Thirsty Much? Your Pet Might Be Too!
Imagine you’re out for a run on a scorching day. You finally get home, desperate for water—but plot twist—someone forgot to fill your glass. Now, you sit there, parched and uncomfortable.
That’s exactly what happens to your pet when their water bowl isn’t topped up, or they don't realise they need to drink. Unlike us, dogs and cats can't grab a water bottle or complain about dry mouth. They rely on us—yet dehydration in pets is one of the most overlooked health risks.
Many pet parents assume, “If my pet is thirsty, they’ll drink.” But that’s not always true. Cats have a naturally low thirst drive, and some dogs get so distracted by life (zoomies, barking at the wind, rolling in mud puddles) that they forget to drink.
So, How Do You Know if Your Pet is Drinking Enough? Read On!
- Signs and symptoms of dehydration: How do I know if my pet is dehydrated?
- How do I to perform the "At-Home Dehydration Check" on my pet?
- Navigating the hidden dangers of chronic low-grade dehydration
- Discover how much water your pet should be drinking
- 10 tricks to get your stubborn pup or kitty drinking enough water
This science-backed, vet-approved guide to pet
hydration is about to answer all of that—and more. You’ll walk away knowing exactly
how to keep your pet properly hydrated, happy, and healthy—with a few funny,
pet-centric hydration hacks along the way.
Let's first take a look at how water works; it's absolutely amazing how massive and important its role is. Check it out next!
How Water Works Inside Your Pet’s Body
1. Regulates Body Temperature
Ever seen your dog sprawled out like a starfish on the cold tile, panting like they just ran a marathon? That’s them using hydration to stay cool. Unlike humans, dogs and cats don’t sweat all over—they rely on panting and limited sweat glands (mostly on their paws) to release heat.
- Dogs: Panting evaporates moisture from their tongue, cooling them down. Less water = harder cooling, increasing heatstroke risk, especially for flat-faced breeds like Bulldogs and Pugs.
- Cats: These sunbathers rely on licking themselves. Their saliva evaporates to cool their skin, but when dehydrated, this fails, making overheating more likely.
Pet Parent Tip: If your pet is panting heavily indoors, avoiding movement, or lethargic on a warm day, dehydration could be the cause.
2. Keeps Joints and Muscles Moving Smoothly
Ever watched your senior dog struggle to get up or noticed your cat hesitating before jumping onto the couch? That stiffness could be dehydration in action.
- Cartilage in joints is 80% water. When there’s not enough hydration, joints lose their cushioning, making movement painful and stiff.
- Muscles also rely on water for function and recovery. Dehydrated pets may seem weaker, slower, or more reluctant to move.
Veterinary Insight: Dr. Jennifer Coates, DVM, explains: "Joint stiffness and muscle fatigue are common in dehydrated pets. Water plays a critical role in lubricating joints and maintaining muscle elasticity, especially in ageing animals."
Pet Parent Tip: Senior pets, arthritic dogs, and active breeds all need extra hydration to keep their joints in top shape.
3. Aids Digestion and Nutrient Absorption
Imagine eating a whole bag of dry crackers—with no water. That’s what digestion feels like for a dehydrated pet.
- Water helps break down food so nutrients can be absorbed into the bloodstream. Without enough water, digestion slows, making your pet feel bloated and sluggish.
- Constipation alert! Dehydrated pets often produce hard, dry stools (if your dog’s poop looks like little pebbles, they need more water—stat!).
- Increased risk of blockages – A lack of hydration slows the entire digestive process, leading to a higher chance of gastrointestinal obstructions.
Pet Parent Tip: If your pet’s bathroom habits have changed, dehydration could be the culprit. Increasing hydration can literally help things move along.
4. Supports Kidney and Bladder Health
The kidneys act as the body’s natural filtration system, removing toxins and balancing hydration. But when water intake is too low, this system struggles.
- Less water = concentrated urine, which increases the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs), painful bladder stones, and chronic kidney disease (especially in cats!).
- Dehydrated pets produce less urine, making it easier for bacteria to multiply and cause infections.
Scientific Fact: A study from the Journal of Small Animal Practice found that cats with chronic dehydration had a significantly higher risk of developing kidney disease later in life—one of the leading causes of feline mortality.
