Your pet’s body is made of about 70% moisture. Help your pet live a long and healthy life by keeping them well hydrated.

Tips to Help to Provide Daily Hydration

• Dogs need approximately 1 ounce of water for each pound of body weight per day.
• Cats need about 3-4 ounces of water for every 5 pounds of body weight daily.
• Animals acquire their daily water requirements by drinking and eating.
• Fresh, clean water in multiple locations in the home should always be available to your pets.

Adding Moisture

Ways to add moisture into the diet at mealtimes with adding things like:

• Canned wet foods
• Bone broths
• Some raw diet
• Rehydrating meal toppers
• Rehydrating freeze dried or dehydrated food

Any of these suggestions will significantly add moisture to their diet, supporting their overall health. Moreover, it’s especially important for cats eating dry kibble.

Why is Good Hydration Important for Your Pet’s Health?

Good hydration will help to reduce the risk of urinary tract infections and stones. Keeping your pet hydrated will help to flush out toxins and will reduce the chances of crystal formation in the urinary tract which may lead to painful conditions for the pet.

• Supports Kidney and Liver Function: These organs are necessary for detoxifying your pet’s body. Proper hydration ensures correct function, which ensures that the pet’s body runs smoothly.
• Enhances Skin and Coat Health: Hydration plays an important role in your pet’s health by maintaining the elasticity and health of skin cells, pets that are hydrated will typically have healthier skin and coat.
• Aids in digestive health: Proper hydration supports digestion, can help to prevent constipation, and maintains a healthy gastrointestinal tract for your pet’s health.
• Boosts Energy Levels and Overall Well-Being: Just like humans, hydration is key to maintaining energy levels in your pet by aiding in muscle function and overall body health.
• Helps to Maintain a Normal Body Temperature: Water consumption is especially important during hot summer days and when your pet is active.
• Moistens the Air in the Lungs: Keeps your pet’s airway moist from the tip of the nose to the depths in the lungs.
• Hydration Improves Oxygen Flow to the Tissues of the Body: Proper hydration allows blood to flow more freely, sending oxygen to all your pet’s body tissues.

Dehydration

Symptoms of dehydration in your pet may include:

• Lack of energy
• Decreased appetite
• Dry mouth and nose
• Panting
• Sunken eyes
• Urine will be a dark yellow and have a strong odour

One of the easiest ways to determine if your pet is dehydrated is by looking at their skin. Use your thumb and forefinger and pinch a small bit of skin on the back or top of head and pull up. If the pet is well-hydrated, the skin will spring back when you release it. If the skin moves back slowly or does not spring back at all then your pet most likely is dehydrated.