PetHealth

TIPS TO BOOST WATER INTAKE Just having water around doesn’t mean your pet will drink it. Cats in particular can be very fussy when it comes to drinking water. Start by trialling different bowls in different locations, away from their food bowl. In some cases, adding pet-friendly bone broth for dogs and cats (making sure it does not contain onion or garlic) or the spring water from a tuna can will entice the most stubborn of pets. You can also try switching between stainless steel and ceramic bowls, and altering the depth of the bowl. Make sure to keep the bowl clean and fill it to the brim. Some pets also prefer drinking from running water sources, so a pet drinking fountain may help. SIGNS YOUR PET IS DEHYDRATED A loss of just 10% of water in your pet can cause severe health consequences. Dehydration can occur in pets on hot days or if they have experienced vomiting or diarrhoea, so be sure to monitor them on hot days, and seek veterinary attention (particularly for older and younger animals) if you notice these signs. In cats that use a litter tray, you can monitor how many wet patches there are to clean up each day, and in a dog you can monitor how long and how frequently they urinate. Your vet will be able to assess your pet’s hydration level by looking for ‘tenting’ – which indicates reduced skin elasticity – as well as dry, sticky and pale gums or sunken eyes. Vets can also do a blood test to assess dehydration and electrolyte balance. Drinking too much or too little can also be a sign of illness or disease. If you have noticed a change in your pet’s drinking habits, urination frequency or body condition, consult your vet.

WATER 101 Make sure that fresh,

clean water is always readily available so your dog or cat drinks when they need to. Put water bowls in multiple locations around your home and backyard – it’s best to keep outdoor bowls cool in shady spots. Mix it up a bit too. Put bowls in different places to keep your pet interested. Placing bowls in quieter areas can also help them feel safe when drinking. Make sure water bowls are cleaned with dish soap and rinsed regularly too, as dirty water can cause illness. Plentiful and easily available water supply is especially important for big, active dogs. For dogs on the move, remember to always take water wherever you go. Compared with dogs, some cats are less inclined to actively drink water and may prefer their water bowls kept separate from their food bowls. FINDING WATER Hydration comes not only from the liquids pets drink, but also from the food they eat. You might have noticed your pet drinks less when eating high-moisture foods compared with dry kibble. Wet foods, like canned meals or frozen portions, can contain up to 70% water, compared with only 10% in dry foods. You can experiment with soaked kibble (adding just enough water to soften the kibble) to bolster your pet’s hydration – this is also a great way to support your older pet’s diet if they have trouble chewing dry kibble. Adding vet-approved, moisture-rich human foods to your pet’s bowl also helps increase hydration and gives themmore vitamins and minerals. You might add some cooked vegetables, such as carrots or pumpkin, into your dog’s or cat’s meals. For a tasty change, you can also try using blueberries or chopped apple during a training session with your dog.

The average adult human body is 60% water. About 71% of the Earth’s surface is water. From sustaining the planet to sustaining life, hydration plays an essential role in optimising health, and performance. Humble H 2 0 is essential for body function, carrying nutrients to cells and ensuring they are absorbed properly. It also helps digestion, aids the flow of blood to organs (improving their function), regulates body temperature, removes waste materials and improves cognitive function. The bodies of cats and dogs are made up of approximately 70% water and, like us, they lose water constantly. Understanding how to keep your pet hydrated – and what to look out for if they are not – is crucial to their health and happiness. For adventurous and active dogs and cats, managing water intake is even more important. DAILY DRINK Studies have shown that around 50–60 millilitres of water per kilogram of body weight each day is the right water intake for both dogs and cats. However, there are many factors that influence these levels, such as how active they are, whether they eat wet or dry food, their age and the environment they are living in. You’ll notice your pet drinks more when hot or after exercising, and less when sick or in pain. It may be difficult to monitor exactly how much water your pet is drinking in multi-pet households but you can try to keep an eye on how often they are visiting the water bowl.

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