Pet Parent Tip: If your pet’s urine is dark yellow or has a strong odor, it’s time to increase their water intake ASAP!
5. Boosts Brain Function and Mood
Think dehydration only affects the body? Think again.
Even a mild drop in hydration can impact your pet’s mood, energy levels, and cognitive function.
A 2018 study in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine found that even mild dehydration can impair cognitive performance in dogs and cats, leading to:
- Lethargy – Your usually playful dog might skip their favourite game of fetch in favour of a nap.
- Moodiness and irritability – Yes, dehydration can make your pet grumpy.
- Confusion or disorientation – Older pets, our senior dogs and cats, may seem more "out of it" when they’re dehydrated.
Pet Parent Tip: If your pet seems sluggish, confused, or unusually irritable, dehydration might be playing a role.
The Diseases Dehydration Can Cause (Or Make Worse)
Hydration isn't just about keeping your pet comfortable—it’s about keeping them alive and thriving Dehydration isn't just an inconvenience; it directly contributes to serious health conditions in dogs and cats.
If dehydration persists, the body struggles to function, increasing the risk of chronic illness that can shorten lifespan. Let’s break down the major health risks linked to dehydration.
1. Kidney Disease and Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
Think of your pet’s kidneys as a built-in filtration system—but without enough water, that system clogs up fast. Chronic dehydration forces the kidneys to work overtime, filtering highly concentrated urine, which can eventually lead to kidney disease, one of the leading causes of death in cats and senior dogs.
Why Dehydration Increases Kidney & Bladder Risks:
- Urinary crystals and stones form more easily in concentrated urine, which can block the urinary tract and cause excruciating pain.
- Female pets are especially prone to UTIs because bacteria thrive in low-moisture environments.
- Male cats face a deadly risk—urinary blockages. A lifetime of poor hydration can lead to urethral obstructions, which are fatal if untreated.
Veterinary Insight: A study published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery found that cats with chronic low water intake had a 50% higher risk of developing kidney disease compared to well-hydrated cats.
Pet Parent Tip: If your cat only eats kibble, increase their moisture intake with wet food, a water fountain, or broth-infused meals.
2. Heatstroke and Overheating
If your dog or cat doesn’t drink enough water, they can't regulate their body temperature properly—which means heatstroke becomes a real danger.
Heatstroke is often fatal if untreated—and some pets are at an even higher risk:
- Flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs, and Persian cats struggle to breathe normally, making them more prone to overheating.
- Long-haired and thick-coated breeds (like Huskies, Golden Retrievers, and Maine Coons) overheat faster than short-haired pets.
- Senior pets and overweight animals struggle to regulate their body temperature efficiently.
Signs of Heatstroke in Pets:
- Excessive panting and drooling (even when indoors).
- Rapid heart rate and difficulty breathing.
- Disorientation, collapse, or seizures—this is a medical emergency!
Pet Parent Tip: On hot days, always have fresh water available, offer cooling treats (like frozen broth cubes), and avoid walks during peak heat hours.
3. Arthritis and Joint Pain
Water acts as a lubricant for the joints, so less hydration = more friction = more pain.
How Dehydration Worsens Joint Issues:
- Cartilage is 80% water. Without proper hydration, it becomes less cushioned, leading to stiffness and pain.
- Senior pets and large breeds (like Great Danes, Labradors, and German Shepherds) are especially vulnerable to arthritis.
- Well-hydrated joints recover faster from strain, reducing inflammation and slowing down the progression of osteoarthritis.
Scientific Fact: According to a study from the American Journal of Veterinary Research, hydrated pets showed improved mobility and lower inflammation markers compared to dehydrated animals.
Pet Parent Tip: If your pet moves slower than usual or avoids jumping, check their hydration levels before assuming it's just old age.
4. Digestive Issues and Constipation
If you’ve ever eaten a big bowl of dry cereal without milk, you know what digestion feels like without enough water—it’s slow, uncomfortable, and not fun.
How Dehydration Wrecks Your Pet’s Digestion:
- Less water = slower digestion, leading to constipation, bloating, and discomfort.
- Dry, pebble-like stools are a telltale sign that your pet isn’t drinking enough.
- Reduced hydration increases the risk of gastrointestinal blockages, especially in dogs that love to chew things they shouldn’t.
