By: The Critter Corner Team | 5-Minute Read
We all know the rule: Fresh water should always be available.
But after six years in the pet industry, I can tell you that for some dogs, a bowl of water just isn't interesting enough. And in the heat of summer—or the dry heat of winter—"enough" water might not be enough.
If you are frantically searching for how to rehydrate a dog or wondering how can I get my dog to drink more water, you are in the right place.
Hydration impacts everything from energy levels to kidney function. Here is the professional guide on spotting the warning signs and the best dog dehydration remedy that vets love (hint: it involves snacking).
How Do You Know If a Dog Is Dehydrated?
Before we get to the hacks, you need to know what to look for. A dog can’t tell you they are thirsty, so knowing the dog dehydration symptoms is critical.
If you aren't sure how to check if your dog is dehydrated, use these two quick tests:
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The "Tent Test": Gently pinch the loose skin between your dog’s shoulder blades and lift it up.
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Hydrated: The skin snaps back down instantly.
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Dehydrated: The skin slowly sinks back down or stays "tented" for a second.
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The Gum Check: Lift their lip. Healthy gums should be slick and wet. If they feel sticky or dry, these are clear signs of dehydration in a dog.
How to Make Your Dog Drink More Water (3 Hacks)
So, you have a picky drinker. Treating dehydration in dogs often requires a bit of creativity. You don't force them—you trick them.
1. The "Topper Tea" Method (The Best Home Remedy)
Dry kibble has almost zero moisture (usually under 10%). If you are looking for a cure for dehydration in dogs that happens daily, the answer is usually adding moisture to their food.
The most effective dehydration treatment dogs actually enjoy is "Rehydration Snacking."
Freeze-dried treats, like our [Freeze-Dried Antarctic Krill Treats] or [Wellix SunnyBites Chicken], are porous sponges.
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The Trick: Crumble 2-3 freeze-dried treats into a small bowl. Add ¼ cup of warm water or bone broth. Let it sit for 3 minutes until the treats puff up.
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The Result: Your dog slurps up the flavored water to get to the meat. You just figured out how to help a dehydrated dog without a fight!
2. Make "Pup-sicles"
Ice cubes are good, but flavor-infused ice is better. Take a few [Just Try Freeze-Dried Treats], drop them into an ice cube tray, fill with water, and freeze. On a hot afternoon, toss one onto the patio. As your dog licks the ice to get the prize inside, they are cooling down and hydrating simultaneously.
3. The "Location, Location, Location" Rule
In the wild, water isn't always in the kitchen. If you live in a multi-story home, place a water bowl on every floor. Out of sight often means out of mind.
When to See a Vet
While learning how to rehydrate a dog at home is great for mild cases, severe dehydration is a medical emergency. If your dog has sunken eyes, is lethargic, or is vomiting, skip the home remedies and head to the vet for IV fluids immediately.
The Bottom Line
Hydration doesn't have to be boring. By turning "drinking water" into a game or a savory snack experience, you protect your dog’s health while giving them a treat they love.
Ready to try the rehydration hack? [Shop Our Freeze-Dried Collection Here] to find the perfect mixers.
