Dogs are fantastic creatures. They’re loyal, playful, and they always keep you on your toes. But did you know that one of the essential things about dogs is how they drink water?
Dogs drink water in a variety of different ways. Some dogs lap it up, some will suck it out of their water bowl, and others will splash the water onto their tongues. A dog’s tongue works a little differently from that of a human being. It has tiny barbs on it that help to draw water into the mouth so that they can lap it up.
Drinking enough water is vital to keeping a dog healthy and strong. Read on as we share more about dogs and water. read on.
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How Much Water Do Dogs Need To Drink?
Dogs need around one to three cups of water per ten pounds of body weight. That means that a dog weighing fifty pounds needs at least five cups of water in a day, more if they’re overweight or very active.
If you have a small dog, it’s easier to weigh them first and work out their daily water requirement based on this. A giant dog will be more brutal to weigh, but if you can get hold of them for a few days, you should be able to estimate how much they need.
You can also judge just how active your dog is; the more exercise they get, the more water they will need to replace what they’ve lost through sweating.
The rule of thumb is that your dog should drink enough water for their body weight in ounces divided by ten-this is usually measured over 24 hours. It might not always be possible to let your dog drink as much as they need every day, so it’s essential to make sure you keep a close eye on them and provide enough water at other times.
What are the signs that your dog is thirsty?
Whining is the most obvious sign that your dog needs a drink. If you don’t provide water for them, they’ll likely drink from any available source, such as puddles on the floor or even their urine – this can cause health problems.
Another sign of thirst in dogs is licking their lips because saliva has become too salty. Dogs may also drool to try and cool down due to the high amount of moisture in saliva.
It’s also important to remember that the temperature outside affects how much water your pet needs. Dogs will need more water if they’re kept out in hot weather because they can’t sweat like we do and risk overheating as a result.
You can also tell how hydrated your dog is by the color of its urine. If it’s dark and smells strong, it means they’re dehydrated. Ideally, it should be pale yellow or explicit, with no smell at all.
The best advice is not to wait for your dog to show signs of thirst but keep an eye on them throughout the day and provide dog drinking water frequently – especially if they’re kept outside in hot weather or have been exercising heavily.
Dog Drinking Water Habit
A dog’s everyday drinking habits include: Licking its lips and lapping with its tongues. Dogs can similarly lap water as cats, and their tongues help them lap up liquids quickly. This licking action also allows them to remove debris from the surface of any water they drink. Dogs may also scoop water into their mouths using their tongues.
That’s why dog bowls with wide, round bottoms are best for dogs. Such bowls give them plenty of room for lapping up water. It’s also best to use a deep ceramic bowl, not a thin plastic bowl. These kinds of dog bowls are made to suit thirsty dogs and help prevent spills.
Ways to make drinking water more appealing for your pet
Bring their dog drinking water bowl with you if they’re getting a walk so they can drink as they go. Alternatively, provide a bowl with fresh water in more than one room of your home to give them a choice and encourage them to drink.
When you’re washing up, leave the tap running so they can lap up some fresh, cool tap water. But, remember not to let them have too much. Alternatively, pour boiling water from their drinking bowl onto their everyday food.
If you have any outdoor pets, you can make a dog bath to keep in your yard.
Locate the water bowl near where your dog sleeps – this way, it’s easier for them to find, and they’ll be more likely to drink throughout the day.
Provide fresh, cool water at all times – don’t leave bowls of water out in the hot sun or cold weather as this could turn into a health hazard.
If you’re going away on holiday, you can leave a bowl of dog drinking water with a few ice cubes in it for your dog to drink. A quick way to make ice cubes is to fill an old plastic bottle half full with tap water, seal it and leave it in the freezer. You can also consider investing in an auto water dispenser.
How do you ensure your dog always has fresh water to drink?
There are lots of unique water bowls for dogs available, so if you want to give your pet something a little different, why not consider one of these:
A free-flow bowl is one that automatically keeps your pets’ water supply topped up. These are great for dogs that are always thirsty, and of course, they’re helpful if you’re away from home for long periods as they will ensure your pet is never left without fresh water.
Virtually all automatic drinking fountains will allow you to preset the number of liters/ounces of water it dispenses at a time. That way, you can set it to fill your pet’s bowl between certain times of the day, so they have access to fresh water all day long.
There are also high-quality Faucet Water Filter systems on the market that purify and filter water before dispensing it. If you’re concerned about your dogs’ tap water, one of these is likely to be a popular choice with you and your pets.
Signs of dehydration in dogs
If your dog is showing any of the following signs, they must have access to lots of freshwaters, and their health needs to be checked by a vet posthaste:
Lethargy
Dehydration is one of the significant causes of lethargy in dogs. Lethargy is a lack of energy that leaves your pet feeling tired. Dogs with dehydration-related lethargy will often show other symptoms as well. They may refuse food or water, vomit, and pass diarrhea.
[Related Article: Why Is My Dog Eating Everything All Of A Sudden]
Bloating
A bloated stomach in dogs can be a sign of bloating caused by a build-up of gas. This usually occurs when a pet has eaten too quickly or hasn’t drunk enough water because the gas cannot be passed through its digestive system quickly enough. The stomach becomes distended and painful.
Bloating is a potentially fatal problem for dogs because it can cut off blood supply to organs in the abdomen. If your dog has to bloat, you’ll need to see a vet immediately as they might need an operation to correct the issue.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is another side effect of a lack of water intake. Unlike humans, dogs don’t urinate if they’re dehydrated. Instead, they pass loose stools that are often very runny and may have blood in them as well. If your dog passes this type of stool, they must receive medical help and rehydration treatment right away.
Dogs will develop a fever if they become severely dehydrated – this can be dangerous for your pet as it could damage their internal organs and brain. If you suspect your dog is suffering from dehydration or any other condition causing vomiting or diarrhea, contact your vet before it gets worse or becomes life-threatening.
If your dog’s health suddenly deteriorates, seek medical attention right away. Dehydration in dogs is very dangerous and can lead to death if not treated quickly.
Dehydration treatment options for dogs
If your dog is suffering from dehydration, treatment is essential. Dehydration can be reversed with proper medical help, so if you suspect your dog is dehydrated, see a vet without delay. If you can’t get an appointment right away, use home remedies to rehydrate your dog and help relieve their symptoms until you can get to the vet.
Home remedies for dehydration in dogs
Dehydrated dogs will often be too lethargic to drink water on their own, so it’s essential to ensure they’re getting lots of fluids. In extreme cases, you may need to syringe feed your pet or use a dropper.
To help your dog rehydrate at home, give them small amounts of water frequently. It’s vital to give your dog water for as long as possible. Set alarms every hour or two to provide them with water, so they don’t go more than an hour without.
Give them small amounts of wet food. It’s harder for your dog to digest, so it will stay in their stomach longer and give them a higher percentage of the fluid they need. Plus, it will help supplement their body with some of the nutrients they might have lost through vomiting or diarrhea.
Hydrate Your Dog!
If your dog is showing any of these signs, hydrate them immediately. It’s essential to ensure that they have a constant supply of fresh water and if you’re concerned about where their next drink will come from, consider installing an automatic pet drinking system in your home. Your pup deserves the best.
