The Importance of Proper Pet Hydration - How It Can Save Your Pet’s Life

When it comes to our pets, we want to ensure that they are always happy and healthy. And one of the most crucial aspects of their health is making sure they stay hydrated – especially in the summertime heat.  

Most pet owners know that water is essential for their animal's health, but many don't realize how important it is to keep their pets properly hydrated at all times. Dehydration can cause serious health problems for pets, and in some cases can even be life-threatening.  

In this blog post, we'll talk about the importance of proper pet hydration and how you can make sure your pet is getting enough fluids.

As a pet owner, it's important to be aware of the importance of hydration for your furry friend. Pets need access to clean, fresh water at all times to stay properly hydrated. Many factors can contribute to dehydration in pets, including hot weather, exercise, and illness. Signs of dehydration include:

• • Loss of normal skin turgor (This is when you grab some of your pet’s extra skin and after letting the skin go, it stays away from the pet instead of going back to the way it was)
  • Dry, Tacky Gums
  • Lack of Energy
  • Weakness
  • Sunken Eyes (There are fat pads behind your pet’s eyes, and when they run out of water, the fat takes up less space allowing the eyeball to fall deeper into the socket)

While it's important to always have fresh water available for your pet, there are some situations where you may need to take extra care to ensure they stay properly hydrated.  Consider these 4 easy ways to do that:

1. Make water more enticing for your pet to drink.  For example, invest in a water fountain for your cats as some prefer moving water or add ice cubes to your dog’s water bowl for a fun and hydrating game.
2. Add moisture to your pet’s daily food.  Dry kibble has very little moisture in it allowing for longer, safer self-life.  If you’re worried about your pet becoming dehydrated, you can always add water to a dry kibble or switch to a canned food which naturally has more moisture in it.
3. Look for signs of overheating which can keep pets from properly signaling in their bodies to promote normal drinking behavior.  Subtle signs of sluggish response to commands, prolonged heavy panting, or lack of energy are often associated with overheating.  Cool your pet down using water/ice on their chest and in between their back legs to bring down their body temperature and let them feel thirsty enough to drink.
4. Check that water sources for your pet are kept fresh and cool.  Animals are less likely to drink if the water is warm or stagnates, which happens quickly during hot months.  Changing outdoor water bowls several times a day is crucial to promote proper drinking during hot days.

If you suspect your pet is dehydrated, it's important to seek medical attention from your veterinarian as soon as possible. And if you have any questions about what was discussed in this blog post, feel free to call our fur-riendly team members at Carrollton Animal Hospital at (330) 627-4898 or send us an email at hospital@carrolltonanimal.com.