While dehydration can happen at any time of the year, it is more common during the summer months when temperatures are higher. Excessive panting can make your dog lose water more quickly. Walking on the hot pavement can increase water loss through their paws too. July is National Pet Hydration Awareness Month and a great time to brush up on ways to enhance their water intake.
Did you know that dogs and cats should aim to drink about one ounce of water for every one pound of body weight? That means a 10-pound cat should drink 10 ounces of water, while a 50-pound dog should be consuming 50 ounces of water. It is hard to measure exactly how much your pet drinks, but you can estimate based on their water bowl and other treats.
Here are a few ways to increase your pet’s water intake:
Make fresh water readily available. Have a bowl of water available on each level of your house and keep them cleaned and filled. If you’re spending time outdoors, bring a bowl and water with you to give your dog frequent water breaks. Does your cat love running water versus still water? Consider a small water fountain so it’s always flowing.
Moisten their food. Another way to get your pet to consume more water is to add it to their dry food. You can use plain water or get bone broth or milk that is specially designed for pets. Bone broth can be a flavorful and enticing treat. You could also add a small amount of wet food with their dry food.
Give fresh or frozen produce. Choose fruits and vegetables that are pet-safe and have high water content. Try giving your dog watermelon, cantaloupe, cucumbers, strawberries, celery, or green beans. Although grapes are high in water content, they are toxic to dogs, so keep them out of reach.
Make frozen treats. There are tons of recipes online for pet-friendly popsicles and other frozen treats. They can be as simple as freezing frozen chunks of fruits or blending them up to combine flavors. You can add xylitol-free peanut butter or pet-safe bone broth too. Plain ice cubes can also be a cool treat for your dog to crunch or to keep their water colder.
Stay cool. Giving your pet a shady place to relax while outdoors can also help keep their body temperature down and reduce water loss. They may also enjoy splashing in a kiddie pool or sprinkler or laying on a damp towel.
Dogs and cats don’t know to drink in advance to keep themselves from becoming dehydrated, they drink when they are thirsty. This makes it even more important to have water readily available. If you keep your dog crated while you are not home, or confine your cat to one room, make sure they have access to water.
Going to be gone for more than a few hours? Board your pet at Lake Wylie Pet Resort. Not only will they have regular access to food and water, but they’ll be also in a cool, comfortable, and safe environment. In addition, there are plenty of opportunities for dogs to play, socialize, and rest. Contact us today to book your pet’s next stay!