Pet Parent Tip: If your pet strains to poop, has dry stools, or seems bloated, their water intake needs to go up—fast.
Water is a Lifeline, Not an Afterthought
Most pet parents obsess over food, exercise, and playtime, but hydration is just as critical. Chronic dehydration lays the groundwork for disease, but here’s the good news—it’s 100% preventable!
Pet Parent Takeaway: Water isn’t just
"available"—it needs to be a part of your pet’s routine. If your pet
doesn’t drink enough, it’s time to get creative.
Let's first check out the stages of dehydration in pets. The more you know the better you can combat dehydration in your dogs and cats, then we'll cover doing the all-important hydration check at home.
Signs of Dehydration in Your Pet
Dehydration is sneaky. It doesn’t come with flashing neon signs or dramatic fainting spells—instead, it creeps in slowly, affecting your pet’s energy, comfort, and health before you notice.
By the time dehydration is obvious, your pet is already beyond the mild stage and at risk. Catching it early is crucial, as it impacts almost every system in their body.
Subtle vs. Serious: The Stages of Dehydration
Dehydration progresses in three stages, and most owners only recognise it when it’s already severe. Here’s how to spot it before it becomes a crisis.
Stage 1: Mild Dehydration (The “They Seem a Little Off” Stage)
At this stage, dehydration isn’t life-threatening, but it’s already taking a toll on their body.
- Less interest in play – Your energetic dog suddenly prefers napping. Your zoomie-loving cat? Extra lazy.
- Less peeing than normal – Fewer litter box visits or shorter walks = lower water intake.
- Drier gums than usual – Not yet sticky, but not slick and smooth either.
Catch it early: Encourage more drinking, and you can reverse this fast.
Stage 2: Moderate Dehydration (The “Something’s Not Right” Stage)
Now things are getting serious. The body prioritises vital organs, rationing water by shutting down non-essential functions.
- Sticky gums – Feels like a glue stick instead of smooth and moist.
- The “Skin Pinch Test” fails – Pinch their back skin:
- Hydrated: Snaps back instantly.
- Dehydrated: Stays tented for a few seconds.
- Darker urine – Deep yellow pee = dehydration warning.
Stage 3: Severe Dehydration (The “Vet. Now.” Stage)
This is a medical emergency—your pet cannot fix this alone. Immediate vet care is required.
- Sunken eyes – The body pulls moisture from tissues, causing hollow, withdrawn eyes.
- Extreme weakness – Your pet is too weak to stand, move, or respond.
- Rapid heart rate & weak pulse – Circulation is failing.
- Panting without activity – Even at rest, they can’t regulate their body temperature.
At this stage, your pet needs IV fluids immediately. Delaying treatment could be fatal, especially for kittens, puppies, and senior pets.
How to Perform the "At-Home Dehydration Check"
Want to know if your pet needs more water right now? These three simple tests can help you check their hydration levels in under a minute.
1. The Gum Test (Moisture Check)
- Lift your pet’s lip and touch their gums.
- Healthy gums = moist, smooth, and slightly slippery.
- Dehydrated gums = sticky, dry, or tacky—like touching a glue stick or tape.
Interesting Fact: Veterinarians say hydration status can often be determined just by gum texture—so if your pet's gums feel dry, it’s time to take action.
2. The Skin Pinch Test (Elasticity Check)
- Gently pinch a small section of skin between their shoulders.
- If it snaps back immediately → Great! They’re well-hydrated.
- If it stays lifted for a second or two → Mild dehydration—time to encourage more water.
- If it stays tented for longer → Moderate to severe dehydration—get water in them fast.
Why It Works: Skin elasticity depends on water content in the body—less water means slower rebound.
3. The Pee Test (Colour Check)
- Light yellow → Perfect! Hydration levels are good.
- Darker yellow → Borderline dehydration—keep an eye on water intake.
- Orange, brown, or very concentrated urine → Your pet is dehydrated and needs water ASAP.
Pro Tip: If you rarely see your cat pee or their litter box is unusually dry, that’s a dehydration red flag.
The Hidden Dangers of Chronic Low-Grade Dehydration
Your pet doesn’t have to be panting like a desert wanderer to be dehydrated. Many pets live in a state of mild, chronic dehydration, and while it may not look dramatic, it can still wreak havoc on their health over time.
