Dogs are great companions for hiking, camping, and many other outdoor expeditions. They love spending time out, but just like humans, these canine pets can get dehydrated during such energy-burning activities. They need water when outdoors, especially during long walks or in the hot summer weather. So, how much water does a dog need when outdoors? What are the signs of dehydration in a dog? Also, how can you store your dog's water when heading out? This guide will answer these questions and more.
Why Proper Hydration is Important for Canine Pets
Dogs need proper hydration to make sure their organs function properly. Water improves digestion, joint lubrication, and regulates the temperature of dogs. It's simply important for their healthy living.
Beyond the regular intake, canine pets need extra hydration in outdoor situations. For example, hiking drains the energy and fluid of a dog. In such a situation, the dog should drink adequately during the trip. Also, sometimes, outdoor activities during the hot summer weather tend to get dogs to overheat and get them dehydrated fast, causing them to need water to maintain body temperature and comfort.
As a pet parent, you must know the amount of water your dog needs. Next, let's look at a detailed breakdown of that.
How Much Water Does Your Dog Require
Dogs consume water based on their body size, type of meal, and the activity they are engaged in. According to experts, dogs should drink an ounce of water per day for each pound they weigh. Typically, a dog that weighs 10 pounds should drink 10 ounces of water a day on average. Below is a table that breaks this down:
|
Dog’s Weight in Pounds |
Amount of Water in Ounces |
Amount of Water in Cups |
|
10 |
10 |
1.25 |
|
20 |
20 |
2.5 |
|
30 |
30 |
3.75 |
|
40 |
40 |
5 |
|
50 |
50 |
6.25 |
|
60 |
60 |
7.5 |
|
70 |
70 |
8.75 |
|
80 |
80 |
10 |
|
90 |
90 |
11.25 |
|
100 |
100 |
12.5 |
This is an average water intake requirement for your dog.
Note: When you're on outdoor trips, your pet should take more water at intervals of 15 minutes to 30 minutes. The interval can be longer based on the intensity of the activity. This is because more fluid is lost during outdoor activities, especially in the summer.
The best way to keep your canine companion well hydrated is by planning before you set out. Let's see how to do this.
Hydration Tools to Have on an Outdoor Trip
To keep your pet hydrated on an outdoor trip, there are a few things to consider to make things easy and stress-free. One must-have hydration tool or product is a dog water bottle.
There are a good number of water storage tools for pet parents to use. Here are key factors to put into consideration for choosing the type to use:
Factors to Guide your Choice of Dog Water Bottle
Lightweight and Portable: The water storage or container to take on a trip should be lightweight and have a compact design. A bottle shouldn't add unnecessary weight or be inconvenient to carry.
Easy to Open Design: An easy to open design can be operated with one hand. Such a practical build makes it easier to tend your dogs in situations when your hands are occupied with carrying other things or engaged in other ways.
Leak Free and Durable: A water container should have a tight lid to prevent accidental leaking. It should also be durable, remaining intact for long-term use.
Safe for Consumption: A water storage should be of food-grade material. Some often recommend silicone water containers or storage since they're safe for storing liquid.
Top 5 Best-selling Dog Water Bottles in 2025
The top five portable dog water bottles that incorporate some of the attributes above are:
|
Product |
Features |
|
|
Lesotc Foldable Dog Water Bottle
Leak proof travel dog water bottle. Straps for easy carriage A retractable cover that takes the shape of a water bowl when in use. BPA-free and comes in different sizes. |
|
|
Malispree Dog Water Bottle
Great ergonomic design. Features a leak proof build with silica ring locks. It has a bowl-shaped cap so that dogs can drink comfortably. Available in 12 and 19 oz. |
|
|
Wiman’s Foldable Dog Water Bottle
Long cap for easy drinking. Silica seal rings. Straps to carry it easily. Available in a couple of sizes. |
|
|
Highwave AutoDogMug Portable Dog Water Bottle & Bowl
Unique top dish design for pets to drink. BPA-free portable water bottle. Leak proof Holds up to 20 oz of water. |
|
|
OllyDog OllyBottle Dog Water Bottle
BFA-free dog bottle water Available in up to 40 oz. Comes with a detachable lid that also serves as the drinking trough. |
Advantages of Silicone Dog Water Bottles
Silicone water bottles are premium options compared to the plastic types. Silicone bottles are:
Exceptionally Durable: A dog water made from silicone is exceptionally durable, and it can withstand long-term outdoor use. The heat and humidity, especially during summer, don't degrade it. It is also durable in winter.
Excellently Flexible: Silicone is very flexible; hence, pet water bottles made of it are often collapsible. Silicone bottles are the best for traveling and hiking as they can be squeezed or rolled up (when empty) to fit easily into small backpacks and purses.
Safe for Consumption: Food-grade silicone products are safe for storing your pet’s drinking water. Silicone doesn't react with the liquid in it despite the temperature, making it a good option for hiking or any outdoor activity during summer.
The Recommended Silicone Water Bottle
Kean dog water bottle is a recommended option for outdoor use. It's a food-safe silicone bottle that is highly flexible. It can be folded and rolled. Its bowl-shaped cap allows your canine companion to lap up water easily. Kean dog water is leak-proof with a simple opening mechanism. Its durability makes it a top choice for many pet parents.
How to Spot When your Dog is Dehydrated
“Is my dog dehydrated?” It is a question many can't answer. Dehydration is bad for the health of your pet. It's important to know how to spot it so one can take quick action. These are signs thatq your dog is dehydrated:
Dry Nose
Dogs have a moist nose all the time. If the nose of your dog is without moisture, that may be a sign of dehydration.
Thick Saliva
Dogs' saliva or drool coming from your dog's mouth should be light and watery. If it's thick, that is considered abnormal and may be a sign of dehydration.
Reduced Energy
If your dog stops being boisterous and goes quiet, the energy may be at low levels. If accompanied by heavy panting, your pet is likely dehydrated.
Sunken Eyes
Reduced fluid in the fat pads of a dog's eyes results from dehydration and leading to sunken eyes.
The Best Times and Locations for Outdoor Activities
Outdoor activities are good opportunities for your dog to exercise, have fun, and bond with you. However, your canine companion can easily get tired and dehydrated if the temperature is too high. Some recommended best times and locations to enjoy outdoor adventures with your pet are:
Best Times to go Outdoors with your Dog
Depending on the season, there are different times of the day to target for outdoor activities with your dog. Going by two major seasons, which are summer and winter, the ideal times to step out are:
During Summer
Early Mornings: Early mornings are the best and most ideal time to go hiking, walking, or do other interesting things with your dog. The temperature in the early hours of the day is often cool. This recommendation is especially useful during the summer.
Evenings: Going out in the evening is equally great. The mid-day heat, which is capable of causing heatstroke and dehydrating your dog quickly, would have subsided. Evenings are cool, and the heat is less burning even during the summer.
During Winter
Daytime: Target daytime to go outdoors with your canine pet. During the winter or cold seasons, daytime is warm. You get to avoid extreme cold and take advantage of the light warmth.
The Best Locations for Outdoor Activities with your Dog
Some locations to consider include:
Parks
Hiking Trails
Beaches
Final Thoughts
As pet parents, keeping your dog adequately hydrated during outdoor activities is important. Going hiking, playing throw and catch at a park, and taking a walk are activities that burn energy and dehydrate your dog. As you step out, always have a good dog water bottle with you for your pet to drink at intervals.
Additionally, watch out for signs of dehydration when outdoors. And endeavour to pick favorable times of the day to enjoy outdoor activities, depending on the season.