Water For Dogs

May 24

Definitely a widely known fact, water is essential for all living creatures. For most of us, water makes up 70 to 80% of our entire being. For our dogs, they can’t go without water for about 3 days (but we don’t recommend you test this theory). It is very important to keep your dog well hydrated at all times for their mental and physical state, but also to ward off any potential health issues due to dehydration. The rule of thumb is they need about 50 to 60ml of water for every kg they weigh. So for example, Kuro weighs nearly 9kg, so she requires about 450 to 540ml of water a day. That’s about 5 cups worth. In countries like Singapore, where it is more humid and warmer, this amount will increase as more moisture is lost through panting and sweating. By that logic, obviously, when you’re out and about, it’s best to ensure they have even more water.

For dogs, they need to have a good balance of water. Water leaves the dog through pee, poo, panting, sweating and salivating/drool. This must be equaled by water intake. They need to replenish their water reserves. For most dogs, they know to balance it themselves. If you’ve noticed, especially after an intense walk, if water is not provided while outdoors, the minute they are home, they rush to the water bowl and gulp down a fair bit. Even if they aren’t out and about, they would be seen drinking water every so often. Dehydration should never occur. One big telltale sign that they are dehydrated, is through their eyes. Tears would stop forming and their eyes would appear sunken in. A dog’s nose for the most part would be moist, especially when they are moving about, when the nose is dry, that’s not a good sign either. When your dog is lethargic and loses their appetite, that’s another potential telltale sign.

Benefits of a well hydrated dog or water for dogs:

Body Temperature
Dogs need water to help regulate their body temperature. Their primary way of maintaining a normal temperature is to pant. They don’t sweat like we do, but they sweat through their paws. Sometimes on a warm day, you might even notice that there are damp spots under their paws. This is from the limited sweating they do in fact participate in. However, when they pant their tongue almost doubles in size to speed up the evaporation of water, thus cooling off their body even faster. This is the most efficient way they remove heat from their body.
Digestion
Water helps dogs break down the food your dogs ingests and then aids in the absorption of those nutrients. Water also aids in the secretion of enzymes and the acid necessary to fully complete the digestive process. And the easier it is for a dog’s digestive system to function normally, the more healthy and active a dog is.
Indicator for Health
Not too little and not too much. A healthy dog is one that drinks just the right amount of water. The rule of thumb is they need about 50 to 60ml of water for every kg they weigh. If you notice your dog is drinking way more than this or way less, then this might be an indicator that something isn’t right with your dog. If this persists, you might want to consult your veterinarian.
Movement
Water lubricates and cushions joints, making movement and mobility possible without pain. Other internal organs and tissues also rely on water for their proper function, including the eyes, spinal cord, mucous membranes, and many other internal systems.
Nutrients, Waste & Toxins
Blood carries nutrients and oxygen throughout the body, thus feeding cells from a dog’s nose to its tail. A major component of blood is water. And it’s the water’s job to help move nutrients into and out of cells so every muscle and organ receives the proper nutrition. Water also helps remove waste from every cell once the nutrients have been utilized for their energy. And this waste, in the form of urination and bowel movements, is also aided by water so elimination can take place almost effortlessly.

Dog hydration is very important. It’s something to monitor closely and make sure an ample supply of clean, fresh water is available at all times. That said, we would like to share some dog bowls and water bottles for dogs we think are key to ensuring your dog is adequately hydrated at all times.