Keeping Your Furry Friends Hydrated: A Guide to Proper Dog and Cat Hydration
As the temperatures rise and the sun blazes down during the scorching summer months, it's not just us humans who need to keep ourselves hydrated. Our favorite furry four-legged friends, dogs and cats, require proper hydration too. Water is essential for their overall health and well-being, just as it is for humans.
The American Kennel Club states, "Water is an essential nutrient for life, and it makes up 60 percent of your dog's body." Unfortunately, many pet owners overlook this basic necessity, which can result in many problems, such as heatstroke, lethargy, and even death. As a responsible pet owner, you must ensure your dog is adequately hydrated.
In this article, we'll explore various ways to achieve that. So, let's dive in and learn how to keep our canine and feline friends happy, healthy, and hydrated during the scorching summer months!
How much water do dogs and cats need?
The amount of water that dogs and cats need can vary depending on their size, age, activity level, and health status. In general, as a rule of thumb, here are some guidelines for daily water intake:
Dogs: A healthy adult dog typically needs "0.5 to 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight daily". For example, a 50-pound dog would need 25 to 50 ounces (about 3 to 6 cups) of water daily.
Cats: A healthy adult cat typically needs about "5 to 10 ounces of water per day", depending on their diet. Wet food typically contains more water than dry food, so cats on a dry food diet may need more water.
Why doesn’t my dog or cat drink enough water?
Here are some reasons why your dog or cat may not be drinking enough water:
Signs of dehydration in dogs and cats
Signs of dehydration in dogs and cats include:
Dry mouth and gums
Thick and sticky saliva
Loss of skin elasticity
Sunken eyes
Lethargy and lack of energy
Decreased appetite and thirst
Panting or breathing rapidly (in dogs)
Dry nose
Dark yellow urine or infrequent urination
Disease or certain medical conditions
Certain diseases or illnesses may cause your pet to drink less water than usual. For example, if your pet suffers from kidney disease or diabetes, they may not feel as thirsty as usual.
In such cases, it is essential to consult a veterinarian for proper treatment.
Unfamiliar places
If your pet is in an unfamiliar environment, it may not feel comfortable drinking water from a new source.
It may take some time for them to adjust to the new surroundings and feel comfortable drinking water again.
Lack of exercise
Pets who lead a sedentary lifestyle or do not get enough exercise may not feel as thirsty as they should.
Regular exercise can help increase thirst and encourage your pet to drink more water.
Negative experiences
If your pet has had a negative experience with drinking water, it may develop a fear of it. For example, if they have been scolded or punished for drinking water from a particular source, they may avoid it. Provide your pet a comfortable and safe environment to drink water and avoid negative experiences.
Aging
As pets age, their thirst mechanism may become less sensitive. This means that they may not feel as thirsty as they should, even if they are dehydrated.
Yoda lookin’ good at 900
If you suspect your pet may be dehydrated, seek veterinary care immediately, as dehydration can lead to serious health complications.
What can I give my dog for hydration?
Here are some ways to keep your dog hydrated:*
Invest in a doggy water fountain
Easy to connect and easy to activate, these pet drinking dispensers provide “paw activated” fresh water. Dogs love drinking from moving water sources, so consider investing in a dog water fountain to encourage them to drink more.
Set up a doggy water park
Nothing gets a dog more excited than splashing around in the water! Set up a kiddie pool or sprinkler system in your backyard to encourage your thirsty friend to drink up.
Freeze some watermelon
Not only is it a tasty summer treat, but watermelon is also 92% water! Slice up some watermelon and freeze it for a refreshing and hydrating snack for your dog.
Make homemade doggy ice pops
Mix some low-sodium chicken or beef broth with water and freeze it in ice cube trays or popsicle molds. Your dog will love licking up these hydrating treats on a hot day.
Remember, keeping your dog hydrated is vital for its health and well-being. So select any of these creatives and have fun finding ways to encourage your pup to drink up!
*A Note About Cats:
Your cats will drink water when and where they want and you will serve it to them like a Royal Handmaiden of Naboo!
What are the best hydration supplements for dogs?
As a canine companion, your furry friend relies on you to keep them healthy and hydrated. While providing clean water is essential, sometimes your pup needs a little extra boost. That's where hydration supplements for dogs come in!
Fortunately, there are several fantastic hydration packs for dogs, each with unique benefits.
Chicken bone broth
One popular choice is chicken bone broth, a delicious and nutritious option that provides hydration and contains essential vitamins and minerals. Plus, your pup will love the taste!
2. Pet-a-lyte or Revive
If your dog needs electrolyte replacement, consider Pet-a-Lyte or Revive. These supplements are specifically designed to replenish the essential minerals that your dog loses through sweating or illness. They come in convenient forms, including powders and liquids, making them easy to administer.
3. K9 Athlete
For athletic or working dogs, a K9 athlete is an excellent choice. This supplement contains electrolytes, amino acids, and essential vitamins to help your pup perform at its best. Whether running agility courses or herding livestock, K9 athletes can help keep them at the top of their game.
4. Bullyade
Lastly, Bullyade is a top choice for dogs who need to replenish lost fluids quickly. This supplement is packed with electrolytes and vitamins and comes in various flavors, including chicken, beef, and fruit punch. Plus, it's an excellent choice for dogs who are picky about their water, as it can be added to any water source.
Note: These supplements are not water replacements. Dogs still need access to fresh, clean water at all times.
Having said that, with the proper hydration supplements, you can give your furry friend an extra boost of hydration and nutrition that can help keep them healthy and happy for years to come.
Final words
Proper hydration is essential for the health and well-being of our canine companions. It's crucial to ensure that our dogs have access to clean water and monitor their water intake to stay hydrated.
Additionally, the above mentioned hydration supplements for dogs provide an extra boost of hydration and essential nutrients to support our dogs' overall health.
When used correctly, hydration supplements can be a valuable tool in keeping our precious pets healthy and happy for years to come.
So, whether you're looking to help your dog recover from illness, support their athletic performance, or keep them hydrated on a hot day, consider adding a hydration supplement to their routine.
This page contains affiliate links. If you choose to purchase an item after clicking a link, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I donate a percentage of my commissions monthly to online pet charities like Florida Urgent Rescue, Inc., and that amount is well over 400% of my online income LOL - so anything you can do, much appreciated!
Hi, I’m Mona, a Gainesville, Florida pet sitter. I love family, pets, blogging, looking at pet photos online for hours (I never get tired of seeing pictures of your fur babies,) Star Wars, SciFi, Halloween and Halloween Horror Nights. When I’m not pet sitting, I have even ventured into doing some travelling lately.
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