Water is as crucial for our pets as it is for us. Let's explore how vital hydration is for your dog's or cat’s health and share some easy tips to ensure they get enough to drink.
Why Hydration Matters
Did you know about 70% of a dog’s or cat’s body is water? That's why staying hydrated is essential for their body to function properly. It helps with digestion, nutrient absorption, and even removing waste. If your pet doesn't get enough water, it can lead to serious health issues.
In pets, signs of dehydration under 5% often go undetected in clinical examination. In humans, studies have shown that just 2% dehydration can result in cognitive impairment and reduced ability to perform. Since they can't tell us when they feel thirsty or unwell, it’s our responsibility to keep our pets well-hydrated, especially since the early signs of dehydration are hard to spot.
Understanding Your Pet’s Hydration Needs
Did you know that our pets require more water relative to their body weight than we humans? It may sound surprising that a 30kg dog (think Labrador size!) needs a similar amount of water to the average human, despite being much smaller!
For dogs and cats, a useful guideline is about 50-60mls of water per kilogram of body weight – every day. For instance, a 4kg cat needs approximately 200-240ml of water per day, while a 30kg dog requires between 1500-1800ml. Factors like weather (especially heat), exercise, and your pet’s health status can increase this requirement.
Monitoring & Encouraging Water Intake
Keeping your pet hydrated can seem challenging (especially cats who are notorious for not drinking enough water!) but with a few simple strategies you can make it more manageable:
Keep water fresh and full – in warmer weather add extra bowls around your home 🚰
Enhance the flavour – some pets might need a little encouragement to drink, so adding a pet-safe flavour to their water can make hydration more appealing 😋
On the move – always bring cool, fresh water and a portable dish on walks or trips 🏃🚗
Monitor water intake – keep an eye on how much your pet drinks, especially during hot weather or after a lot of activity or exercise 👀
Mix up meal times – you can prioritise wet food intake to support hydration, or even add water or Oralade® to dry or wet food 😻
Make drinking more fun – consider a water fountain for a more fun and interactive drinking experience ⛲️
What to watch out for… Symptoms of dehydration in pets include lethargy, dry gums, decreased appetite, reduced skin elasticity, concentrated urine, and sunken eyes.
Hydration & Health Conditions
For pets with health conditions, hydration is key for the maintenance of normal bodily functions. Pets with gastrointestinal problems can struggle to maintain hydration, losing water plus vital electrolytes. An oral rehydration solution like Oralade® Advanced GI+ can support these cases.
For pets with kidney disease or diabetes, maintaining proper fluid balance is a part of managing their condition. Cats on a mixed or purely wet food diet can quickly become dehydrated if they stop eating due to their condition or stress, so being proactive about their hydration is essential. Here, an oral rehydration solution like Oralade® Advanced RF+ can support them.
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Prevention is Key
The benefits of keeping your pet well-hydrated are huge – maintaining good hydration can prevent trips to the vet, reduce stress, and even save money in the long run. Keeping hydration support products like Oralade® Advanced at home can be a real lifesaver.
Water is more than just a thirst quencher – it’s a key component of your pet's health. With a little proactive care and attention to their hydration needs, you can help ensure your pet stays healthy and happy. Remember, the best cure is prevention, and when it comes to hydration, every sip (or lap!) counts.
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