How to Keep Your Dog Hydrated in Hot Weather: Nutrition Tips
It’s looking like we have a long, hot summer ahead of us. Not something we’re used to in the UK, and neither are our dogs. Just as we can get dehydrated when it’s warm, so can our dogs, but getting them to slurp down an extra pint of water is tricky. So what can you do to sneak some extra water in?
Here are our top tips for nutritional hydration during hot weather (or when your dog needs to increase their fluid intake).
How to Tell If Your Dog Is Dehydrated
Dogs cannot tell you when they are thirsty, so knowing the physical signs of dehydration before they become serious is essential.
Key signs to watch for:
- Dry or sticky gums (healthy gums should be moist and pink)
- Loss of skin elasticity - gently lift the skin on the back of the neck; in a well-hydrated dog it should spring back immediately
- Sunken eyes or a dull, glazed appearance
- Lethargy or reduced energy during normal activity
- Reduced urine output or darker urine than usual
- Excessive panting that does not settle after rest
If you notice more than one of these signs together, contact your vet. Mild dehydration can escalate quickly in warm weather, particularly in older dogs, flat-faced breeds, and dogs with underlying health conditions.
1. How to Boost Your Dog's Fluid Intake Through Food
Dry kibble contains less than 14% moisture, while canned food must contain more than 60% and is usually around the 70–80% mark. Switching to or mixing in high-moisture wet food options can significantly boost fluid intake without your dog even realising it (plus, it’s delicious). Just be careful not to increase calorie intake too much - wet foods typically are higher in fat.
Try:
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Canned or pouched wet food
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Gently cooked or raw diets with higher moisture content
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Add extra water to your dog's kibble.
2. Bone Broth: A Simple Way to Hydrate and Entice
Low-sodium bone broth is a nutrition powerhouse: it’s rich in water and electrolytes like sodium and potassium. It’s also highly palatable and dogs can’t resist it, so it’s great for encouraging dogs to eat and hydrate - even when their appetite dips in the heat.
Pro tip: Freeze broth into ice cube trays for a nutrient-rich summer snack.
3. Electrolyte Supplements for Dogs in Hot Weather
There are canine-specific hydration powders available that contain electrolytes and nutrients designed for dogs, not humans. During hot weather, intense activity, or periods of dehydration, dogs lose electrolytes. Electrolytes are used throughout their body for many vital functions, including moving nutrients into their cells.
Giving your dog a specially formulated supplement can help maintain electrolyte balance during intense heat or exercise, especially for active breeds or working dogs. They may not be suitable for some dogs with sensitive tummies, though, so speak to your vet first.
Look for products that contain:
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Sodium & potassium: to support fluid balance
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Magnesium & calcium: for muscle function
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Taurine: supports heart health and hydration regulation
A fantastic option is Better Dog Hydration. Packed full of amazing extras like MCT oil, it is the perfect hydration supplement for all dogs - from pets to athletes.
Avoid: Human sports drinks - they often contain too much sugar, caffeine, or artificial sweeteners like xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
4. Dog-Safe Fruits and Vegetables to Serve in Summer
Many fruits and vegetables have high water content and are rich in natural electrolytes, fibre, and antioxidants. Dogs love them as a snack or with their dinner!
Best dog-friendly summer produce:
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Watermelon (no seeds or rind) – ~92% water
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Cucumber – ~95% water
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Blueberries – Hydrating and antioxidant-rich
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Courgettes – Light, hydrating, and gut-friendly
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Strawberries – Water, fibre, and vitamin C
Serve these chopped, frozen, or blended into a summer smoothie for your dog.
While fruits are a healthy summer snack, they still contain natural sugars. Too much fruit can cause digestive upset or spike blood sugar - especially in dogs with diabetes, obesity, or those on calorie-restricted diets. Limit fruit treats to no more than 10% of your dog’s daily intake and always introduce new items slowly.
Foods to avoid in warm weather:
- High-fat foods such as bacon, sausages, and cheese-heavy treats, which are harder to digest in the heat
- Salty snacks and processed meats, which increase thirst and put additional strain on the kidneys
5. Foods and Treats to Avoid in Hot Weather
Excessive sodium increases your dog’s need for water and can stress the kidneys, especially in older dogs.
Avoid giving your dog:
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Processed meats (like ham or bacon)
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Cheese-heavy treats
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Salty table scraps
Opt for low-sodium, nutrient-dense treats, especially in summer.
6. When and How to Feed Your Dog in Hot Weather
Dogs may eat less when it’s hot. Offer meals during the cooler parts of the day (morning and evening), and moisten meals with broth or water to encourage eating and improve hydration. You can also pick up some tips on keeping your dog cool here.
Being properly hydrated is vital to your pet’s health, but it’s hard to get them to drink enough when it’s hot. This can impact all of their systems, even their joints - especially if they are already stiff. So, it’s vital you keep them hydrated all summer. Which tip will you try first?
Thinking of taking your dog for a walk, but wondering if it’s too warm? Learn when it’s too hot to walk your dog this summer, and stay cool!
Frequently asked questions
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How much water should a dog drink in hot weather?
As a general guideline, dogs need approximately 50 to 60ml of water per kilogram of body weight per day under normal conditions. In hot weather or after exercise, this requirement can increase significantly. A 10kg dog that would normally drink around 500ml per day may need considerably more during a heatwave. Keep multiple water bowls accessible at all times and monitor whether they are being emptied regularly.
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Can I add anything to my dog's water to encourage them to drink more?
Yes. A small amount of low-sodium bone broth added to your dog's water bowl is one of the most effective ways to encourage reluctant drinkers to increase their fluid intake. You can also add a splash of broth directly to dry kibble to boost moisture at mealtimes. Avoid adding anything that contains onion, garlic, salt, or artificial sweeteners.
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What are the best hydrating treats for dogs in summer?
Frozen watermelon cubes (seeds and rind removed), cucumber slices, and blueberries are all high in water content and safe for most dogs. You can also freeze low-sodium bone broth into ice cube trays for a nutrient-rich cooling treat. Avoid human ice cream, flavoured ice lollies, and anything containing xylitol.
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Is wet food better than dry food for dogs in summer?
Wet food contains significantly more moisture than dry kibble -- typically 70 to 80% compared to less than 14% in dry food -- which makes it a useful addition to your dog's diet in hot weather. You do not need to switch entirely; mixing wet food into your dog's usual dry food, or adding water or broth to kibble, achieves a similar result without disrupting their regular diet.
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Can dogs get dehydrated even if they have access to water?
Yes. Some dogs are naturally reluctant drinkers, and in hot weather the combination of increased fluid loss through panting and reduced drinking can lead to dehydration even when water is available. Older dogs and flat-faced breeds are particularly at risk. If your dog is showing signs of dehydration despite having access to water, contact your vet.