Unlike severe dehydration, which demands urgent vet care, low-grade dehydration works silently, gradually stressing the kidneys, bladder, joints, and digestion. It’s the slow burn of long-term health decline—easy to overlook but dangerous if ignored.
Why You Should Care About "Mild" Dehydration
Even a small drop in hydration can have big consequences for your pet’s well-being:
- A 5% drop in hydration reduces energy levels – Your dog’s usual zoomies? Slower. Your cat’s playful swats? Less frequent. Dehydration affects muscle function and endurance.
- The kidneys work harder to filter waste – Over time, chronic dehydration can increase the risk of kidney disease, especially in cats.
- Joints lose lubrication – Less hydration = stiffer joints and more discomfort, particularly in older pets or those with arthritis.
- Urinary infections become more common – Concentrated urine = bacteria paradise, raising the risk of UTIs and bladder stones.
Scientific Insight: A study published in the Journal of Veterinary Medicine found that mild dehydration in cats was directly linked to an increased risk of chronic kidney disease—one of the most common causes of feline mortality.
The Takeaway: Prevention is Key
Chronic dehydration may not send your pet to the emergency vet today, but over time, it shortens lifespan and reduces quality of life. The good news? It’s 100% preventable—and you’re already on the right track by learning how to keep your pet hydrated.
Dr. Karen Becker, DVM, warns:
"Many owners assume their pet is hydrated because there’s water
available. But availability doesn’t mean intake. You have to actively monitor
their drinking habits."
The good news is that preventing dehydration is a whole lot easier than treating it.
Keep your pet hydrated. Every single day.
Which raises the next question: How do I know if my pets are drinking enough water?
How Much Water Should Your Pet Be Drinking?
If you’re the type of person who drags around a giant water bottle with motivational labels like “Almost there!” and “Hydration station!”, you might be wondering:
"Should I be tracking my pet’s water intake too?"
Short answer? Absolutely.
Long answer? If your pet had thumbs, they might be better at keeping themselves
hydrated. But since they rely on us, it’s our job to make sure they’re getting
enough.
Most pet parents have no idea how much water their pet actually needs. Some assume "they’ll drink when they’re thirsty," but that’s not always true.
- Cats? They evolved from desert animals and still act like water is a non-essential luxury.
- Dogs? They’ll drink anything but their water bowl—puddles, toilets, the mystery liquid in the backyard (please don’t ask).
So, how much water does your pet really need? Let’s break it down—scientifically, with a side of humour.
The Science of Slurping: Daily Water Intake Guidelines
How much water does your pet actually need? It depends on their size, diet, activity level, and even personality. But here’s a solid guideline:
Dogs: 50-70 ml per kilogram of body weight per day
- 10 kg dog → 500-700 ml daily (about two to three cups)
- 20 kg dog → 1-1.4 liters daily (think of a large water bottle)
Cats: 60 ml per kilogram of body weight per day
- 5 kg cat → 300 ml daily (roughly one and a half cups)
Sounds simple, right? Not so fast. Some cats refuse to drink unless conditions are perfect, while some dogs drink anything but their actual water bowl. Others gulp down lakes and still act thirsty.
So how do you know when your pet needs even more water than usual?
When Your Pet Needs EXTRA Water
Just like we need more water after a workout, certain pets need extra hydration to stay healthy.
1. Dry Food Diet = More Water Needed
Kibble-fed pets start at a moisture deficit and must drink more to compensate, wet versus dry pet food:
- Dry food = only 7-10% water (imagine eating crackers with no drink).
- Wet food = 70-80% moisture (built-in hydration!).
Pet Parent Tip: If your pet refuses to drink enough, mix water into kibble or switch to a partially wet diet.
2. Active & Working Dogs: The Hydration Champions
If your dog treats fetch like an Olympic event, they burn through water fast.
- High-energy breeds (Border Collies, Huskies, Retrievers) need more hydration—just like human athletes.
- Working dogs (K9s, herders, agility competitors) must be monitored for dehydration.
Pet Parent Tip: Always carry a water bottle for hikes and beach and park trips. Some dogs won't stop playing to drink, so you have to remind them!
