Dr. Al Townshend
Just as in humans, a dog or cat’s body is approximately 70% water. Keeping a pet well-hydrated is essential for optimum health and a long and happy life.
Maintaining Proper Hydration
- Dogs need approximately 1 ounce of water for each pound of body weight per day. Cats require about 3-4 ounces of water for every 5 pounds of body weight daily.
- Animals (including humans) acquire daily water requirements by drinking and eating.
- Fresh, clean water in multiple locations should be available at all times.
- Incorporate water into the diet. Wet foods, toppers, and mixers can significantly add water to the total daily diet. This is especially important for cats eating dry kibble.
The Importance of Good Hydration
- Reducing the Risk of Urinary Tract Infections and Stones: Adequate hydration helps flush out toxins and reduces the chances of crystal formation in the urinary tract, leading to painful conditions for your pet.
- Supporting Kidney and Liver Function: These organs are essential for detoxifying the body. Sufficient hydration ensures optimal function, ensuring your pet’s metabolic processes run smoothly.
- Enhancing Coat and Skin Health: Because hydration plays a crucial role in maintaining the elasticity and health of skin cells, well-hydrated pets typically have a more lustrous coat and healthier skin.
- Aiding Digestive Health: Proper hydration ensures smoother digestion, can help prevent constipation, and maintains a healthy gastrointestinal tract.
- Boosting Energy Levels and Overall Well-Being: Just as in humans, hydration is key to maintaining energy levels in pets. It aids in muscle function and overall physiological processes.
- Helping Maintain a Normal Body Temperature: Adequate water consumption is especially important during hot summer days and when the pet is active.
- Moistens the Air in the Lungs: Keeps the airway moist from the tip of the nose to the depths of the airways in the lungs.
- Hydration Improves Oxygen Flow to the Tissues of the Body: Proper hydration allows blood to flow more freely, sending oxygen to all body tissues.
How Can I Tell If My Pet Is Dehydrated?
- Symptoms of dehydration can include lack of energy, decrease in appetite, dry mouth and nose, panting, and sunken eyes. The urine will be a dark yellow and have a strong odor.
- One of the easiest ways to determine if your pet is dehydrated is by inspecting their skin. Use your thumb and forefinger and pinch a small bit of skin on their back or top of head and pull up. If the pet is well-hydrated, the skin will spring back when you release it. If the skin moves back slowly or does not spring back at all then your dog most likely is lacking essential fluids.
Keeping your dog or cat well-hydrated is a crucial step in maintaining health and avoiding dehydration.