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Like humans, dogs need water to live. Every cell in a dog’s body depends on hydration to function properly, just like cells in a human. Without efficient water intake, a dog can quickly become dehydrated, and health problems can start to develop. Roughly, your pup should drink 1 ounce of water per pound that they weigh. Dehydration can lead to a breakdown in organ function and eventually, death. Drinking enough water every day will keep your pooch happy, healthy, and full of life as they age. Here is what you should know about keeping your dog hydrated.
Deciding How Much Water to Offer
There is no one correct answer when it comes to determining how much water a dog needs access to every day. The answer depends on things such as their size, age, and activity level. A generally healthy dog of average weight and size for their breed should be offered at least 1 ounce of water per pound that they weigh. However, if your dog wants to drink more, you should allow them to.
Normally, healthy dogs will drink as much water as they need if it is accessible. So, as long as you keep their water bowl filled with fresh water throughout the day and they drink from it regularly, you are on the right path.
Since dogs do not speak to us, gathering information about their normal water intake is important to help you recognize any changes in drinking habits that might point toward a health problem.
For example, they may drink more than normal if they have diabetes or kidney issues. If you have noticed that your dog suddenly seems to be thirsty all the time and this is not related to warmer weather or increased exercise, bring them to the vet for a health check.
If your dog has health problems or they do not seem to be drinking the water that you offer them, schedule a checkup with your veterinarian so any issues can be addressed and a healthy water plan can be put into place. If you are not restricting your dog’s water and they seem to be drinking plenty, keep doing what you are doing.
Ideas for Getting Your Dog to Drink More Water
If your dog does not seem to be interested in their water bowl yet they seem healthy in every other way, there are a few things that you can do to get them to increase their water intake. This is especially important during the summer months when it is hot outside. Here is what we suggest:
- Add Broth: Make your pooch’s water more enticing by adding 1–2 tablespoons of dog-safe broth to their water dish after filling it with fresh water. The dog-safe broth is prepared without onion, garlic, or excessive salt.
- Freeze Treats: Mix ¼ cup of plain Greek yogurt with 3 cups of water in a large bowl until well combined. Then pour the mixture into an ice tray, and put the tray in a freezer. The next day, you should be left with tasty, hydrating frozen treats that your pup is sure to love.
- Hydrate Commercial Food: Whether you feed your dog dry or wet food, you can mix ½ cup of water into each meal for extra hydration throughout the day.
These ideas can come in handy when your dog is feeling under the weather or is working hard outside under the hot sun. However, you should not have to regularly disguise water to get your pooch to consume all that they need. They should be drinking from their bowl multiple times a day. If they are not, a trip to the vet will make sure that there are no underlying reasons for their lack of interest in water.
Conclusion
Every dog requires access to clean, safe drinking water daily to stay healthy. It is our job as pooch owners to make sure they have the access that they need. Doing so is as easy as keeping their water bowl filled with fresh drinking water day and night. If you want to know exactly how much water your dog should be drinking daily, your vet can help you figure it out. It is never a good idea to restrict water access, as we never know when our dogs will be thirsty and in need of hydration.
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Featured Image Credit: Zivica Kerkez, Shutterstock
