Keeping your pet properly hydrated is important all year round, but especially during dog days in the summer when pets tend to get hot.
Dehydration in dogs and cats can progress quickly and put your pet at risk of heat stroke during the hot, humid New Jersey summers. Keep reading for tips from our team on how much water cats need versus how much water dogs need.
basic rule of thumb
Providing plenty of clean drinking water and washing your pet’s bowl daily are very important for maintaining optimal health. But how much water does your pet really need?
Several factors can affect how much water your cat needs and how much your dog needs each day, including your pet’s activity level and whether they eat wet food. But in general, dogs should drink 1 ounce of water for every pound of body weight daily, while cats should drink 3.5 to 4.5 ounces of water for every 5 pounds of body weight.
Dehydration in dogs and cats
If your pet doesn’t get enough water, it can get sick very quickly. Your pet’s safety and health depend on us, so always carry clean drinking water (a travel bowl if needed) and take regular shade breaks when enjoying summer activities. please.
In some cases, you may need to encourage your cat to drink more water as well. Pet fountains can encourage your cat to drink more water, similar to adding a little tuna juice or low-sodium chicken broth to your cat’s water (although these additives are not recommended for pets). Do not enter the fountain). Switching to a wet food diet (adding more water) is another way to increase your cat’s fluid intake.
Give your pet water immediately and contact us for further instructions if your dog or cat shows any of the following signs of dehydration:
- dry and pale gums
- excessive gasping
- sunken eye socket
- lethargy/weakness/loss of coordination
What should I do if my dog is always thirsty?
Too much can be a concern when it comes to how much water your pet drinks. If your dog is always thirsty or your cat is drinking too much water, let us know. Drinking and urinating more than usual is a sign of certain medical conditions, such as:
- Kidney disease (usually accompanied by decreased appetite and weight loss)
- Diabetes (most commonly diagnosed in obese pets)
- Hyperthyroidism (with significant weight loss despite increased appetite)
If you suspect your cat is drinking too much water, or if your dog is constantly thirsty, a thorough examination along with blood and urine tests should be done to identify your pet’s excessive thirst. Determine the cause.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your pet’s hydration, feel free to contact us. We can help!
Tags: cats drink more water, cats drink too much water, dehydration in dogs and cats, dogs are always thirsty, how much water cats need