Senior Dog Hydration: Why Older Dogs Drink Less Water and How to Help

As our dogs age, we notice many changes — greying fur, more naps, and slower walks. But one important health change often goes unnoticed:

Senior dogs often drink less water, even when their body needs more hydration.

It’s not always because they’re fussy or tired. Research shows that dehydration in older dogs is common — largely due to age-related changes in their body’s ability to sense thirst.

In this post, we’ll explore why senior dogs drink less, how dehydration affects their health, and simple, practical ways to keep your older dog hydrated and feeling their best.

Why Do Senior Dogs Drink Less Water?

Several factors contribute to decreased thirst and hydration challenges in older dogs:

1. Reduced Kidney Function in Aging Dogs

As dogs age, their kidneys become less efficient at maintaining proper fluid balance. A 2024 veterinary review found that senior dogs experience measurable declines in kidney performance, which can disrupt the body’s hydration regulation — often without triggering thirst signals (PubMed 40214498).

2. Hormonal Changes and Cellular Aging

Aging affects hormone production and the function of aquaporins — the proteins that move water into cells. When these processes slow down, the body struggles to maintain adequate hydration at the cellular level, and thirst perception decreases.

3. Canine Cognitive Decline and Forgetfulness

Many senior dogs experience cognitive changes similar to dementia in humans, known as Canine Cognitive Dysfunction. This can cause them to forget simple routines, including drinking water, even when they are mildly dehydrated.

4. Loss of Muscle and Total Body Water

Older dogs naturally lose lean muscle mass, leading to a decrease in total body water. A 2023 study in Frontiers in Veterinary Science confirmed that this shift makes aging dogs more vulnerable to dehydration, even with seemingly normal water intake (PMC 11675035).

Why Senior Dog Hydration Matters

Dehydration in older dogs can quietly worsen many common age-related issues, including:

Stiff joints and mobility problems

Fatigue and low energy

Constipation and poor digestion

Kidney strain

Cognitive fog or confusion

Even mild dehydration can increase discomfort and accelerate health decline in aging dogs, which is why keeping senior dogs hydrated is a crucial but often overlooked part of senior dog care.

How to Keep Senior Dogs Hydrated

Supporting hydration in senior dogs is simple with a few proactive steps:

Provide Multiple Water Bowls

Place water bowls near your dog’s favourite resting spots to reduce the effort needed to stay hydrated, especially for dogs with arthritis or mobility issues.

Make Water More Appealing

Entice your older dog to drink more by adding:

• Plain Bone broth to meals or a separate snack- cold in summer, heated in winter!

• Watermelon juice on a hot day is often appreciated!

  
  

Small additions can like this can encourage hydration, especially for picky eaters.

Watch for Signs of Dehydration in Dogs

Look for:

• Dry or tacky gums

• Reduced skin elasticity (skin doesn’t snap back quickly when gently lifted)

• Lethargy or weakness

• Constipation

• Decreased appetite

If you suspect dehydration or notice your senior dog drinking less, consult your veterinarian. They can assess hydration status and kidney health.

The Bottom Line: Hydration and Aging in Dogs

Dog aging and hydration go hand in hand. Even if your senior dog doesn’t feel thirsty as often, their body still requires water to support joints, digestion, cognition, and overall vitality.

Small adjustments like adding extra water bowls or adding bone broth to meals or a snack can make a big difference in maintaining hydration and comfort.

References:

• The Emerging Role of Water Loss in Dog Aging — PubMed 40214498

• Total Body Water Decline and Aging in Dogs — PMC 11675035