Hydration for Health

Is drinking water just as important for dogs as it is for humans? You bet it is! Your pet’s body is made up of 80% water; a human’s body is made up of only 60%! When it gets extra hot outside, our pets are at an increased risk of becoming dehydrated or suffering from heat exhaustion.      

The Importance of Hydration 

Adequate water intake is crucial for your pet’s health. Proper hydration promotes urinary tract health, so dogs who stay hydrated have a lower risk of urinary tract infections and of developing urinary stones/crystals that can cause dangerous obstructions.     

Water helps your pet’s body maintain a consistent, healthy temperature, even when it’s hot out. Staying hydrated will also keep your dog’s energy levels up since water helps animals convert fat to energy.     

When your dog is drinking plenty of water, he’ll have plenty of energy to play and exercise. Another bonus is that staying hydrated keeps your pet’s kidneys healthy so they can flush toxins from their bodies. This helps them recover faster from sickness, injuries, and surgeries.     

How Much Water Do They Need?

Pets need about one ounce of water per day for each pound of body weight. This means that your 7-pound Yorkie needs 7 ounces of water every day, but your 60-pound Golden Retriever needs 60 ounces a day.     

Fun fact: If your pet is on a raw-food diet, they will need less water each day since they are consuming much more moisture via their food than they would on a dry-food diet.     

It might be tricky to keep track of exactly how much water your dog is getting, especially if you have multiple pets or if your dog likes to drink from backyard puddles or from the kids’ wading pool. Follow the suggestions below to ensure adequate water intake for your furry friend.     

Provide Constant Access to Fresh Water

Your dog should have access to water 24/7. Even puppies who are still being house-trained need to have access to drinking water at all times. If you plan on spending time outside with your pet, make sure you bring a portable water dish to keep him hydrated. It’s important for your pet’s water to stay fresh, so change it out frequently to prevent bacterial growth.     

Give Your Dog a Place to Cool Off

Dogs heat up quickly in the sun, especially those with dark coats. When your pet is outside, even if it’s only for a short time, make sure he has access to a nice shady spot. When inside, your pet will enjoy being next to a fan or in an air-conditioned room.       

Add Liquid to Dog Food

Dog food, especially dry kibble, isn’t high in water content. If you suspect that your pet isn’t getting enough water from drinking alone, try adding some water to his food. Also try offering wet foods with rich gravies.     

So remember, fresh water, and lots of it, is a daily necessity for your pets. By following the above suggestions, your pet will stay healthy and hydrated throughout the year, even during summer’s hottest days.