How long can a dog go without water?

Like humans, dogs need water to help their bodies function effectively, but they naturally lose water through sweating and urination. Your dog must always have a fresh supply of water, but how long can it go without drinking it? Our Denver vets answer some common questions in this post.

Why is water important for dogs?

Water is one of the most underrated nutrients for dogs. Unlike food ingredients that offer energy, vitamins, and other compounds to support your dog's health, water is often overlooked because its nutrition is more supportive than functional. 

This means that water doesn't supply any nutrients, but it is vital in how nutrients are digested, absorbed, moved, and excreted through your dog's body. Here are a few examples of how your dog's body uses water in certain processes:

• Water is involved in all parts of digestion. Water in your dog's body helps produce saliva, stomach acids, and bile and plays a role in every stage of digestion.
• It is one of the core components of a cell. Without sufficient water in your dog's body, the cell cycle, especially cell growth and division, will be hindered.
• Water in your dog's system helps flush out toxins from the bloodstream during digestion. Harmful toxins and excess water-soluble nutrients will be filtered through the kidneys and excreted in urine by the water in your dog's body.
• Dogs typically don't mind warm weather, but summer's extreme heat and humidity can quickly lead to overheating. Proper hydration is vital to your dog's natural ability to regulate its body temperature.

Dehydration in Dogs

Though your dog may drink frequently, they are also constantly losing water. If your pup does not drink enough water, this can lead to dehydration and cause many health problems.

Lack of fluid in your pooch's body may restrict blood flow and reduce the amount of oxygen that reaches the organs and tissues. This is why it's critical to ensure your dog has access to fresh, clean water at all times. 

What are the signs of dehydration in dogs?

Extreme dehydration in dogs is typically associated with illness or overheating, but a consistent state of mild dehydration can have risks, too. It’s helpful to identify signs of dehydration in dogs so that you can take action.

• Dry nose
• Dry, tacky gums and pasty saliva
• Low skin elasticity
• Dark yellow urine, or very little urine
• Low energy level and/or lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Sunken, dry eyes

If you notice your dog is displaying these signs, contact your vet right away to discuss the need for urgent veterinary care or to receive guidance about safely rehydrating your dog at home.

How can I tell if my pet isn't drinking enough water?

Some signs may not be as visible as others, so you can conduct simple tests to confirm whether your dog is dehydrated. First, you can check the elasticity of your pup's skin by following these steps:

1. Gently pin your dog's skin close to its shoulder blades. 
2. Lift the skin, then release it gently.
3. Observe your dog's skin as it returns to its position. If your dog is well-hydrated, the skin will quickly rebound to its proper place. If your dog is dehydrated, it’ll take longer for the skin to return to place.

You can also examine your dog’s gums to check for dehydration. To perform this test, softly press your pet’s gums with your finger. If your dog is properly hydrated, the area should turn white and return to pink almost immediately. For dogs lacking hydration, the capillary will take longer to refill.

What causes dogs to experience dehydration?

Here are some common causes of dehydration in dogs:

• Fever or heatstroke
• Pain
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Panting
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Frequent urination caused by diabetes or kidney failure 

How much water does a dog need?

Water makes up more than 70% of your dog’s body by weight, so your dog needs to maintain this water content by consuming plenty daily.

A good guideline for dogs is about an ounce of water for every pound of body weight. So, a 25-lb dog needs about 25 oz. of water (or 3 cups), while a 75-lb dog needs almost 2 liters of water daily.

There is an exception to this rule. Puppies being weaned and transitioning to solid food need to drink around half a cup of water every other hour to replace the milk they’re not getting and to keep themselves hydrated. Once your puppy is weaned, it will need more water, ultimately requiring as much as a fully grown dog.

How long can my dog safely go without food and water?

Typically, your dog can survive without drinking water for about 72 hours (three days), but going longer than 24 hours without water could lead to permanent organ damage. Dogs can survive without food for longer than they can survive without water.

However, a dog will show signs of dehydration after the first 24 hours. While this is generally considered the case, every dog is different, and several variables can affect the time frame.

Here are some other factors that may influence how fast your dog becomes dehyrdated:

• An adult dog needs more water daily than a puppy, so a puppy can go without water for much longer than an adult dog. An elderly dog is more likely to have health issues that dehydration could make worse.
• If your canine companion has health issues, they must drink water daily. Dehydration in dogs affects every organ in the body, intensifying any illness. Also, a pregnant dog must drink plenty of water daily.
• If you live in a mild climate, your dog will be fine without water for longer than that same dog living in a hot, dry, or humid environment. More heat means more panting, which means more water loss.
• Breeds with big, thick coats, more active breeds, and breeds that drool may need more daily water intake to combat normal water loss. The more water your dog loses through daily activities and habits, the more water will need to be replenished. 
• If your dog is a lazy house pup, it may be able to endure a more extended period without water than a more active dog would. Generally speaking, the more active your dog is, the more frequently it needs water.

How long will it take my dog to recover from dehydration?

A mild case of dehydration should resolve itself once your dog is drinking plenty of water again. If your dog is experiencing severe dehydration, they may take longer to recover and need to see a veterinarian for care, as well as stay in an animal hospital for monitoring. How long recovery takes will vary depending on the severity of your dog's state of dehydration.

With prompt veterinary care, your pup's hospital stay may last a day or two and require IV fluids.

How can I help my dog stay hydrated? 

A healthy adult dog will ensure that it gets enough to drink each day. If they refuse to drink water, they might be experiencing an underlying issue such as an upset stomach or an intestinal or urinary blockage.

It is critical to take action to get a dog to drink water. This is especially true if the dog has been vomiting or has had consistent diarrhea. This is dangerous because your dog will rapidly lose hydration.

If this happens, you should seek emergency veterinary care.

Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.