How to properly hydrate your dog before, during and after exercise?

Julien Zeebroek
Nov 20
2 min read

Hydration is one of the fundamental pillars of performance and health for sporting dogs. Unlike humans, dogs hardly sweat : they regulate their temperature primarily through respiration and their paw pads. This means that the loss of water and electrolytes is rapid and intense , especially during athletic activity.

Proper hydration helps to:

✔ maintain endurance

✔ Avoid heatstroke

✔ Protect muscles and joints

✔ accelerate recovery

✔ limit the risk of injury

Let's see how to effectively hydrate a sporting dog before, during and after exercise .

🥤 1. Before the effort: prepare the body

The goal is to ensure that the dog starts the activity without a water deficit .

👉 2 to 3 hours before the activity

Provide a bowl of fresh water at all times.
Avoid letting him drink a large amount just before running to prevent digestive discomfort.
If the effort is intense (canicross, bikejoring, long hike…), add electrolytes to improve water retention.

Why electrolytes?

They help maintain fluid balance and support muscle function (sodium, potassium, magnesium).

🏃♂️🐕 2. During exercise: prevent dehydration

Depending on the sport, it can be difficult to get a dog to drink during exercise. But whenever possible:

👉 For short efforts (less than 30 minutes)

No hydration is necessary during exercise, except in very hot weather.

👉 For medium to long efforts (30 minutes to several hours)

Offer small amounts of water every 20–30 minutes .
Use a hydrating solution with electrolytes to compensate for losses.
Do not force the dog to drink: offering it is enough.

Signs of dehydration during activity:

excessive panting,
decrease in speed
very red tongue
loss of attention,
sudden fatigue.

🎯 Proper hydration prevents hyperthermia and cramps.

🧊 3. After exercise: promote rapid recovery

The post-exercise period is the most critical . This is when the body must replenish itself.

its water reserves,
its electrolytes,
his energy.

👉 Within 10 to 30 minutes after the activity

Offer fresh water, in small quantities but regularly.
Add a hydrating solution rich in sodium, potassium, magnesium, and glucose to accelerate fluid restoration.
Avoid giving a large meal directly: wait at least 1 hour .

👉 In the hours that follow

Always leave water available.
Avoid long naps immediately after intense exertion; active and gentle recovery is better.

🎯 The combination of water + electrolytes + a quick energy source optimizes muscle regeneration.

🔍 In summary

Proper hydration allows the sporting dog to:

✔ maintain a stable body temperature

✔ improve your performance

✔ reduce fatigue

✔ Avoid injuries and heatstroke

✔ Recover much faster

➡ Before exercise: hydrate and prepare with electrolytes

➡ During exercise: small, regular amounts (especially during prolonged exertion)

➡ After exertion: compensate for losses and restore reserves