How Long Can A Dog Go Without Water? [2024 Updated]

This blog post will answer all your questions and share useful tips to keep your dog safe from dehydration while you’re away from home or unable to provide fresh drinking water.

Part 1：How Long Can a Dog Go Without Water?

Undoubtedly, food and drinking water are essential for a dog’s survival and good health. But water is more important for survival. Although we can survive without food for days, we can’t survive without drinking water.

Generally, an adult dog can survive without water for about three to four days. However, it is not recommended that a dog goes without water for this long as dehydration can set in and cause serious health problems such as heatstroke or other illnesses.

On the other hand, a puppy will require much more frequent access to clean drinking water and should not be left without water for more than a few hours. If a dog does not have access to water for 24 hours, it is best to take him to the vet immediately, as he may suffer from dehydration.

It is always important to make sure your pet has access to clean and refreshed drinking water throughout the day, especially during hot summer days when they are prone to dehydration. If your dog is on any medication, it can increase its water needs, so make sure to adjust accordingly.

Part 2: How Much Water Should a Dog Drink?

You can estimate how much water your dog should need to drink. However, this estimation varies due to your dog’s circumstances.

Veterans and many researchers show that a healthy dog needs to drink 1-ounce water per pound of his body weight. For example, if a dog weighs 20 pounds, he must drink 20 oz of water daily. So, a dog weighing 50 pounds should drink around 50 ounces (1 ½ quarts) of water daily.

But this calculation is just an estimated amount and can vary depending on factors such as temperature, humidity, activities and diet. So, if your dog is in a hot environment, playing sports, or even eating dry food with more salt content, he will need more water than normal.

Therefore, it is important to keep an eye on your dog’s drinking habits and be ready to increase his water intake if necessary. Also, ensure his water bowl is always full and fresh to avoid dehydration or other health problems.

Part 3: Signs to Check if Your Dog Is Dehydrated

Dehydration occurs when your dog’s body loses more liquid than talking. Every living animal requires a specific amount of water to keep its body functioning properly, so the dog does.

If a dog’s body loses excessive water, the most common sign of dehydration is that it will become lethargic. A dog can have three levels of dehydration.

1. Symptoms of Mild Dehydration

Common symptoms of mild dehydration in dogs include:

Dry nose: This is an early sign of dehydration in dogs; the dog’s nose will become dry and might even feel warm to the touch.

Excessive drooling: Suddenly, your dog might drool more than normal. Your four-legged companion’s drooling can suddenly increase due to dehydration.

Lethargy: Your pup may become lethargic if it is dehydrated. Your puppy will not have the same energy as normal and might even seem exhausted.

Sticky gums: Check your dog’s gums and tongue to see if it is wet or dry. A healthy pup has moist gum and tongue; however, if the area around your dog’s mouth is sticky, it could be a sign of dehydration.

2. Symptoms of Moderate Dog Dehydration

These symptoms are somehow more severe than we can observe in moderate dehydration. These include;

Loss of elasticity of the skin: Go for a skin test to check the level of dehydration. Gently pinch your dog’s skin and pull it back, then let go. If your pup’s skin returns quickly, then there is no need to worry, but if not, then this could be a sign of moderate dehydration.

Loss of appetite: If your dog suddenly loses its appetite, it’s a sign that something is wrong. Loss of appetite can be caused by dehydration, and your pup needs hydration and medical attention.

Thick saliva: Your pup’s drool will become thicker when it is severely dehydrated. Its saliva will also have a sticky and stringy texture to it. This is when you should contact a vet immediately.

3. Symptoms of Severe Dehydration

The symptoms of severe dehydration are very dangerous, as it can cause death. These include;

Vomiting blood: The dog’s vomiting and diarrhea are common signs of dehydration, but if your pup throws up blood, the situation is worse than before, and you need to take him to a vet immediately.

Seizures: Seizures occur due to the lack of fluid in the dog’s brain. Severe dehydration can cause life-threatening seizures that may require emergency attention.

Loss of consciousness: If your pup cannot stay conscious, it means that its body has lost too much water and needs medical help immediately. The vet will give your pup intravenous fluids to prevent any complications.

You must monitor and understand the signs of dehydration in dogs. If you notice any symptoms mentioned above, contact your veterinarian right away. This way, your dog can get the medical attention he needs before anything worse happens. Take action soon for a long and healthy life for your pup.

Part 4: What to Do If My Dog Is Dehydrated?

If you observe any symptoms in your dog mentioned above, your dog suffers from dehydration. You should take immediate action and consult with a veterinarian as soon as possible. In the meantime, you can take some steps to moisturize your pet:

1. Get a cat water fountain

If your pup is a picky drinker, you may want to get him a cat water fountain. It will encourage him to drink more by providing fresh, oxygenated water that’s always circulating and aerated.

WOpet Cat Water Fountain is an innovative and convenient way to ensure your canine companion stays hydrated. This automatic water dispenser is designed with a large capacity of 2L, making it ideal for larger breeds or multiple pets at home. In addition, the fountain remains constantly filled with fresh water thanks to its powerful pump, making sure it remains clean and free from spills.

The best part about the WOpet Dog Water Fountain is its silent operation. Unlike other fountains, this one won’t disturb your pet with loud sounds or vibrations. Plus, the easy-to-clean filter and dishwasher-safe top make maintenance a breeze.

Overall, the WOpet Dog Water Fountain is the perfect solution for keeping your pup hydrated throughout the day. Not only does it keep water constantly flowing, but it also allows you to monitor how much they drink.

2. Offer clean water

Let your puppy drink plenty of cool and clean water – this is the first step in restoring him to hydration. Next, avoid tap or unfiltered water and offer your pup bottled or filtered water.

3. Offer wet food

If you usually feed your dog dry food, switch to wet food for some time, as it will provide more moisture. You can also add wet food to their kibble if they prefer.

4. Feed broth

It is an excellent source of hydration and can be fed to your dog regularly. However, ensure you don’t add too much salt or other seasonings to the broth.

5. Feed frozen treats

You can give homemade or store-bought fruity cubes, yogurt drops, etc., as they will provide oral hydration to your pup. Check Top 10 Cool Summer Treats

6. Add electrolytes

Try adding electrolyte supplements to the water when your pup is dehydrated. This will help restore the balance of sodium and potassium in the body, which is lost through dehydration. Make sure you check with a vet.

7. Leave their water bowl in accessible place

Make sure that the water bowl is easily accessible to your dog so that he can drink whenever he feels thirsty. You may also want to place several bowls scattered around the house, especially in areas where your pup likes to hang out.

8. Provide shade and ventilation

If your pup is dehydrated due to overheating, ensure you provide ample shade and ventilation. If your pup loves to lounge or play outside, make sure he can access a cool place when needed.