Do you know why hydration is a matter of concern for every living being? Just like human beings, our beloved pets must stay hydrated to maintain their overall well-being. Water plays an important role in their temperature regulation, circulation, and better digestion. Your furry friends could deal with critical problems due to the shortage of water intake, including but not limited to urinary tract infections, kidney problems, and dehydration. One of the simplest and effective ways to make sure your beloved pet stays hydrated is to ensure the pet drinks enough water throughout the day, and it makes them hale and hearty.

Signs of dehydration in pets

It is very difficult to tell whether your pet is dehydrated or not, but some signs of dehydration that as an owner you should watch for are as follows:

• Dry nose and gums
• Sunken eyes
• Panting excessively
• Reduced appetite
• Lethargy and weakness
• Loss of skin elasticity

If you observe any of these symptoms in your pet, you should take quick action for the betterment of your pet. You should provide water to your pet as soon as possible. In severe cases, you should consult a nearby vet immediately.

How much water does your furry friend require?

The amount of water a pet requires is affected by size, activity level, diet, and climate. In general:

• Dogs should drink approximately one ounce of water per pound of body weight each day to stay properly hydrated.
• Cats need approximately 3.5 to 4.5 ounces of water for every five pounds of body weight each day.

If your pets love to eat wet food, they need less water than pets those prefer dry food. Additionally, outdoor and active pets need more hydration, especially in warm weather.

Some creative ways to keep your pet hydrated

If your pet is refusing to intake water, here are some funny and exciting ways that helps in keeping them hydrated.

Offering clean and fresh water

Give clean and fresh water to your pet in a clean bowl. You should change the water 2 to 3 times a day to make it more inviting. To prevent the bacteria buildup in the bowl and ensure the taste of the water, you have to clean the bowl properly.

Use a pet water fountain

Some pets are truly like running water rather than still water. If your pet loves to intake running water, you can buy a water fountain, which encourages your pet to drink water more. The continuous flow of water in the fountain makes it very appealing to your furry friends and keeps it completely fresh, lessening the threat of bacterial contamination.

Adds water to pet meal

If your pet doesn’t drink enough water, try adding more hydration to their meals by serving wet food or mixing water with dry kibble. This strategy can significantly increase their water intake. Tuna juice (without any seasoning or salt) or bone broth can also be added to their diet to make it more flavorful.

Offer ice cubes as a reward

Many pets enjoy chewing and licking ice cubes, especially during hot summers. You can make ice cubes using low-sodium broth, plain water, and diluted pet-safe juice. This is perfect for providing your furry friend with proper hydration while also serving it as a yummy indulgence.

Experiment with a different bowl

Some pets are very picky about what types of bowls are being used to feed them. If you notice your pet avoiding certain bowls, try switching to a different material like glass, ceramic, or stainless steel. But you should avoid choosing plastic bowls for your furry friends as they may alter the taste of the water and harbor bacteria.

Include glucose or different flavors in water

If your pet refuses to intake plain water, you can try to feed them water by adding some interesting flavors or glucose to entice them. A small amount of tuna juice or low-sodium chicken broth is a perfect choice that makes water more appealing. You need to ensure that the liquid does not have any additives such as garlic or onion, as these are very harmful to pets.

Encourage drinking during playtime

After a play session or long walk, you need to gently encourage your pets to drink. After exercise, offer your pet a small amount of water and ensure they have access to fresh water throughout the day.

Using a wet washcloth or syringe

For pets who are reluctant to drink or frequently fall sick, as an owner, it is your responsibility to keep them hydrated. Use a syringe (without the needle) to slowly squirt water into the mouth of your pet. Alternatively, you can use a wet washcloth and let the cloth be licked by your furry friend.

Special considerations for cats

Cats are known as finicky drinkers, which keeps them at risk of kidney issues and urinary problems. Some more ways that make your cats hydrated are as follows:

• Place the water sources away from their litter box and food
• A cat water fountain could be the perfect choice for them, as cats generally prefer moving water sources
• You should offer your pet wet food, which contains more water than dry kibble
• Give ice cubes, made from chicken broth or diluted tuna juice
• You need to use shallow bowls with wide openings, as many cats want their whiskers not to be touched at the edges

Special consideration for dogs

Dogs are better drinkers than cats, but they also need proper encouragement. Some ways that ensure your dog stays hydrated are:

• Carry a bottle or portable water bowl , when going for trips or walks with your pet
• The water intake of the pet throughout the day needs to be monitored and it ensures that your furry friend has proper access to fresh water.
• Please don't let your pet drink water from any lakes or puddles, as these can be contaminated
• During summer, your dogs can enjoy frozen delights and it also helps in keeping them hydrated and cool

For the overall well-being of your pet, you need to ensure your pet drinks proper amounts of water throughout the day. By keeping the water fresh, making the water easily accessible, and trying creative methods, you can encourage your furry friend to be hydrated.