It’s very hot these days and though I really try to take good care of my Golden Retrievers by keeping them indoors in an air-conditioned room, I’m not sure if he’s drinking as much water as they should. I’m afraid they will get dehydrated. – Mridul Garg, Delhi
Thanks Mridul for taking such good care of your furry friends and asking a very important question. Many loving and kind-hearted dog owners spend a lot of time and consume their energy trying to figure out which diet is healthier for their beloved pet. They take in consideration famous brands and compare multiple types of foods. They even ask advice from specialists, but they somehow overlook the importance of water. Every person who owns a dog should know how much water should a dog drink and understand that it is an equal part of its diet. Water is so important because the body of a dog consists of over 70% water, just as the body of a human. Basically, substances need to dissolve and to be transported throughout the body of a dog. Therefore, water contributes directly to the chemical reactions that are vital for a pooch’s digestive system and circulatory system to work properly. In addition, water helps a dog’s body to filter waste and regulates its temperature through evaporation. A possible dehydration of a puppy might cause serious problems and lead to heart and kidney failure. You cannot explain to your loveable dog how important it is to drink water, but most times you wouldn’t have to. A dog’s instinct helps it consume an optimum amount of water for its body to stay hydrated. As said, water is highly important for dogs because it maintains a normal body temperature and a balanced level of electrolytes. Thus, when you notice a dog not drinking water, you should schedule a visit to the vet.
There is a general rule that says a dog should drink between 0.6 and 1 ounces of water for every pound of body weight. However, you don’t have to waste your time and calculate the necessary amount. If your dog is healthy and has a bowl filled with water at its discretion, it will drink the correct amount, depending on its needs. Some days it might drink more and some days it might drink less. Regardless of its behaviour, it is recommended to pay attention if your dog drinks water or not. There are cases when they might exaggerate or don’t drink water at all. These are situations that should alarm you because they are usually signs of a health problem. If you notice your dog drinking a lot of water, then you should start worrying unless it is a really hot summer day or in case your dog only eats dry food. This is because dogs that only eat dry food usually drink more water in order to ensure their daily needs. A dog that eats wet food will drink less water in comparison with a dog that is on a dry food diet, because a part of its hydration needs are met by the food itself. However, a dog that drinks water excessively might be sick.
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