3. Hot Weather: Preventing heatstroke in Pets
A hot day + dehydration = heatstroke risk. Dogs pant to cool down, while cats dramatically lounge in the sun… until they overheat.
High-risk pets:
- Flat-faced breeds (Bulldogs, Pugs, Persian cats) overheat just thinking about warm weather.
- Thick-coated dogs (Huskies, Bernese Mountain Dogs) struggle in heat.
- Senior & small pets can’t regulate temperature as well.
Pet Parent Tip: Always have fresh water and offer cooling treats to help prevent overheating.
4. Senior Pets: Losing Their Thirst Instinct
Ageing pets are like that grandparent who insists they’re "fine" without water—but their health says otherwise.
- Older pets lose thirst cues, meaning by the time they’re thirsty, they’re already dehydrated.
- Dehydration worsens arthritis, cognitive decline, and kidney issues.
Red Flag Alert: If your senior pet pees less, moves slower, or acts "off," dehydration could be the culprit.
Pet Parent Tip: Offer flavoured water (low-sodium broth, tuna juice) and keep bowls easily accessible for arthritic pets.
Is Your Pet Drinking Too Much Water?
Wait—aren’t we supposed to worry about pets drinking too little?
Yes, but excessive drinking can also signal health problems. If your pet suddenly starts gulping water non-stop, it could be a sign of:
- Diabetes – Increased thirst is an early symptom of high blood sugar.
- Cushing’s Disease – A hormonal imbalance that boosts water consumption.
- Kidney Disease – The kidneys struggle to filter waste, making your pet constantly thirsty.
Pet Parent Tip: If your pet drinks more than usual for days, book a vet check-up—too much water can be a warning sign.
Now that we know how much water pets should be drinking, let’s move on to the real challenge:
Tricks to Get Stubborn Pets to Drink More Water
Hydration tips for pets—some pets treat water like an enemy—especially cats, who have the audacity to ignore basic survival needs. If your pet won’t drink enough, try these sneaky methods:
- Switch to a Pet Fountain – Many pets prefer running water, which mimics fresh streams and encourages drinking.
- Flavour the Water – A tiny splash of low-sodium broth or tuna juice makes water more appealing.
- Multiple Water Stations – Some pets won’t walk far for water, so place extra bowls around the house.
- Ice Cube Fun – Some pets love licking ice cubes—hydration and entertainment in one!
- Mix Water Into Their Food – Gradually add water to meals to boost hydration effortlessly.
More Clever Ways to Hydrate the Reluctant Drinker
- Use a Wide, Shallow Bowl – Some cats hate deep bowls due to “whisker fatigue.” A wider bowl fixes that!
- Try Moving the Bowl – Some pets won’t drink near their food (cats find it unnatural). A new location can spark interest.
- Serve Broth-Based Ice Treats – Freeze low-sodium broth into ice cubes for a tasty, hydrating snack.
- Use a Syringe or Dropper – For extra-stubborn pets, use a small syringe to gently administer water.
- Turn Hydration into a Game – Dogs love playing with water—try a dripping faucet or a sprinkler to make drinking fun.
Why Hydration Matters: The Science Speaks
Dr. Jean Hofve, DVM, notes:
"Many cats lack a strong thirst drive. In the wild, they’d get moisture
from prey. Domesticated cats need proactive hydration support."
A 2017 study in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine found that cats on a kibble-only diet with low water intake had a 50% higher risk of kidney disease.
The Bottom Line?
More water = better health, fewer vet bills, and a happier pet.
Hydration = Happy, Healthy Pets
Remember that parched, desperate-for-water scenario? Your pet might be living it daily—except they can’t complain (unless they’re a Husky, of course).
Hydration isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential for longevity, mobility, digestion, and kidney health. Yet, some pets act like drinking water is beneath them—ignoring fresh bowls while happily lapping up mystery puddles.
But now you know better! With science-backed hydration tips and sneaky tricks, you’re ready to keep your pet’s water game strong.
Go check their water bowl. If it’s full, make sure they use it. If not, get creative!
Need help? Check out Petworld’s selection of pet water fountains, bowls, and hydration-friendly products—because a hydrated pet is a happy pet, and a happy pet makes for a happy human.