Is Your Dog Dehydrated? 7 Easy Ways to Check

Dogs rely on water to regulate their body temperature, support organ function, and keep their bodies working properly. However, dehydration is a common but dangerous condition that can occur due to heat, illness, excessive panting, or simply not drinking enough water.

Since dogs can’t always communicate when they’re thirsty, it’s up to their owners to recognize the warning signs before dehydration becomes a serious health risk. Here are seven easy ways to check if your dog is dehydrated and what you can do to help.

1. Skin Elasticity Test (Pinch Test)

One of the quickest ways to check for dehydration is by testing your dog’s skin elasticity. To do this, gently lift a small portion of skin on the back of their neck or between the shoulder blades and let it go. If your dog is well-hydrated, the skin should immediately snap back into place.

However, if the skin slowly returns to normal or stays tented, it’s a strong indication that your dog is dehydrated. Older dogs and those with loose skin may not have as obvious a response, so it’s best to use this test in combination with other signs.

2. Dry or Sticky Gums

A hydrated dog’s gums should be moist, smooth, and slick to the touch. To check, lift your dog’s lip and gently press on the gum with your finger. If their gums feel dry, sticky, or tacky, they may be lacking the proper amount of fluids.

Another way to test hydration through the gums is by pressing lightly on the gum until it turns white, then releasing it. In a hydrated dog, the pink color should return within one to two seconds. If it takes longer, your dog may be dehydrated, and their blood circulation may be affected.

3. Excessive Panting and Drooling

Panting is a normal way for dogs to regulate body temperature, but excessive or heavy panting—especially when they haven’t been exercising—can be a warning sign of dehydration.

If your dog is panting excessively but not drooling as much as usual, or their saliva appears thicker and stickier than normal, this could be a sign that they are dehydrated and trying to conserve moisture. Dogs experiencing dehydration may also struggle to cool themselves down, leading to increased panting and restlessness.

4. Sunken or Dull Eyes

Your dog’s eyes can reveal a lot about their overall health. When properly hydrated, their eyes should be bright, clear, and full-looking. Dehydration can cause the eyes to appear sunken, dry, or dull, as the body pulls fluids from other areas to compensate for the lack of water intake. If your dog’s eyes seem glassy or sunken in, and they appear lethargic or disoriented, dehydration may be progressing to a more serious stage and requires immediate attention.

5. Loss of Appetite

A sudden lack of interest in food can also be a sign of dehydration. Dogs need water to digest food properly, and if they’re not drinking enough, they may refuse meals altogether.

If your dog skips a meal and is also showing other signs of dehydration—such as panting, lethargy, or dry gums—it’s a good idea to encourage them to drink and monitor their behavior. Persistent appetite loss could indicate an underlying illness that requires a visit to the vet.

6. Reduced Urination and Dark Yellow Urine

A well-hydrated dog should urinate several times a day, and their urine should be light yellow or clear. If your dog is producing less urine than usual or their urine appears dark yellow or has a strong odor, they may be dehydrated.

A lack of urination can indicate that the body is holding onto fluids to prevent further dehydration, which can lead to serious kidney and bladder issues if not addressed. If your dog goes more than 12 hours without urinating, they should be taken to a vet immediately.

7. Lethargy and Weakness

Dehydration can quickly drain your dog’s energy levels, making them feel tired, weak, or uninterested in activities they normally enjoy.

If your dog seems sluggish, unwilling to move, or easily fatigued, they may not have enough fluids in their system to keep their body functioning properly. In severe cases, dehydration can cause dizziness, collapse, or disorientation, which requires immediate veterinary attention.

How to Rehydrate Your Dog

If you suspect your dog is dehydrated, take action immediately by providing cool, fresh water. Encourage them to drink, but don’t force it. If they refuse, try offering ice cubes, water mixed with a small amount of broth, or a pet-safe electrolyte solution. For dogs that won’t drink on their own, using a syringe (without a needle) to slowly drip water into their mouth can help.

If your dog is experiencing severe dehydration—characterized by persistent lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, or collapse—take them to a veterinarian immediately. They may need IV fluids to restore hydration levels and prevent complications.

Stay Ahead of Dehydration

Dehydration in dogs can escalate quickly, so recognizing the early signs is key to preventing serious health problems. By checking their skin elasticity, gums, urine output, and energy levels, you can easily assess whether your dog is properly hydrated. Always ensure they have access to clean water, especially in hot weather or after exercise. If you ever notice concerning symptoms, act fast—your quick response could save your dog’s life.