Why Pets Need Water

Water is one of life’s most important necessities. Your pet needs to have an accessible supply of clean, fresh water at all times in order to maintain optimum health. A lack of water can create major health problems in pets. A water deficiency of just 10 percent can cause serious illness, and 15 percent can lead to heart and kidney damage, possibly resulting in death. In addition, water is important for most body functions, including circulation and digestion. Water cleans out the body, filtering out waste and helps to regulate body temperature.

Fortunately, it is easy to provide clean, fresh water. There is no measuring needed, because a healthy animal will instinctively drink enough water to maintain proper body hydration. When the weather is hot and/or your pet is very active, be aware of the signs of dehydration, such as listlessness, panting, a dry mouth or sunken eyes; if you notice any of these symptoms, call your veterinarian right away.

 When providing water to your pet, there are a few important points to consider. Clean the water bowl daily. Your pet will not want to drink water with a foul taste due to bacteria growth and will then become dehydrated. Bacterial growth may also make your pet sick.

Pets will often knock their water bowls over and become dehydrated. Consider using spill-proof bowls or placing a heavy object, like a clean brick or rock in the bowl. Another way to keep the bowl upright is to wedge it in an old tyre or between objects such as two trees placed close together. There are also self-watering bowls for indoor or outdoor use. Pets that spend time both indoors and outdoors should have access to one water bowl in the home, as well as one in the yard. Place outdoor bowls in the shade to keep the water cool and to keep the water from evaporating.

Pets need more water when exercising, especially in hot weather. Carry water when you take your pet out for a walk or on a trip, no matter how short it is, as unexpected delays can sometimes happen. There are non-spill travel bowls and collapsible water bowls, like the Snooza water wallet, available at Vet-N-Pet Direct, that make it easy to keep your pet hydrated and healthy.