Planning on going on a short trip and leaving your doggy friend behind? Well, you can get the food and everything else sorted, but, one question remains: How long can dogs go without water? I’ll answer that question in today’s post. In this article, I’ll also go through the topics of dehydration, signs of dehydration, and water needs of dogs. So, let’s begin, shall we? Let’s get started!
Dehydration in Dogs
Have you ever wondered why scientists look for water on planets to determine whether or not they’re habitable? That’s because water is essential for all kind of life forms to exist. And, water is extremely important for your doggy friend as well. In fact, 80% of your pooch’s body is actually made of water.
What I’m trying to tell you is that water is as important for dogs as it is for us human beings. Occurrence of Dehydration in Dogs take place when the level of water in your doggy friend’s body is less than normal. There are two reasons for dehydration. Let’s take a look:
- Lack of intake of fluid ( How Long Can Dogs Go Without Water?)
- Loss of the fluid
In this blog, I’ll be talking more about the lack of intake of fluid. Loss of fluid can occur due to vomiting, upset stomach, etc. and it is always a good idea to consult your vet when seeing the first signs of sickness for a proper prognosis.
Also Read: Best Dog Food for Sensitive Stomach – Top Chooses to Buy
Symptoms of Dehydration in Dogs
There are a few signs of dehydration that you should look out for.
- Depression
- Dry mouth
- Loss of appetite
- Sunken eyes
- Lethargy
These are the signs that you’ll see when you leave your dog without water for a long time. These symptoms can also lead to serious problems.
How Long Can Dogs Go Without Water?
Are you wondering why I talked about dehydration before answering the question that you’re here for? It’s because I wanted you to know (and understand) the consequences of leaving your dog without water for a long time. Now, I’ll finally answer your burning question. Dogs can go without water for 2-3 days.
The exact time actually depends on your dog’s breed, medical conditions, the weather, etc. You vet is the best person to ask this question. They can give you a more specific answer. So, that being said, your dog will probably be able to go longer without water during winters than in summers.
Similarly, smaller dogs will be able to go without water longer than bigger dogs. But, I’d like to warn you that leaving your doggy friend without water for long is never a good idea and can negatively affect your pet’s health.
Also Read: Best Dog Food for Small Breeds – to Keep Your Pet’s Healthy
Preventing Dehydration: The Precautions You Need to Take!
Ever heard the saying ‘Prevention is better than cure’? In this section, I’d like to talk about some the steps you need to to take in order to make sure that your furry friend doesn’t ever get dehydrated. Let’s take a look.
- You should provide your dog with some clean and fresh water in a bowl every day and make sure to clean the water bowl on a daily basis as well to avoid growth of bacteria
- You should also monitor your dog’s water intake. Sometimes our doggy friends don’t drink as much water as they should and end up slightly dehydrated
- Invest in a water bowl which has a weighted compartment at bottom so that your doggy doesn’t knock it over
- Always carry an extra bottle of water for your doggy when you’re traveling or going out to the dog park!
- Don’t chain your dog outside when you’re not there to supervise—your dog could knock his water bowl over or may not be able to reach it!
Also Read: Best Dog Bowls – Top Option for Different Breeds
So, How Long Can Dogs Go Without Water?
Dogs can go up to 2-3 days without water. But, the exact number of days depends on a few factors such as:
- The dog’s breed
- The temperature and weather conditions
- The dog’s genetic makeup
Aside from that… It is not a good idea to leave your dog without water for a long time as it can lead to dehydration and several other health problems in the longer run. So, I’d advise you always provide your furry friend with some fresh water and make prior arrangements before leaving your doggy friend home for a short trip…
I hope this blog was helpful in answering your question and help you understand the dangers of dehydration as well. Further reading: How Long Can A Dog Go Without Eating?, Can Dogs Eat Hot Cheetos? Please, drop a comment in the comments section if you have any questions or concerns and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can!
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