Water for drinking is a very important part of your dog’s daily requirements and overall nutrition. Water is the main component of healthy, living cells of the body. Without water, your dog’s body will not be able to function properly. More specifically, your dog will dehydrate. For your dog to get enough water daily, you need to provide water along with a healthy, balanced diet (which also provides some moisture).
WHAT DOES WATER DO FOR DOGS?
The purpose of water is to carry and move important nutrients into and out of the cells of the body. It aids in the digestion of food and helps the body to absorb the nutrients. Water also serves to cool the body down and works to maintain normal body temperature. (1)
How Much Water is Good?
Most dogs need one ounce of water per pound of body weight daily. A ten-pound dog then would need ten ounces per day or just over a cup of water. Puppies tend to drink more water than adult dogs and older dogs drink more than healthy young adults. Pregnant or lactating female dogs also need more water.
If your dog drinks a lot more than that, it may signal a health problem.
Cold and Heat Create a Thirst
The weather can directly affect your dog’s water needs. Hot summer days, especially if your dog is going for a walk or playing outside when it’s hot, will increase your dog’s water needs, doubling and even tripling the amount. A hot summer wind can dehydrate your dog, too.
Did you know that cold weather can dehydrate your dog, too? It can and not just because your house is heated—although a heated home can dry out everything. You may notice if you watch, that your dog will be thirsty on cold, dry winter days after he’s been outside.
How can you Keep Water at Hand?
If you’re walking your dog, taking him out to play, or going for a jog, take water with you. No matter whether you’re using commercially bottled water or refilling your water bottle have some at hand for yourself and your dog. There are many different ways to carry water bottles with you, the best one is using our amazing bottle water, it’s leak-proof design is perfect for a walk and the wide trough design make easy for big dogs to drink water.
Offer small drinks frequently rather than one large drink. A dog who is hot or exercising heavily could vomit after too large a drink. Plus, he could become dehydrated before getting that drink (or after vomiting). Several small drinks during the activity will help him remain well hydrated and won’t upset his tummy.
References:
