Keeping Your Pet Hydrated
At Invisible Fence® Brand, we believe healthy pets are happy pets. That’s why protecting them goes beyond keeping them safe at home.
Summer is upon us, and July is National Pet Hydration Month! A time to raise awareness around hydration, dehydration, and how to keep your pet adequately hydrated. Just like humans, pets need adequate water intake to maintain their health and well-being. Did you know…..water accounts for almost 80% of a dog’s body weight?
Understanding the Importance of Hydration
Water plays a crucial role in your pet’s body, helping with digestion, nutrient absorption, and temperature regulation. Proper hydration keeps their organs functioning correctly as well as their skin and coat healthy. Dogs typically need 1 ounce of water for each pound they weigh, while cats require slightly less. For example, if your pet is 20 pounds, they need at least 20 ounces of water per day.
Tips to Keep Your Pet Hydrated
- Keep fresh, clean water available at all times
- Add water or broth to their food if feeding dry kibble
- Encourage moderate drinking during and after exercise or playtime
- Provide hydrating treats such as watermelon, cucumbers, and ice cubes
How to Spot Dehydration
- Excessive panting
- Dry nose or gums
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Decreased skin elasticity
Monitoring Water Intake
It’s crucial to know the fine line between healthy water intake and overdrinking. Overdrinking can lead to water intoxication which can be fatal. Too much drinking during exercise or playtime can also result in GDV which is also referred to as “bloat”. To learn more about symptoms of GDV, visit https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/bloat-in-dogs/
Signs of Water Intoxication
- Nausea or vomiting
- Staggering or loss of coordination
- Lethargy
- Excessive drooling
- Abdominal bloating
- Difficulty breathing
Educate Yourself to Keep Your Pet Protected
Amid summer, both humans and pets love to be outside. While you want to enjoy throwing tennis ball in the backyard, taking your pet to the lake or beach, or visiting your local dog park for some zoomies, it is crucial to know the fine line between dehydration and water intoxication. By following these tips and doing your research, you can help ensure your pet stays properly hydrated during Pet Hydration Month and beyond. Remember, a well-hydrated pet is a happy and healthy pet!
About Invisible Fence® Brand
At Invisible Fence® Brand, we believe pets are family. That’s why we’ve spent the last 50+ years creating innovative solutions that allow you to enjoy all the love a pet has to give – without the stress and mess. With advanced industry-leading technology, our pet containment solutions come with certified animal-behaviorist training to ensure your pet is protected, comfortable, and still has the freedom to explore the way they deserve.
Schedule your FREE in-home consultation today to learn how our GPS collar, fencing solutions, and automatic pet doors can provide safe boundaries for any scenario.
