Are you paying attention to the amount and quality of water your dog have available daily? Going without water for even a few days can cause permanent damage to the health of your dog, in hot weather, it can even cause its death. Just like humans, animals need adequate water for optimal health.
Why it’s important that your dog stays well-hydrated
Drinking sufficient water of a good quality can improve a dog’s health and prevent illness; thus reducing vet bills.
Water helps to regulate body temperature. When a dog pants to cool itself, it loses fluid that needs to be replaced.
Water helps to flush toxins from the body and means a shiny coat, sparkling eyes and lots of energy. It also helps to prevent damage to vital organs.
How much water?
How much water a dog needs depends on a number of factors like the size and age of the dog, how active it is, the climate, and the type of food it eats.
A rough rule is that on average a dog needs 9 to 17 ounces of water per 10 pounds, (55 to 110 milliliters water per kg) per day. In other words, a 50-pound dog needs 42 to 84 ounces per day (1.25 to 2.5 liters for a 23 kg dog).
A dog whose diet consists mainly of dry food needs extra water to ensure it doesn’t become dehydrated. That is because dry food needs moisture from the dog’s body to rehydrate it for digestion.
How to make sure your dog always has enough water
Choose a decent size container and make sure there’s always adequate water in it.
Be sure that the water is always fresh, particularly in a hot climate. Don’t just keep adding water to water that’s already days old.
Think about installing a circulating water fountain so that your dog will always have running water available.
Have good quality water available
Tap water is not always of good quality and may contain added chemicals and toxins. Basic rule; if you don’t drink the tap water, your dog also shouldn’t drink it. Consider investing in a water filter; for your own and your dog’s long-term health.
The water container should preferably be ceramic, glass, or metal. Plastic bowls used for the dog’s water and food may result in toxins contaminating the water and food.
And again, fresh water changed at least once a day is of paramount importance.