While many dogs drink the proper amount of water, others either over-drink or under-drink. The amount of water a dog should drink depends on its age, size, weather, activity level or special considerations such as health issues or lactation. On average, a healthy dog drinks about .5-1 ounce of water per pound of body weight daily.
Over-drinking water can indicate a bladder infection, another type of infection or even diabetes. It can also lead to stomach bloat, electrolyte imbalances and hyponatremia (water toxicity). Dogs that overhydrate will often act confused, vomit or become lethargic.
When your dog under-drinks water, it can lead to dehydration, kidney stones, organ failure and even death. To determine if your dog is dehydrated, grab a piece of skin at the back of his neck. Stretch it out, and then let it go. The skin on a properly hydrated dog will snap quickly back into place, while the skin of a dehydrated dog will return slowly and form a “tent” in the process. Dull, sticky gums are another sign of dehydration. Under-drinking can also indicate leptospirosis, parvo or pancreatitis.
If you suspect that your dog is dehydrated, consult your veterinarian.
Diet is another factor that impacts your dog’s water needs. It will vary depending on a canned dog food diet, dry dog food diet, or a combination of both. You’ll find the moisture content of all canned and dry dog foods listed on the product label as part of the Guaranteed Analysis.
Canned dog foods usually contain about 75 percent moisture. This means that for every 100 grams of food fed, 75 grams is water. On the other hand, dry dog foods contain only about 10 percent moisture. So for every 100 grams of dry food fed, 10 grams is water.
Here are a few ways to manage your dog’s water intake:
Under-Drinkers
· Choose canned foods, especially high moisture stews such as Evanger’s Signature Stews for Dogs
· Praise and give your dog a treat when he goes for a drink
· Keep water near his bed or food bowl
· Consider adding flavor packets
Over-Drinkers
Ÿ First consult a veterinarian to rule out health issues
· Purchase a “lick” bottle
· Ration water bowl refills
· Use a rabbit water feeder at night for crated dogs
Monitoring your dog’s water intake and using Evanger’s moisture rich canned foods can improve his health, insure proper hydration, and prevent illness!
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| Evanger's Dog Food is rich in moisture, helping to keep dogs hydrated and healthy. Photo: Craig Puffenberger |
Over-drinking water can indicate a bladder infection, another type of infection or even diabetes. It can also lead to stomach bloat, electrolyte imbalances and hyponatremia (water toxicity). Dogs that overhydrate will often act confused, vomit or become lethargic.
When your dog under-drinks water, it can lead to dehydration, kidney stones, organ failure and even death. To determine if your dog is dehydrated, grab a piece of skin at the back of his neck. Stretch it out, and then let it go. The skin on a properly hydrated dog will snap quickly back into place, while the skin of a dehydrated dog will return slowly and form a “tent” in the process. Dull, sticky gums are another sign of dehydration. Under-drinking can also indicate leptospirosis, parvo or pancreatitis.
If you suspect that your dog is dehydrated, consult your veterinarian.
Diet is another factor that impacts your dog’s water needs. It will vary depending on a canned dog food diet, dry dog food diet, or a combination of both. You’ll find the moisture content of all canned and dry dog foods listed on the product label as part of the Guaranteed Analysis.
Canned dog foods usually contain about 75 percent moisture. This means that for every 100 grams of food fed, 75 grams is water. On the other hand, dry dog foods contain only about 10 percent moisture. So for every 100 grams of dry food fed, 10 grams is water.
Here are a few ways to manage your dog’s water intake:
Under-Drinkers
· Choose canned foods, especially high moisture stews such as Evanger’s Signature Stews for Dogs
· Praise and give your dog a treat when he goes for a drink
· Keep water near his bed or food bowl
· Consider adding flavor packets
Over-Drinkers
Ÿ First consult a veterinarian to rule out health issues
· Purchase a “lick” bottle
· Ration water bowl refills
· Use a rabbit water feeder at night for crated dogs
Monitoring your dog’s water intake and using Evanger’s moisture rich canned foods can improve his health, insure proper hydration, and prevent illness!
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