How Much Should Your Dog Drink on Hikes & Hydration Tips for Dogs

How Much Should Your Dog Drink on Hikes & Hydration Tips for Dogs

Hiking with your furry friend can be an incredibly rewarding experience—fresh air, scenic views, and quality bonding time. However, ensuring your dog stays hydrated is critical to their health and safety while navigating trails. Proper hydration keeps your dog energized, reduces strain, and helps prevent serious health risks like dehydration.

Below, we’ll dive into practical hydration strategies, hydration tips, signs of dehydration, and highlight how OutPaw Essentials Stainless Steel Non-Slip Dog Bowls can make trail hydration stress-free.

Methods for Keeping Your Dog Hydrated on Hiking Trails

When planning hydration for your dog, think portable, efficient, and durable solutions to match the outdoor conditions. Some top methods include:

  1. Portable Water Bowls: Carry lightweight and durable bowls to provide water during breaks. The OutPaw Essentials Stainless Steel Non-Slip Dog Bowls are excellent options—they’re crafted for outdoor adventures and styled for home use. Compact enough to fit two bowls in a standard-sized backpack, these bowls ensure both hydration and feeding needs are met without hassle.
  2. Hydration Bladders or Bottles:  For quick on-the-go access, use collapsible water bottles or hydration bladders made for dogs. These can pair well with a portable bowl for ease of drinking.
  3. Stream Stops: If your trail has access to clean water streams, you can refill your dog’s portable bowl. However, always verify the water source’s safety to avoid bacteria or harmful contaminants.

Tips for Keeping Your Dog Properly Hydrated

Planning ahead is key to maintaining hydration for your dog during outdoor excursions. Here are actionable general tips:

  • Start Hydrated: Give your dog water around 30 minutes before you hit the trail for a hydration boost.
  • Carry Enough Water: As a rule of thumb, dogs need about 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight per day. Increase this amount by 50-100% during vigorous activities like hiking.
  • Offer Regular Breaks: Stop every 15-30 minutes to let your dog drink some water, especially in warm conditions.
  • Monitor Their Drinking: Don’t rely on your dog to signal thirst. Be proactive by encouraging them to drink during stops.

How Much Water Should Your Dog Drink While Hiking?

During hikes, dogs require more water than usual due to increased energy expenditure and heat exposure. The recommended amount typically falls between ½ to 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight per hour of activity. For instance:

  • If your dog weighs 50 pounds, they should consume approximately 25-50 ounces of water after each hour on the trail.

Adjust this based on the weather, terrain, and duration of your hike.

Signs of Dehydration in Dogs

Recognizing the warning signs of dehydration early can protect your dog from serious health risks. Common symptoms include:

  • Dry gums and sticky saliva
  • Excessive panting
  • Lethargy or weakness
  • Loss of skin elasticity (perform a gentle skin pinch to check)
  • Sunken or dry-looking eyes

What to Do If Your Dog Shows Signs of Dehydration

If you notice these symptoms:

  1. Provide Water Immediately: Use your OutPaw Essentials Non-Slip Stainless Steel Bowl to offer fresh water immediately. Monitor them as they drink.
  2. Cool Them Down: Move your dog to a shaded area, offer small amounts of water frequently, and use a towel moistened with cool water to gently dampen their fur.
  3. Seek Veterinary Help: If your dog’s symptoms persist or worsen, consult a vet as emergency dehydration can be life-threatening.

What NOT to Do for Dehydrated Dogs

When addressing dog dehydration, especially after long hikes or exposure to high temperatures, it’s crucial to recognize actions that may seem beneficial but can, in fact, harm your pet. One common mistake is attempting to rapidly alter the dog's environment temperature to alleviate signs of overheating or dehydration. Below outlines key points on what NOT to do:

Avoid Drastic Temperature Changes

  • Do Not Immediately Move to a Much Cooler Environment: Suddenly changing from a hot to a significantly cooler environment can shock your dog’s system. This abrupt shift could potentially increase the risk of heatstroke or other thermal shock-related issues.
  • Never Use Extremely Cold Water for Cooling: Whether it’s for drinking or trying to cool their body, using ice-cold water can be more harmful than helpful. Very cold water can cause the surface blood vessels to constrict, trapping heat inside the body and potentially worsening the condition.

Gradual Cooling Is Key

  • Gradual Reduction in Temperature: If your dog is overheated and dehydrated, the safest approach is to move them to a shaded or mildly cool area. It helps in gradually lowering their body temperature without causing additional stress to their system.
  • Use Room Temperature Water for Initial Cooling and Hydration: Start with offering sips of water that’s at room temperature. If attempting to cool their body externally, gently apply towels soaked in lukewarm water instead of cold.

Consult a Professional

  • If your dog is showing severe signs of dehydration or heatstroke, such as excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, or uncoordinated movement, it’s critical to seek veterinary care promptly. Vets can provide safe, immediate intervention and guidance on properly rehydrating and cooling down your dog.

Remember, the goal is to ensure your pet's safety and health through informed and mindful care practices, avoiding measures that could inadvertently exacerbate the situation. Prioritize gradual rehydration and consult with professionals for severe cases to ensure the well-being of your furry friend during outdoor activities and adventures.

Why Choose OutPaw Essentials for Your Hiking Needs

The OutPaw Essentials Stainless Steel Non-Slip Dog Bowls are specifically designed for durability, portability, and reliable hydration on trails. Made for adventure and styled for convenient use at home, these bowls are the ultimate hiking companion for active pet owners.

Key Features:

  • Non-Slip Design: Ensures stability during mealtime, even on uneven terrains.
  • Durable Stainless Steel: Built to last, resistant to outdoor wear and tear.
  • Compact Portability: Two bowls fit comfortably in a standard backpack, leaving you plenty of room for other essentials.
  • Easy to Clean: Simple to rinse during breaks or after a hike.

Check Out More Tips on Our Instagram

Keeping your dog hydrated while hiking is essential for their safety, comfort, and overall enjoyment of the adventure. By following these tips and using high-quality hydration gear like the OutPaw Essentials Stainless Steel Non-Slip Dog Bowls, you and your pup will be ready to conquer any trail together.

Get Adventure-Ready

Prepare for your next outdoor excursion by visiting OutPaw Essentials Stainless Steel Dog Bowls today! Make hydration hassle-free and ensure unforgettable adventures with your furry companion.

Let us know in the comments how you keep your dog hydrated on your hikes, and share your favorite trails and tips with the #OutPaw community! 🌟

Enjoy the adventure and stay hydrated! 🐾

Back to blog