Just like humans, water is critical for the survival of all living beings including dogs. Water makes up 70% of a dog’s body and is the primary component of all healthy cells. As pet parents, it is very important to know that your canine babies can survive from three days to one week without water. Therefore, it is important to keep your dog hydrated at all times so as to avoid health issues that could occur due to dehydration.
In this blog, we will dig deep into the importance of hydration on your pooch’s well-being.
Importance of Hydration
Dogs tend to lose fluids over sweating and panting. Therefore, hydrating them to cover up for the lost fluids becomes very important.
Let’s have a look at the benefits of hydration in dogs:
Maintains normal body temperature
Dogs generally sweat through their paws but not as much as humans do. Therefore, if they are dehydrated, it can cause overheating. Water aids in regulating body temperature by reducing heat from the body.
Aids in digestion
Water is very crucial for a dog’s digestive system. It helps in breaking down the food and aids in the absorption of nutrients. It also helps to secrete enzymes and the acids that help in completing the digestive process. If you find that your dog is not eliminating properly and feeling lethargic, hydration can be an issue that you would need to address.
Lubricates joints and helps in easy movement
Water helps in lubricating joints, thus aiding in painless and easy movement. Hydration is especially important for senior dogs as they tend to face mobility issues more often than younger ones.
Supports functioning of vital organs
Vital organs such as kidneys, liver and heart need hydration to function properly. If dogs remain dehydrated, these organs can get damaged which can lead to their failure.
Signs of dehydration
The common signs of dehydration in dogs are:
- Excessive panting
- Lethargy and reduced energy
- Dry nose
- Sunken eyes
- Skin issues like dryness and itchiness
- Sticky and dry gums
Read More: How To Keep Your Dog’s Ear Healthy And Clean
Hydration Requirement in Dogs
Let’s discuss the hydration requirement in dogs based on weight, weather and activity level.
Based on weight
The mass of a dog’s body is directly proportional to the volume of water they require to support their bodily functions. While larger dogs require a higher volume of water, smaller pooches need a comparatively lower volume of the fluid.
As a thumb rule, a dog should consume between 50 ml and 100 ml of water per day per 2.20 lbs of body weight.
Based on season
Summer calls for a higher requirement of water intake as during this season, dogs lose a considerable amount of their body fluids due to sweating and panting. During this time you should make sure to offer your dog access to fresh water at all times.
During monsoons, higher humidity levels affect dogs’ ability to cool themselves, which is why they start panting. Therefore, always ensure they consume an adequate volume of water during this season.
Based on their activity level
Daily activities like walks, short runs, swimming and a game of fetch can result in loss of fluid from a dog’s body. Therefore, as a vigilant pet parent, you should ensure to always make sure that your pooch is hydrated at all times.
Know More: Diet, Nutrition, and Skin | How are these related to Your Pet?
Concluding Note
Now that you’re aware of the importance of hydrating your pets, we’re sure that will keep your dog well hydrated. Therefore, each time you reach out for your own bottle to take a sip of water, think of your pooch’s needs too.
