Most dog owners instinctively know how to monitor their dog’s health. We notice changes in their behaviour, appetite, energy and coat condition. However, one of the simplest, most reliable indicators of your dog’s wellbeing is something a lot of people overlook entirely: the colour of their wee.
It might not sound glamorous, but your dog’s urine can tell you a surprising amount about how hydrated they are. In fact, it’s one of the earliest and clearest signals that something is off long before your dog shows more obvious symptoms of dehydration.
Why Hydration Is So Important for Your Dog
Hydration plays a critical role in almost every function of your dog’s body. Water helps regulate their temperature, supports proper digestion, keeps joints and tissues lubricated, allows the kidneys to flush out toxins efficiently and even supports better energy, clarity and focus. Dogs naturally lose water throughout the day, especially when they pant, exercise, or get stressed. Warm weather, dry environments, travel, and physical activity all make it harder for dogs to stay properly hydrated.
Due to this constant fluid loss, simply offering a fresh bowl of water doesn’t always guarantee your dog is actually absorbing and using that water properly. That’s why keeping an eye on their urine can give you a far more accurate picture of how they’re doing internally.
Understanding the Colour of Your Dog’s Wee
The easiest way to gauge your dog’s hydration level is by paying attention to the colour of their urine. When a dog is well-hydrated, their body has plenty of water available to dilute waste products, resulting in a pale, almost straw-coloured wee. This is a sign that everything is functioning exactly as it should and that their system has the fluid it needs.
When the urine becomes darker and is a deeper yellow or even a richer, more concentrated colour it’s often a sign your dog is beginning to dehydrate. This can happen after a long walk, a day spent running around, unexpected heat, or even if they simply haven’t had much to drink lately. While this level of dehydration is usually mild, it’s still something worth paying attention to, as small imbalances can quickly escalate if not corrected.
If your dog’s urine starts to appear orange or carries a notably strong smell, it’s usually a sign dehydration is becoming more significant. This is your dog’s body conserving whatever water it has left, resulting in urine that’s far more concentrated. At this stage, it’s important to encourage fluid intake and monitor your dog closely.
What Else Their Wee Can Tell You
While colour is the simplest indicator, your dog’s hydration levels can also be reflected in how often they wee, how much urine they produce, and even how the wee smells. A well-hydrated dog will usually wee a few times throughout the day in healthy, comfortable amounts. If your dog suddenly starts producing small, concentrated wees or seems to be urinating less often, their body may be holding on to water to compensate for dehydration.
A strong ammonia-like smell can also hint at concentrated urine, which again points towards a lack of hydration. If you notice persistent changes or you’re concerned about your dog’s urination or hydration levels, contact your vet for advice.
Helping Your Dog Stay Properly Hydrated
Most owners assume their dog will naturally drink enough water, but it’s surprisingly common for dogs to under-drink. This applies especially to more active dogs, anxious dogs, or dogs who simply don’t prioritise water throughout the day. Some dogs only drink when they’re very thirsty, which means they’re already partially dehydrated by the time they go to their water bowl. Dry diets, warm environments, long walks, and high levels of daily activity all make proper hydration even more challenging.
Supporting hydration isn’t just about offering water; it’s about helping your dog’s body absorb and use that water effectively. That’s why many owners turn to hydration supplements designed specifically for dogs.
A Simple Way to Support Your Dog’s Hydration
If you want an easy, effective way to help your dog stay hydrated then Better Hydration was created exactly for that purpose. It’s designed to support and help your dog maintain consistent hydration throughout the day, not just when they take a drink.