You’re diligent when it comes to your pet’s calorie intake. But do you know if your four-legged friend is drinking enough water? Dehydration is linked to a number of health conditions, so it’s best not to assume.
Signs of Dehydration in Pets
An animal who maintains a healthy hydration level is much less likely to stress the urinary system, which in turn helps to prevent kidney stones, urinary bladder stones and kidney disease, says Dr. Hyunmin Kim, veterinary staff manager at the ASPCA.
Cats and dogs are made of cells, Kim explains, and cells are 70 percent water. “Cellular processes require adequate hydration to function normally,” she says. “Extended periods of dehydration hamper normal cellular activity and could potentially cause increased rate of cell death.”
Common signs of dehydration include lethargy, weakness, difficulty walking, poor appetite and tacky or sticky gums and tongue.
How Much Water Does Your Pet Need?
Cats and dogs should typically drink between one to two ounces of water per pound, per day, says Kim. This is a rough estimate, however.
“Body surface area is a significant factor for hydration needs, and our pets come in quite a variety of sizes,” she says. “Smaller dogs and cats require closer to two ounces per pound and larger dogs closer to one ounce per pound.”
While dehydration can result in health consequences, over-hydrating isn’t beneficial. “Maintaining adequate hydration is essential to health, but increasing water intake beyond that is less likely to help,” says Kim.
Medical Conditions and Water Intake
Numerous conditions can prompt excessive thirst, says Dr. Susan Jeffrey, a veterinarian at Truesdell Animal Care Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin. “It's tricky because some of these conditions result in fluid loss and that results in increased fluid intake,” she says. “Alternatively, there are also conditions that cause more fluid consumption.”
Some of these conditions include diabetes, renal disease, Cushing's disease, liver disease, hyperthyroidism, certain types of cancer and excessive growth hormone.
Cats typically maintain a mildly dehydrated state, says Kim. “This has a questionable association with the higher percentage of cats dealing with kidney disease in their later years than other species.”
How to Encourage Water Intake
Most pets drink adequate amounts of water. However, it’s helpful to have a baseline for your individual animal. “It is well worth getting a feel for what your pet drinks in a typical day while in good health,” Kim says.
If you suspect your pet is not drinking enough water, consult with your veterinarian. In some cases, you may have to coax your pet to drink.
Some animals are attracted to running water, so a pet water fountain is one option, says Kim. “Cats, in particular, are intrigued by these and will sometimes actively drink more water when given the opportunity,” she says.
Feeding a moist diet will also help increase hydration in pets. So transitioning from a dry diet to a moist diet will likely help in keeping your pet hydrated in addition to water intake.