There is no doubt that water is vital to life, one that all beings need to survive and become healthy. As paw-parents who want nothing but the best for your canine buddies, it's not a surprise that your pooch needs to stay as hydrated as humans like you.
As an owner, you have the responsibility to make sure your puppy gets enough water, especially when it comes to walks. A dog's body needs at least one ounce of water for every ten pounds of weight. So, a 50-pound dog would need five ounces of water per day. But how do you know if your fur baby is getting enough water?
6 Tell-Tale Signs Your Dog is Dehydrated
Sign #1: Loss of Appetite
Dogs that are dehydrated don't have an appetite, and so they will stop drinking water. If your dog only eats his meal and leaves the rest, then there is a possibility that he needs more fluids in his body.
Sign #2: Dry, Crusty Fur
A dog's skin and coat will both tell you if he's dehydrated. When the fur is dry and crusty, it can mean the dog is not hydrating enough. In the end, a dehydrated dog's skin will crack, causing a whitish-gray appearance for the fur.
Sign #3: Excessive Panting
To cool itself down, a dog does panting. But when the panting is excessive, it is a red flag that indicates he is too hot, which can be due to hyperthermia. If your dog has excessive panting, you should make sure he is not overheated, get him out of the sun immediately, and provide enough water to freshen him up.
Sign #4: Loss of Energy
A dog that is dehydrated will be lethargic and cause him to have no energy. Sometimes, the color of a dog's gums and tongue can be a telltale sign of a dehydrated dog as well. If the gums and tongue are pale, it can be a sign that your dog needs some much-needed water. If the gums and tongue are pink, the dog is okay, but if they are dark red-pink, it can also be due to dehydration.
Sign #5: Constant Thirst
Thirst is a dog's natural response when they are dehydrated. But, this only happens when they are not drinking enough water. So, if you notice your dog drinking a whole lot of water in a day, it's a great sign that your dog is not getting enough fluids.
Sign #6: The 'Drip'
Do you have a drip in the corner of your bathroom floor? If so, then it's time you start worrying about your dog's health. The 'drip' is usually caused when your dog pees on the floor. This signifies that the dog is not getting enough water.
What's more, a dog's urinary tract consists of a small amount of water, and if there is not enough water in the dog, the urine will be more concentrated, which will make it more like a syrup-like substance, resulting in a dog with poor bladder control.
The Bottom Line: The Importance of Keeping Your Dog Well-Hydrated
When it comes to dogs, it's hard to tell if they are dehydrated or not. Sometimes, they will show tiredness and lose energy, which is not something that will grab your attention. If you want to be sure that your dog is well-hydrated, you can take a look at the tips above and monitor his daily activities.
Keep in mind that the dog only needs a comfortable amount of water, so don't do the opposite and force them to drink too much at once!
How Can We Help You?
If you're looking for a holistic pet store for your furry pets, check out Wags to Wiskers. We are a community-based pet supplies store that offers natural, holistic pet foods and products for dogs and cats. Do you want to switch up your furry loved one's routine with a more holistic approach? Check out our products today!