In my blog about adjusting exercise for older dogs, I mentioned that older dogs suffer from dehydration more quickly than younger dogs. In this blog I would like to dig into that concept a little further. Hydration is something many owners never really think about, assuming that the dog will drink however much is needed.
But, just like humans, senior dogs can become more susceptible to dehydration as they age, making it essential for pet owners to ensure their aging companions are getting enough water. In this blog post, we’ll explore why hydration is vital for senior dogs, how much water they should drink, and practical tips to keep them well-hydrated.
Why hydration is crucial for senior dogs
As dogs age, they face a variety of physiological changes that affect how their bodies handle hydration. Maintaining proper hydration becomes essential to support key bodily functions, including:
- Kidney function: As dogs age, their kidneys may not work as well, making it harder to filter out toxins. Drinking enough water helps keep their kidneys healthy and working properly.
- Digestion and circulation: Water aids in digestion, nutrient absorption, and circulation, all of which are crucial for overall health.
- Joint health: For senior dogs struggling with arthritis or other joint issues, staying hydrated helps maintain lubrication in their joints, improving mobility. Proper hydration helps keep all the tissues in the body supple.
- Body temperature regulation: Dehydrated dogs struggle to regulate their body temperature, making them more vulnerable to heat exhaustion or overheating.
We also need to realize that commercial dry food has only 10% water. In the wild dogs and other canids would eat prey animals, with a water content of closer to 70-80%.
Studies show that many dogs don’t drink enough water to make up for the low moisture in dry food. Certainly, dogs on a diet of commercial dry food tend to drink more water than dogs on a fresh or canned food diet, but the question remains: is it enough?
How much water should a senior dog drink?
On average, a dog should drink about 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight per day, in metrics that is about 50 ml of water per kilo of body weight. This is a general guideline, and dogs may need more or less water depending on their diet, activity level, and overall health.
For instance:
- Dogs on a dry food diet will need more water than those who eat wet food, which contains moisture.
- Less active dogs might not be as thirsty, but it’s important to still encourage them to drink water regularly.
- Dogs with health conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes, or heart disease may need special attention to ensure they stay hydrated.
How can you measure this? In the morning, fill your dog’s bowl with fresh water and measure the amount. At night, check how much is left to see how much your dog drank. If you have more than one drinking bowl, do this for each bowl.
If you have more than one dog it can be a bit trickier of course. You may have to be watchful, and try to measure just after the dog you are monitoring has drunk water. (Ideally just before the drinking as well).
Another confounding factor is taking in water from puddles or ponds outside. It still makes sense to measure the amount of water your dog is drinking inside the house though, because it will still give you a ballpark idea – which is better than knowing nothing at all.
Also, if the amount of water ingested inside the house changes significantly, that also is important information to have – even if it isn’t the entire amount of fluids your dog has taken in.
Factors that affect hydration in senior dogs
Several factors can influence how much water your senior dog needs and how well they stay hydrated:
Diet
– As stated before, dry food vs. wet food: Dogs that eat a kibble-based diet will require more water since dry food has little to no moisture content. On the other hand, wet food can contribute to hydration since it contains a higher water content.
Activity level
– Reduced Activity: Senior dogs may be less active, which could decrease their water consumption. However, it’s important to keep them hydrated even if they aren’t as physically active as they used to be.
Health conditions
Dogs with conditions like kidney disease, diabetes, or Cushing’s disease often have increased or decreased water requirements. In these cases it’s important to follow your vet’s recommendations for managing hydration in dogs with medical issues.
Dogs with arthritis or mobility issues might struggle to reach their water bowl, especially if it’s on a slippery floor. They may avoid drinking, even if they’re thirsty.
Signs of dehydration in older dogs
Older dogs might not feel as thirsty, so dehydration can happen without you noticing. The following symptoms can be signs of dehydration and should not be ignored, they warrant getting in touch with your vet:
- dry nose and gums: one of the earliest signs of dehydration is a dry or sticky mouth.
- lethargy: dehydrated dogs may become unusually tired or lethargic due to insufficient water in their systems.
- loss of appetite: when a dog is dehydrated their appetite is often diminished. Of course there are a multitude of causes for a lessened appetite, but it’s important to know that dehydration might be a contributing factor.
- sunken eyes: a dehydrated dog may have eyes that appear sunken or dull.
- poor skin elasticity: You can test for dehydration by gently pinching the skin on the back of your dog’s neck. If the skin doesn’t snap back into place quickly, your dog may be dehydrated.
Tips for encouraging your senior dog to drink more water
If your senior dog isn’t drinking enough water on their own, here are some effective tips to encourage hydration:
- Keep water fresh: ensure that your dog always has access to fresh, clean water. Dogs are more likely to drink if the water is changed frequently.
- Multiple water bowls: Place water bowls in different parts of your home, especially if your dog has mobility issues and can’t always get to their usual spot easily.
- Try a water fountain: Some dogs prefer running water. Pet fountains keep water moving, making it more appealing for dogs to drink.
- Add flavor: Adding low-sodium broth or bone broth to your dog’s water can entice them to drink more. Just be sure to check for any added salts or harmful ingredients.
- Ice cubes and treats: Some dogs enjoy chewing on ice cubes, especially in warm weather. You can also freeze broth into ice cubes for a hydrating treat.
- Moisture-rich foods: Incorporate moisture-rich foods into your dog’s diet. If you’re feeding dry kibble, consider mixing it with wet food or adding a liquid to soften the food.
I am a huge fan of this last strategy, as this is a way in which you can give your dog’s bowl a big boost with different kinds of herbal teas or mushroom broth.
In the e-book Bowl Boosters I have an entire section about the benefits of adding herbal teas to your dog’s diet. This kills two birds with one stone: we prevent dehydration and we add a lot of antioxidants and other useful substances to our dog’s bowl.
You can find out more here: caringforyourcanine.com/bowl-boosters-the-secret-to-healthier-happier-dogs
When to seek veterinary help
Sometimes, dehydration can be a sign of an underlying health condition that requires veterinary attention. In addition to the symptoms of dehydration discussed above, contact your vet if:
- your dog is refusing to drink water for more than a day.
- your dog is experiencing vomiting or diarrhea, as these can quickly lead to severe dehydration in an older dog.
Chronic dehydration may be an indication of diseases like kidney failure, diabetes or other health issues common in senior dogs. Working with your vet to determine the cause and the most efficient way to treat the issue is then your best bet.
Conclusion
Proper hydration is crucial for your senior dog’s health, supporting their kidney function, digestion, joint mobility, and overall well-being. By monitoring their water intake and being proactive about keeping them hydrated, you can help ensure they remain comfortable and healthy in their golden years. And remember, if you’re concerned about your dog’s hydration, don’t hesitate to consult with your veterinarian.
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