Water makes up more than 70% of our body and is essential for all living things, dogs included. Making sure your pup stays hydrated will help keep them happy and healthy.
However, as hot summer days lead to outdoor fun, it can be tough to get them to take a break. Or, if your dog falls ill, they may not want to drink. And because a dog cannot go more than three days without water, it can be a challenge to make sure they are drinking enough.
Why Keeping Your Dog Hydrated is Important
Water is such a vital part of life, keeping your dog hydrated should be part of your daily routine. It is easy for dogs to become dehydrated in hot weather or while battling illness, but that’s not the only reason your dog needs to be drinking enough water.
Keeps Dogs from Dehydrating
Throughout the day, your dog will pant, sweat, and lose water in other ways. This means that you will have to add liquids to replace the water that has been lost. Having fresh, clean H2O available to your dog can help prevent dehydration.
Maintains Normal Body Temperature
Keeping your dog hydrated is a critical factor in helping them to regulate their body temperature. Dog’s don’t sweat the same way that people do, so they will pant to maintain their body temperature. However, losing all that water while panting can easily lead to dehydration. So making sure your dog is adequately hydrated can reduce the risk of your pup overheating.
Helps Move Nutrients and Release Waste and Toxins
Just like humans, water is needed to send nutrients throughout your body. Staying hydrated helps your dog’s organs by whisking away toxins and waste in the extra water.
Digestion is Aided
Water can help your dog break down nutrients during the digestive process and helps to pass those essential nutrients to the organs and muscle that needs them. Keeping your dog hydrated also supports healthy bladder and bowel function.
Lubricates, Cushions, and Makes Movement Easier
Keeping moisture in the body can also help joints. Having enough water helps to lubricate these joints. If your dog seems to suffer from mild arthritis, make sure they are drinking enough. Internal organs also rely on having enough water to function properly, including the spinal cord.
How much water should my dog be drinking?
So how much water does your dog need daily to gain all those fantastic benefits? Pet MD recommends that your dog should be drinking an ounce of water per pound.
For example, if your dog weighs twenty pounds, your pup should be drinking about twenty ounces of water per day.
However, if the temperature is warmer, your dog may need a little more water throughout the day. Or, if your pup likes to play outside or has a job, they may need a bit more to drink during extraneous activities.
While dogs do get some of their water from the food they eat, you should never rely on the moisture content in their food alone.
What can I give my dog to hydrate them?
If your dog is struggling to drink water, there may be some reasons why. Picky eaters could be one reason, but some medical conditions can also reduce your dog’s urge to drink.
Water is the best thing you can give your dog, but if your pup isn’t feeling well, here are some other options.
Pedialyte
Not only is this for kids and adults who are dehydrated, but it is great for dogs. Only use the flavorless for your furry friend.
Bone Broth
Bone broth is rich in nutrients and is a great way to entice your picky eater to drink. Just make sure to check the label for toxic ingredients like onions.
Bouillon
Similar to bone broth. However, bouillon is higher in sodium. It’s often a great way to get your dog to drink or a tasty way to add a little flavor to their everyday food.
Try Ice Chips
Ice chips are a great way to help your dog drink a little more. Ice chips are commonly given to animals after they undergo surgery.
Himalayan cheese chews are an excellent way to add a bit more moisture to your dog’s diet. Made from 100% milk with a hint of lime juice and salt. These chews are the perfect way to spoil your dog. Grab some today.
What can I do if my dog doesn’t drink enough water?
First, make sure that your dog has easy access to water bowls. However, not all pets actively drink as much water as they need to. Here are a few ways that you can sneak extra moisture into your dog’s diet.
- Wet or canned food.
- Adding water or bone broth to dry food.
- Get a drinking fountain.
- High moisture chews like Himalayan cheese chews.
- Dog smoothies.
- Dog fruit pops.
Pro Tip: Make sure your bowls are washed daily. Water buildup and drool can deter some dogs from drinking.
What is safe for my dog to drink?
Water is always the best choice to give your dog. However, if you notice they are not drinking enough, you do have some other options.
You can add some unflavored Pedialyte to their water. Or add bone broth or bullion. Because some canned broth may have additives that are harmful to dogs, such as onion, you should only be offering your dog pet-friendly bone broths. Because of the high salt content in bullion, we don’t recommend regularly giving this to your dog.
How to tell if your dog is dehydrated
You never want your dog to become dehydrated, so here are some ways to tell if your pup is dehydrated.
- Loss of skin elasticity
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting with or without diarrhea
- Reduced energy levels and lethargy
- Panting
- Dry, sticky gums
- Thick saliva
The easiest way to test your dog to see if they are dehydrated is to hold up your dog’s scruff and pull up gently. The scruff is the skin between the shoulder blades. As you let it go, watch and see how quickly the skin falls back into place. If the skin doesn’t fall back into place, your dog could be dehydrated.
Your dog may need medical help if they become too dehydrated. If the skin lacks elasticity, try to get your dog to drink. If conditions don’t improve, you should take your dog to the vet.
Tips for keeping your dog hydrated
While most dogs will drink enough water on their own, you may want to entice them on extra hot days. Here are a few tips to make sure your dog is getting enough water.
- Keep More Water Bowls In The House
- Add Water To Their Food
- Make a Frozen Popsicle For Your Pet. Your frozen yogurt and banana for an extra special treat.
- Keep Your Pet’s Bowls Clean
- Offer Water Out Of The Palm Of Your Hand. This is great for when you and your dog go on a walk.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your dog hydrated is essential, and we hope that with these tips and tricks, you know what to look for when your dog starts to become dehydrated.
Always provide fresh, clean water for your pet at all times.
Keep them entertained with a Himalayan Cheese chew from Barking Buddha. Shop today for a happier dog.