How much water should my pet be drinking?

Water is the main component of healthy, living cells of the body. The purpose of water for pets (and humans) is to carry important nutrients into and out of the cells of the body, aiding in digestion and the absorption of nutrients. It also regulates body temperature, lubricates joints, improves cognitive function, and cushions the brain and spinal cord. Every important bodily function requires water. Without water, your pet’s body will not function properly. More specifically, your pet will dehydrate.

How much water does my pet need?

There are many factors that influence how much water your pet should be drinking, e.g. activity level, diet, weather, disease conditions.

If your pet is eating wet food or a homemade diet, he/she might drink less water, because there is moisture in the food. If he/she stops drinking or has a dramatic decrease in water intake it might mean that he/she is sick and needs to go to your vet.

Higher activity and hot weather can increase your pet’s water requirements because water is lost with excessive panting and salivation. Some disease conditions (e.g. kidney disease; metabolic disorders like diabetes; cancer) and pregnancy/lactation can also increase your pet’s water intake.

What happens if a pet does not get enough water?

As mentioned previously, many important body functions require water, so without an adequate supply, your pet can become quickly become ill and dehydrated. Organs will eventually become damaged with sustained water deficiency, and if it lasts long enough, the kidneys, liver, and other organs will begin to shut down. Death will follow shortly after.

How do I check my pet for dehydration?

Follow these steps to see if your pet is dehydrated:

– Gently pinch the skin of the forehead or between the shoulder blades.

– Pull the skin up gently and release it.

– Watch for the skin to fall back into place.

– The skin should quickly return to place without any hesitation. If dehydration is present, the skin will slowly return or may even stay up for a time before falling back into place.

Other signs of dehydration in pets:

– Gums appear dry, sticky, or pale

– Eyeballs appear sunken

How can I insure that my pet is well hydrated?

Paying attention to your pet’s water intake is important all year round, and especially during the hottest months of the year. Here are some simple tips;

– Provide fresh, clean, cool drinking water at all times.

– Provide multiple water bowls in different locations throughout the house.

– Invest in a drinking fountain for pets; cats especially like running water.

– If your cat likes to drink from a dripping tap, let her.

– Add canned food to your pet’s diet, which contains more water than kibble.

– Teach your dog to drink from a water bottle, or take collapsible water bowls in your car and on adventures.

– Location matters! Sensitive cats need water bowls in low traffic areas.

– Test different bowl types. Some cats have preferences for what type of bowl they will drink from.

Water and food bowls should be scrubbed with soap and water daily. Since these bowls are in contact with food and your pet’s saliva, they tend to be good places for bacteria to grow.

Bowls should be smooth and easy to clean, without nooks and crannies or even scratches where bacteria can hide and survive.