pee regularly, you'll know they're well-hydrated.
As long as they drink about 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight per day, they're drinking enough water.
Can dogs drink tap water year-round?
In most areas, tap water is safe for dogs to drink year-round.
However, if your local water has high levels of chlorine, heavy metals, or other contaminants, filtered water is a safer option.
Are electrolyte solutions safe for dogs?
Yes, but only dog-specific electrolyte solutions or vet-approved formulas, like Oralade or Petralyte.
Human electrolyte drinks like sports drinks can contain too much sugar or unsafe ingredients, so don't give them to your dog, unless there's a specific instruction from your veterinarian on how to do it safely.
Do senior dogs need more water?
Yes, senior dogs may need more water, especially if they have kidney disease or are on medication.
Monitor their intake and encourage hydration with readily available, fresh water at all times.
Dog Hydration Tips: Before You Go…
The most important takeaway from these dog hydration tips for all seasons is to know that dehydration isn't just a summer concern. Dogs need year-round access to clean water!
Make sure to adjust for the weather—icy cold water and frozen treats for summer, warm water and hydrated meals for winter.
Most importantly, watch for signs of dehydration and don't hesitate to reach out to your vet when needed.
Check out our other seasonal care guides for keeping your pup happy and healthy in every climate!
