All we want is goodness for our furry animals as responsible pet owners. We make sure that they get healthy food, engage in physical activities and receive abundant love and care. Yet there is something we are failing to remember: it’s important that we take good care of our dogs in terms of providing them with proper water supply. As with humans, dogs need a proper quantity of water for their overall health. Actually; water is fundamental for their body performance and contributes significantly towards their overall wellbeing.
To start with, it facilitates regulation of body temperatures. Panting in dogs leads to loss of water as a method of regulating body temperature. They can easily develop dehydration, which would subsequently lead to things like heatstroke and other related illness. This is especially important in hot summer periods or when exercising intensely because dogs can easily get overheated and dehydrated without constant access to clean water.
Additionally, it plays a role in digestion and nutrients absorption. Proper breaking down of food and efficient absorption of nutrients depends on adequate hydration. In case there is not enough water, your dog will start having problems with his/her digestion – constipation and an upset stomach. In addition, it enables excretion of waste or toxic substances out of their bodies, thereby promoting good digestive health, as well as offering protection against common urinary tract infections that may be experienced.
Proper hydration also keeps your dogs’ joints and muscles in good shape. Water is a lube that ensures they have flexible joints with least chances of developing anemia or any other joint problem. Furthermore, this helps muscles to move flexibly or comfortably. Dogs without enough water could get muscle cramped or become stiff on some occasions which might cause pain preventing free movement.
It is important in as much as it keeps one’s hair in good condition. This helps to moisturize their skin therefore eliminating the occurrence of dryness, flakiness and itchiness. The dogs’ coats should also be shiny and lustrous which is an indication of perfect all round health. However, severe cases of dehydration can result into having a pet with dried skin, dry fur and lots of shedding that is not only uncomfortable but also looks so bad.
Apart from physical health, adequate hydration is necessary for dog’s psychological welfare. This condition can make them lethargic, drain energy and fatigue causing mood swings with adverse effects on behaviour. When your dog is adequately hydrated, it will likely be a lot more lively, active and cheerful. This could make every day routine much more fun for both of you.
Therefore, what measures should be taken to keep your dog well hydrated? The simplest way of achieving this would be to ensure an unlimited supply of clean and fresh water for them at all times. Make certain that you replace the water in their bowl periodically and observe their daily water level. For example, if your canine refuses to take in enough water, you may consider giving them a sip of a water-flavoring created for pets or low-sodium broth. Also, you may want to switch to wet food or add more watery vegetables and fruits to their meals like watermelon and cucumber.
Finally, ensuring that your dog has adequate hydration is critical in promoting their general health and welfare. This includes keeping your body temperature in check, supporting joints and muscles, promoting healthy skin and coat, and enhancing mental well-being. Giving your pet fresh drinking water all the time is one way of improving its happy and healthy existence.
