Is Your Dog Drinking Enough Water?

Humans should drink at least eight glasses of water daily. How about your dog, though? They may be drinking water, but how much water are they actually consuming? For you to be sure your dog is hydrated or to spot the warning signs when they aren't, we've compiled the latest information on dogs and water.

While most dogs are ready to quench their thirst, it's possible that your dog is reluctant to do so. First things first, make sure you're hydrated. Ensure that clean water is constantly available for your pet. If your dog has access to clean, fresh water, they are less likely to become dehydrated. In order to make sure your dog isn't dry:

• Change the water for your pet once a day. Your dog needs enough of fresh water to drink, just like you do. To keep bacteria and germs from growing in your pet's dish and maybe making them ill, clean it every day. 
  
• Watch alert for any debris that might fall into the bowl of your pet. Hair and food fragments can quickly pollute their water supply and make it unappealing.
  
• Dishes should be kept out of direct sunlight in a cool, shady corner of the house. A warm bowl left out in the sun will discourage your dog from drinking from it.

Every day, dogs should consume one ounce of water for every pound of body weight. Your dog might require extra if they are a puppy or really active. Dogs require extra water, just like people do, when they spend time outside in hot, dry weather.

It's crucial to keep your dog hydrated throughout the hot summer months, both at home and on the go, but you should also be aware of the warning signals that your dog is dehydrated. To determine whether your dog is dehydrated, look at the following:

• They have no energy. A dog who is dehydrated may pace or drool and won't seem like themselves.
• They're trying to find water. Your dog will be anxiously looking for anything to drink if they are thirsty.
• They have pale, dry, or sticky gums. Gums that are pale, dry, or sticky are a consistent sign of dehydration.
• You have examined their scruff. The loose skin covering your dog's shoulders is called their scruff, and you should pull it off of their back. It will take a while for your dog's skin to recover if they are dehydrated. Your pet's skin will instantly snap back if they are properly hydrated.

In general, watch your dog closely to make sure they don't exhibit symptoms of dehydration if they have a medical problem, are sick, vomiting, have diarrhea, or are otherwise unwell.

If you believe your dog is dehydrated, what should you do?

• Give your dog little sips of water to aid in their rehydration; however, avoid allowing them to drink too quickly as this could induce vomiting.
• Try giving them a few ice cubes if they aren't interested in drinking water, but again, watch out that they don't consume them too quickly as this might lead to bloat.
• Take your pet to the vet right away if their symptoms are getting worse or are not getting better.

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