Hydration Strategies in Sporting Dogs

Keeping dogs hydrated during sporting events is of critical importance. Research shows that a 44 lb dog that is participating in intense sporting events loses double the amount of water when compared to the same size dog that is not exercising (3000 cc's of water vs. 1500 cc's of water) even at similar environmental temperatures.

Intense exercise uses energy stored in the body. The process of using energy by the body produces waste products that must then be filtered out of the body and excreted. If there is not enough water available in the body, certain negative health conditions result. When even mild dehydration occurs, your canine athlete can have decreased cognition abilities, muscle ataxia, increased strain on the heart, and a decreased ability to regulate its body temperature. Total body water losses between 8-10% can result in death. The initial signs of dehydration can be subtle so it is important to know your dog. The amount of time for a dog to transition from intermediate to final stages of dehydration is quite short, so it is imperative to recognize the first signs of dehydration and take immediate action. If your dog exhibits any of the intermediate signs of dehydration, seek veterinary medical attention.

Signs of dehydration

Beginning signs
Visibly tired
Slowed pace/ Less animation
Act more “warm”—excessive panting etc
Changes in attitude- appears more apprehensive

Intermediate Signs
Skin turgidity will become less-if you pinch the skin on their back, it will be slow to return to normal shape
Slow gum capillary refill- if you press firmly on their gums and release, the time it takes for the gum to refill with color will be slow
Gums and tongue become darker in color
Rectal temperature remains > 105° F

Final signs
Weak in the hind end
Wobbly and unsteady on feet


Dehydration can occur in any dog working intensely, regardless of the environmental temperature, not just when it is hot outside, although increased temperatures do increase the incidence of dehydration. Hence, it is critical to keep hard working dogs hydrated regardless of weather conditions.

Unfortunately, electrolyte solutions typically used to hydrate humans do not work with dogs. Dogs do not sweat in useful amounts except from their footpads, instead they pant to cool themselves. Therefore, they do not lose electrolytes at the same rates as human athletes. Human electrolyte solutions can actually make dehydration worse in dogs because it causes an imbalance between the concentration of electrolytes inside and outside of the cells. This situation causes the water to be pulled out of the cells, which further exacerbates the dehydration condition. Most human electrolyte solutions are high in simple sugars, which can also exacerbate dehydration by pulling even more water into the gut. Feeding a quality diet should provide enough electrolytes so that the dog does not need to be supplemented, either pre- or post exercise. Therefore, dogs should be offered clean water in the field as often as possible.

Dogs should be taught early in their conditioning and training to drink from a waterspout so that water can be delivered quickly and efficiently in the field. There is not always a bowl handy! The most convenient way to carry water in the field is either in a large water bottle with a “sports lid” or spout or, in the new backpack water carriers like a “Camel Back” often used by cyclists and hikers.

In addition, during breaks or at lunch, offer the dog water baited with a few kibbles to give it flavor. Dogs maybe more inclined to drink water that has been flavored with kibble or other treats.

Remember, a dehydrated dog is not able to give a peak performance and will have a difficult time recovering from the exercise bout.

From: PurinaProClub