Dehydration can begin to develop when the body loses more fluids than it takes in. This can occur due to various reasons such as excessive sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, or not drinking enough fluids. The onset of dehydration can vary depending on the individual and the circumstances, but it can start to develop within a few hours or even sooner in some cases. It is important to recognize the signs of dehydration and take appropriate measures to prevent or treat it.