Importance of Water for Pet‘s Health
A balanced diet is not enough to ensure your pet is happy and healthy. The drinking water is an essential part of everyday needs and nutrition. Most importantly, water is a key component of healthy living cells of the body. Without it, the pet's body would not function properly and would dehydrate over time. The information provided in the article will help to ensure you give a sufficient amount of water to your pet daily.
The Function of Water in the Body
The main purpose of water is to transfer important nutrients in and out of the body's cells. It helps digest food and absorb nutrients. Moreover, it helps to cool the body and maintain normal body temperature. Every vital function of the body requires a sufficient amount of water. If a pet has a lack of water in his body – a pet will likely dehydrate. In the case of water shortage, the organs such as the kidneys and the liver are vulnerable, and their activity is disrupted in the long run.
Signs of Dehydration
A healthy dog should drink about 40 ml of water per kilogram of its body weight per day; a cat – about 60 ml of water per day. The amount of water consumed is influenced by many factors – age, physical activity, ambient temperature, which means that each case is individual.
However, if your pet is drinking not enough amount of water, it is very likely that it can dehydrate. The greatest risk of dehydration occurs for female pets, which are pregnant and lactating, with metabolic disorders (e.g. diabetes), kidney failure and other diseases.
If you suspect that your dog has dehydrated, there are a few ways to check your pet's condition. First of all, it is recommended to lift the free fold of skin in the area of shoulders and observe how it descends. Under normal conditions, the skin should quickly return to its original state. If the dog is dehydrated, the process will take longer or the skin may not return to its original state for some time at all.
Dehydration symptoms can also be found in the dog's mouth. If the gums look dry, sticky or light – this may be a sign of disease and/or dehydration. The dryness of nose, mouth, and eyes can also be a signal of dehydration.
Take Your Water Everywhere
Wherever you are, make sure you always have water for your pet. If you are at home, make sure that the bowl is always full of clean water and easily accessible to the pet. The water must be changed constantly as the dog can quickly contaminate it. It is also essential to have water you could give to your pet while traveling. The water bottles for traveling are ideal and comfortable to use in such cases.
BACK TO NEWS
