Did you know that July is National Pet Hydration Awareness Month? This is the perfect time to review our pet’s hydration habits and ensure we do everything we can to keep them healthy. It’s also an excellent opportunity to consider how our pets’ diets affect their hydration. Dogs and cats require daily water intake, just like we do. You must schedule regular visits with your veterinarian, who will check your pet’s teeth and gums for any signs of dental disease. A vet can also help identify any existing health problems that might be causing a decrease in thirst. This post will help us learn some of the benefits of water to our pets.
Importance Of Water For Pets, Especially Those Left Outside
Water is essential for all living things. Humans need water to survive, but so do our pets. We may not realize it, but water is necessary to them too. Here are some of the benefits of ensuring our pets have enough water.
Water Helps to Keep the Body Temperature Constant
Your pet can easily maintain its body temperature with a constant water supply. Suppose your pet does not have adequate water in its body. In that case, it will have to rely on other sources like food or sunlight to produce more heat and increase its temperature. However, this process cannot be sustained for long periods as these sources only produce heat temporarily and cannot maintain the body temperature at a constant level throughout the day. As such, it becomes necessary that your pet always has access to fresh drinking water at all times so as not to suffer from dehydration which can be fatal in most cases.
Water Assists the Body in Ridding Toxins
Dogs and cats both produce urea in their urine, which is toxic and must be flushed out from time to time through urination. Without enough water, this toxin builds up, causing various health problems, including kidney disease and urinary tract infections (UTIs). You should always ensure your pet has access to fresh water, especially during hot summer when activity levels increase significantly with outdoor activities like playing or walking long distances on hot asphalt roads.
Water Helps with Digestion
Dogs and cats need to eat meat to survive. Meat contains proteins and fats that are hard to digest if not processed correctly. A dog’s stomach secretes hydrochloric acid (HCL), which breaks down these large molecules into smaller ones that the small intestine can absorb. Without enough water, HCL cannot be produced, leading to digestion problems like bacterial overgrowth, constipation, and diarrhea.
Water Helps to Regulate Blood Pressure
When a dog or cat drinks water, their kidneys eliminate excess salt from their body through urine. This process keeps the blood pressure within normal limits and prevents dehydration from occurring too quickly. If your pet doesn’t drink enough water, its body will hold more sodium, which can cause hypertension or high blood pressure.
Heatstroke and Dehydration
Your pet’s body temperature rises, causing the brain to swell and can lead to heatstroke. If your pet does not receive treatment for heatstroke, it could die from organ damage or a heart attack. Water helps cool down the body and prevents dehydration.
Water Can Help Relieve Constipation
Many pets suffer from constipation due to dry food and lack of exercise in the summer. The best practice to stop this is to provide plenty of water for your pet throughout the day. You should also consider switching their diet from dry food to wet food, which has more moisture content than dry kibble.
This post will benefit you if you are looking to get a dog/cat as a pet animal. Many people tend to neglect the need for water for their dogs, but it is essential to provide them with water.