How to properly hydrate my dog and protect him from the heat
Updated 16 October 2026
In short: a dog should always have fresh, clean water available. As a rough guide, about 50 to 60 ml per kilo per day is often quoted, more in hot weather, during exercise or on a dry diet. On walks, bring water and take breaks in the shade. In hot weather, go out early in the morning or late in the evening. Heavy panting, thick drool, vomiting or a wobbly gait may mean heatstroke, a veterinary emergency.
How much water should a dog drink?
| Dog's weight | Daily guide (≈ 50-60 ml/kg) |
|---|---|
| 5 kg | 0.25 to 0.3 L |
| 10 kg | 0.5 to 0.6 L |
| 20 kg | 1 to 1.2 L |
| 30 kg | 1.5 to 1.8 L |
How can you help it drink well at home?
Fresh water, clean bowl
Change the water at least once a day and wash the bowl: a slimy film builds up quickly.
One bowl per area
Indoors and in the garden, in the shade, so it never has to look for water.
A few ice cubes
In moderation and the right size, some dogs love playing with them and drink more.
Running water
A pet fountain appeals to some dogs and keeps water moving; clean the filter.
How do you keep your dog hydrated on walks?
- Bring waterWhenever the outing is longer than half an hour or it's warm. An insulated bottle keeps water cool.
- Offer oftenA few sips every 15 to 20 minutes during exercise, rather than a lot at once.
- Avoid puddles and stagnant waterThey can carry bacteria (leptospirosis) or toxic algae.
- Shade breaksLet it lie down somewhere cool and get its breath back.
Our insulated 1 L dog water bottle has two built-in bowls: handy for drinking without hunting for a tap. For longer outings, see our hiking with your dog article.
Which cooling foods can you give?
- Cucumber, raw courgette in small pieces.
- Watermelon without seeds or rind.
- Homemade ice treats: water, or homemade stock with no salt, onion or garlic.
- Grapes (fresh or dried): toxic.
- Onion, garlic, and shop-bought stock that contains them.
- Ice cream for people: sugar, lactose, sometimes xylitol (very toxic).
How do you protect it from the heat?
- Go out at cool times, early morning or late evening.
- Pavement test: put the back of your hand on the ground. If you can't hold it there for a few seconds, it's too hot for its paws.
- Never in a car, even for a few minutes, even with the windows cracked.
- Cool spot: shade, tiles, cooling mat, a ventilated room.
- At-risk dogs: flat-faced breeds, older, overweight or thick-coated dogs. Take extra care.
Dehydration or heatstroke: the signs
| Signs | What to do | |
|---|---|---|
| Dehydration | Dry, tacky gums, tiredness, skin slow to fall back when pinched | Offer small amounts of water, call the vet if it persists |
| Heatstroke | Heavy panting, thick drool, very red tongue, vomiting, wobbly gait, collapse | Move to shade, wet with cool (not ice-cold) water, call a vet immediately |
Heatstroke is an emergency. Even if your dog seems better after cooling down, take it to the vet: complications can develop over the following hours.
Frequently asked questions
How much water does a dog drink a day?
Roughly 50 to 60 ml per kilo per day, more in hot weather or during exercise. Sudden, unusual thirst warrants a vet visit.
Can I give my dog ice cubes?
Yes, in moderation and the right size so it can't choke. For heatstroke, use cool water rather than ice.
How do I know if my dog is dehydrated?
Dry, tacky gums, tiredness, skin on the neck slow to settle after a gentle pinch. If in doubt, call your vet.
At what temperature should I stop walking my dog?
There's no single threshold: it depends on humidity, sun and the dog. In hot weather, stick to short outings at cool times.