6 Quick Tips to Help Keep your Pets Hydrated

No matter the season, your pet will always need one thing in particular: to stay hydrated! We all know how important it is for us as humans to stay hydrated, but pets need it even more. Your pet’s body is about 80% water, which means that they need a constant flow of water coming in to maintain that internal balance. Here are 6 quick tips to help keep your pet happy and hydrated!

• Your pet needs about 1 oz of water per each pound of body weight. While you may not be able to keep a detailed record of how much water your pet is drinking daily, you should note if they seem to be drinking an excessive amount. This could be a sign of illness.
• You should have at least as many water bowls in your home as you have pets, plus one extra. Try to keep them in areas without a lot of foot traffic, as most pets want to feel safe and calm as they drink.
• If you worry that your pet is dehydrated, there are two things to check: the gums should be pink and moist, and their skin should bounce back easily if you pinch it gently. If either of these is not the case, visit your vet.
• Pets can be picky about their water just like people. Your pet may only like to drink from running water sources, so something like a water fountain would be good for those. If your pet drinks from weird places, like the toilet or the floor of your shower, then they may be drawn to some specific taste there. Keep the toilet lid closed, as that is not an option. If they’re shower floor drinkers, they may like the salty taste; try flavoring their water with unsalted fish oil.
• Always keep water available to your pet. The water should be fresh, and the bowl should be kept clean, which will keep bacteria growth at bay.
• Always take water with you if you’re on the go with your pet. If you think you would get thirsty on any trip, then your pet certainly will. Look into travel pet water containers for easy use.

Your pet staying bright-eyed and bushy-tailed hinges on proper hydration, so check out some of these tips and keep your furry friends happy! If you’ve got any other questions about your pet’s health, check us out at Prestonwood Kennels here in Houston.