No matter what time of year, keeping your dog hydrated is critical for their health. During the summer, checking in on your dog’s drinking routine is even more critical. Not only can inadequate hydration cause bladder or kidney issues, but poor drinking habits can also contribute to heatstroke during the summer months.
There is no exact measurement that anyone can give you for how much water your dog should drink each day. The amount of water needed will differ for each dog based on its size, surroundings, diet, and level of exercise. However, dog owners should attempt to give their dog between ½ to 1 whole ounce of water per pound of body weight each day as a good rule of thumb.
Warning Signs
Although there is no clear answer for the amount of water that your dog should drink each day, there are clear signs for dog owners that indicate dehydration. The clearest signal of dehydration is pink, dry, or tacky gums.
Healthy dogs have gums that appear pale in color and are wet to the touch. Excessive panting, uncommon or sudden lethargy, and thick saliva are also signs of dehydration in dogs.
Your dog’s skin can also tell you a great deal about his level of hydration. Your dog’s skin should move like elastic. If you gently pinch the skin, it should quickly move back into the original position. Skin that moves slowly is a sign that your dog needs water.
If you notice that your dog is suddenly much more thirsty than usual, this might also be an indication of a problem. This thirst is because some dogs develop medical conditions that cause them to take in too much water – an example of this could, for example, be diabetes.
Healthy dogs with a healthy diet typically have a great deal of energy. However, if your dog is not acting like his usual self, this might signify that he is dehydrated.
Keeping Your Dog Hydrated
An essential factor in maintaining your dog’s hydration is always providing cool and clean water for your dog. Consider purchasing a water fountain for pets that circulates water to keep it cool and clean.
Dog owners must check their dog’s water supply regularly. This is especially true for dogs who spend large chunks of time outdoors. Outdoor water bowls are more likely to empty, become dirty (and unappealing), or too hot. Dog owners should also check indoor water bowls regularly to ensure that it is suitable for your pet.
If you are concerned about ensuring that your dog is getting enough water, you might consider switching his food. Pet food services such as Spot and Tango can provide high-quality food that aids in hydrating your dog.
They also have alternatives for dogs who are allergic to chicken, for example, something you can read about here: https://whatthepup.spotandtango.com/pet-parenting/chicken-allergy-in-dogs/.
Foods that are not dried tend to offer a considerable amount of water during consumption. Consult your veterinarian for more information about how a diet change could aid hydration.
Dog owners who like to take their dogs for walks or even out on the town should never forget to bring a water source with them. Especially during the heat, dogs who get dehydrated can have serious medical issues. So ensuring that your dog has access to water at all times is crucial.
Final Thoughts
As a dog owner, you probably consider your pup an essential part of your family. Although your dog cannot just get a glass of water for himself, hydration is vital to his health and longevity. So keeping your dog’s hydration in mind is a great way to make sure that he gets to spend a long time with your family.