7 Strange Signs That Your Dog Is Dehydrated

A Doggy Dictionary of Hydration Hints


We all know our furry friends are usually pretty good at letting us know when they want to play or need a treat; but when it comes to their water intake, they can be a bit more mysterious.


Part of our mission is to help families everywhere stay hydrated, including pets. That's why we're here to decode the secret language of our pups and help you recognize the signs that your dog needs water ASAP with a little help from Pocket Wolf.


So, grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and let's dive into this pawsitively important topic!

Pocket Wolf and his new favorite 10 oz Mini Beast

One more thing - this blog post is for informative purposes only and is not a replacement for a veterinarian. If you think your dog is very sick and needs medical attention, go to the vet!

1. The "Puppy Eyes" Stare

You know that heart-melting gaze your dog gives you when you're eating a sandwich? Well, if they're giving you the same look without a tasty snack in sight, it might be their way of saying, "Hey, I need a drink!" Those soulful eyes can't lie, and this is especially true when you’re out on a walk.

2. Excessive Panting

Sure, dogs pant to cool down, but if your pooch is panting like they just ran a marathon in the snow, it could mean they're dehydrated on top of being overheated.


So when you notice that tongue flopping around like a fish out of water with heavy panting, it’s time to break out the water bowl and refresh those parched puppers.

3. Dry Nose

Yes, the urban myth is true; if your dog’s nose is dry, he  or she very likely needs some water ASAP!


So when you’re out and about, or kickin’ it together at home, do a quick visual snoot inspection once in a while. If their nose is dry as a desert, it's a clear signal that they need some H2O pronto. It's like their way of saying, “Hydrate me, hooman!”

🐾 Pro-Tip: While you’re there, check for sticky gums, another sign of dehydration.

Reusable Stainless Steel

Water Bottles

★★★★★ (200+)


• Available in three sizes and three colors 

• Keeps your drinks hot or cold all day long 

• Sweat-proof exterior and leak-proof lid 

• Made from 18/8 stainless steel, BPA-free


4. Lethargy and Weakness

Is your usually energetic dog suddenly acting like a couch potato? Water can work wonders in perking up your furry buddy.


While sluggish and lethargic behavior could be attributed to a variety of causes, dehydration is more than likely the culprit.


Plus, if dehydration is indeed the cause of the lethargy or weakness and a fresh bowl of water fixed ‘em right up, you just saved yourself from making an unnecessary and expensive trip to the vet.

5. Dark Yellow Urine

When you take your dog for a walk, keep an eye on their pee. If it's a deep yellow/amber color, it's a sign that they're not getting enough water. Think of it as their version of a “yellow warning light.”

🐾 Pro-Tip:We always bring a collapsible dog bowl to clip onto our Greens Steel Water Bottle so Pocket Wolf always has on-the-go hydration.

6. Loss of Appetite or Thirst

Dogs love their kibble, but if your pup is turning up their nose at mealtime, it could be due to dehydration amongst other things. A little hydration boost might rekindle their appetite.


If your doggo refuses to drink water from the tap, try giving him/her filtered or bottled water. Your dog’s incredible sense of smell can make him/her very sensitive to high levels of tap water treatment chemicals such as chlorine or fluoride.

 

(On that note, you should really always give your dog filtered water!) 

🐾 Pocket Fact: A dog’s sense of smell can be 10,000 to 100,000 stronger than a human’s.

7. Dry and Flaky Skin

Check your dog's skin. If it's looking dry and flaky, it could be a sign of chronic dehydration - no bueno! Healthy skin starts from the inside out, and hydration is key.


Got a dog that has a thick coat like Pocket Wolf? You can try parting your dog’s fur gently to see the skin underneath, but if that doesn’t work you can always use a comb.

A Pocket Wolf with his Mini Beast

There you have it, folks – the doggy dictionary of hydration hints! Remember, our furry friends can't talk, so they rely on us to interpret their signals.


By recognizing these signs and keeping their water bowl topped up, you'll have one happy and healthy pup by your side. So, let's raise a paw (or water bowl) to a well-hydrated, tail-wagging companion!


One more thing - at Greens Steel, we're passionate about dogs and their well-being. We know that carrying around water in a high-quality stainless steel water bottle with a doggie bowl can make all the difference in keeping your furry friend hydrated.


Check out our range of durable and stylish water bottles to keep you and your dog's water supply in tip-top shape.

Reusable Stainless Steel

Water Bottles

★★★★★ (200+)


• Available in three sizes and three colors 

• Keeps your drinks hot or cold all day long 

• Sweat-proof exterior and leak-proof lid 

• Made from 18/8 stainless steel, BPA-free


Thanks for stopping by!


Until next time,

Jenn

Author, Greens Steel