Water is one of the most essential nutrients for dogs. Depriving dogs of water can lead to severe dehydration, organ failure, and even death. But how long can dogs actually survive without water? Here is a detailed look at how long dogs can go without water and the effects of water deprivation on canine health.
How Long Can Healthy Dogs Go Without Water?
Healthy adult dogs need about 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight per day. This equates to approximately 1 cup of water for every 10 pounds of body weight. Puppies, nursing mothers, and dogs who eat dry kibble need even more water than average.
As a general guideline, healthy adult dogs should never go more than 24 hours without water. Puppies and lactating mothers should not go more than 12 hours without water. After 24 hours without water, dogs can start to show signs of dehydration and organ problems.
Dogs with health conditions may require more frequent access to water. Dogs who are obese, who have diabetes, kidney disease, or hyperadrenocorticism may only be able to go 12-18 hours without water before adverse effects occur.
Factors That Impact Water Needs
Several factors affect how long dogs can go without water:
- Age – Puppies and seniors need more frequent access to water than healthy adults.
- Health – Dogs with diseases like diabetes and kidney disease require more water.
- Diet – Dogs eating dry kibble need more water than dogs eating canned food.
- Pregnancy/nursing – Lactating mothers need ample water for milk production.
- Weather – Hot weather leads to increased water needs and dehydration risk.
- Activity level – Active dogs lose more fluids through sweat and panting.
Pet owners should consider their dog’s unique needs and adjust water availability accordingly. When in doubt, it’s best to provide unlimited access to fresh, clean water at all times.
Effects of Dehydration in Dogs
When dogs do not get enough water, they become dehydrated. As dehydration worsens, it can have increasingly severe effects on canine health.
Mild Dehydration
Early signs of mild dehydration include:
- Dry gums and mouth
- Excessive panting
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Dry eyes
- Increased heart rate
- Dry nose
At this stage, dehydration is usually easily reversed by providing access to water. However, left untreated, dehydration can quickly progress.
Moderate Dehydration
Moderate dehydration leads to more pronounced symptoms, including:
- Sunken eyes
- Skin tenting – when the skin is pulled up, it takes time to flatten back down
- Tacky or dry gums
- Weakness
- Rapid heart rate
- Loss of skin elasticity
Veterinary treatment with intravenous or subcutaneous fluids is often needed to correct moderate dehydration. Dogs will likely need to stay at the vet clinic for treatment.
Severe Dehydration
Severe dehydration is a life-threatening emergency. Dogs with severe dehydration may exhibit:
- Inability or extreme reluctance to stand
- Depression
- Collapsing
- Shock
- Coma
- Seizures
- Vomiting and diarrhea
Severe dehydration can lead to organ failure. Immediate veterinary treatment with intravenous fluids is necessary to save the dog’s life. Without treatment, severe dehydration can lead to death.
Providing Water to Dehydrated Dogs
If your dog shows any signs of dehydration, the first step is providing access to fresh, clean drinking water. The proper way to allow a dehydrated dog to drink depends on the severity of dehydration:
- Mild dehydration – Allow access to water gradually. Let the dog take small sips, but don’t allow heavy drinking all at once.
- Moderate dehydration – Allow gradual access to water but seek veterinary care. IV fluids may be needed.
- Severe dehydration – Do not allow the dog to drink, as this can lead to complications. Seek emergency vet care immediately.
When rehydrating a dog orally, give small amounts frequently, rather than a large quantity all at once. If the dog drinks too much too fast, it can lead to vomiting or an imbalance of electrolytes.
Never give dehydrated dogs undiluted fruit juices or carbonated sodas, as the high sugar content can actually pull fluids from the body’s tissues. Offer small sips of watered-down Pedialyte instead.
Preventing Dehydration in Dogs
Dehydration is usually easily preventable by taking basic precautions:
- Provide constant access to fresh, clean drinking water. Change the water daily.
- Increase water availability during hot weather or exercise. Bring water on walks.
- Provide more frequent bathroom breaks during travel to encourage drinking.
- Feed wet dog food to increase fluid intake.
- Monitor at-risk dogs like puppies and seniors for early signs of dehydration.
- Never leave dogs without water for over 18-24 hours.
Monitoring water intake and making adjustments during times of increased need can help keep dogs hydrated and healthy.
When to See the Vet
Contact your veterinarian immediately if your dog shows any of the following signs:
- Dry gums or skin tenting
- Sunken eyes
- Extreme lethargy
- Collapsing
- Inability to stand or walk
- bloody vomit or diarrhea
- Seizures
These can indicate moderate to severe dehydration requiring emergency veterinary treatment. Even mildly dehydrated dogs who do not improve with access to water may need to be evaluated by a vet.
Senior dogs and puppies are especially vulnerable to dehydration. Do not hesitate to contact your vet if they exhibit any concerning symptoms after being without water.
Dehydration in Dogs Outdoors or Left in Cars
Hot weather and enclosed spaces greatly increase the risk for heat stroke and dehydration in dogs. Even mild heat can quickly cause dehydration when dogs are left outdoors or trapped in vehicles.
With temperatures over 70°F, dogs should not be left outside for over 30 minutes without access to shade and water. At 80-90°F, dogs should not be outdoors for more than 15-20 minutes without water.
Dogs should never be left in parked cars on warm days, even with the windows cracked. On a 72°F day, temperatures inside a car can soar to 116°F within an hour. This leads to irreversible organ damage and death.
If you see a dog trapped in a hot car, take action immediately. Call 911, alert nearby businesses, or break a window as a last resort. Rapid overheating and dehydration places dogs at risk of brain damage and death in just minutes.
Conclusion
All dogs need access to fresh water every day to stay healthy. As a general rule, adult dogs should not go more than 12-24 hours without water. Puppies and dogs with health issues may require more frequent hydration.
Depriving dogs of water leads to dehydration, which can progress from mild to life-threatening over hours or days. Prevent dehydration by providing constant access to water and increasing availability in hot weather or with strenuous exercise. Seek emergency vet care immediately if your dog shows signs of moderate or severe dehydration after an extended time without water.