Did you know that it's National Pet Hydration Awareness Month?
Dogs need plenty of water throughout the day to stay healthy. Water is crucial for many reasons like regulation of your dog’s body temperature, and aids digestion and waste removal. Because water helps to regulate a dog’s body temperature, they may need extra water on hot days.
Encouraging your dog to stay hydrated will help prevent kidney problems, urinary tract infections, and other health issues.
Here’s how you can keep your dog hydrated, even if they don’t want to drink enough water:
Provide More Than One Water Bowl
Your dog may not drink enough water if there’s just one water bowl in your home. You should keep a bowl outside, though you’ll have to remove outdoor debris daily. You can also keep water bowls in your living room, bedroom, and anywhere else your dog hangs out!
Give Your Pet Access To Fresh Water At All Times
Always leave enough water so that your pet doesn’t run out, especially when you're planning on being gone for a long period of time.
*If you plan on spending time outside with your pet, make sure that you fill a water bowl and bring it out with you.
Take Your Dog Out During Cooler Parts of The Day
The best time of day to exercise your dog is in the morning, evening, and night. If you go out in the middle of a hot summer day, you’re putting your pup and yourself at risk of dehydration.
Add Water To Your Dog’s Food
You can add water to any type dog food: kibble, canned, or even homemade and commercial raw.
Get A Bigger Dog Bowl
Your dog’s water bowl should be larger than their food bowl! It should be large enough to hold much more water than they typically drink each day, so it’s never empty.
Knowing When Your Dog Is Dehydrated Is Also Important
The best way to see if your pet is dehydrated is to simply pinch the skin between your pet’s shoulders. If the skin does not pop back into place your pet may be dehydrated. Other symptoms of dehydration to look for are:
- Loss of Appetite
- Dry Mouth
- Diarrhea
- Excessive Panting
- Decreased Skin Elasticity
- Sunken Eyes
- Lethargy