Water - It's As Important As Food! Many
pet owners put a tremendous amount of effort and thought into selecting
just the right pet food for their cat or dog. They want the very
best for their animal friend. At the same time, they may never have
even considered how important adequate, clean water is to their
pets' health.
Just
as with humans, water is an essential element for life. Water makes
up eighty percent of the body. It is the basis for nearly all of
the body's activities, from digestion and elimination to blood circulation
and temperature regulation. When there is a lack of body water (dehydration)
serious damage to vital organs can occur, including kidney and heart
distress.
Providing
water is simple. Put fresh water out every day in a clean bowl.
Most healthy animals that have access to clean water will drink
what they need. Pets fed dry foods need more fluids than those who
eat canned foods which contain a higher moisture content.
The
operative thought is "fresh water in a clean bowl." Be
sure to wash your pet's water bowl daily with dish soap and water.
Bacteria that you cannot see or smell can live in unwashed bowls.
These germs can cause the water to have a funny taste that can deter
your pet's enthusiasm for drinking. Worse, some can even make your
pet sick. So, cleanliness is important. Stainless steel bowls are
ideal for use with pets since they can truly be germ free.
To
address the fresh water issue, today many pet owners are turning
to indoor pet fountains. Cats in particular are picky about water
quality. Pet fountains have special filters that keep water fresh.
The flowing fountain water encourages finicky felines to drink.
These small fountains also work well for small dogs.
It's
not pleasant to think about, but keep in mind that many dogs and
cats perceive the toilet as a big water fountain. They really should
not drink from the commode. Bacteria that may be present in the
water can make your pet sick. In addition, drop-in cleaners and
other chemicals can be harmful, even toxic. With smaller dogs and
cats, there's also the danger of accidental drowning from falling
into the tank. So, generally speaking, the toilet should be off
limits to pets when it comes to water. Put the lid down.
Pets
that are left home alone can knock over free-standing water bowls
and be left without enough to drink. Be sure to use a bowl with
a wide, weighted bottom. You may also want to have more than one
bowl in the house, perhaps one in the kitchen and another in the
bathroom. The bathroom water bowl can be important if your pet is
accustomed to drinking from the commode and you're trying to break
that habit.
Outdoor
dogs, especially in the hot summer months, need extra water to help
their bodies deal with the heat. Water left in bowls outside can
evaporate quickly, so be sure to check outdoor water bowls a few
times a day.
If
you and your dog are into outdoor exercise or long walks, your pet
may need additional water. Take extra water and a collapsible travel
bowl with you when you're out for an excursion.
If,
despite your best efforts, you find your pet showing signs of dehydration:
depression, sunken eyes, dry gums, etc., take your friend to your
veterinarian immediately. Your vet can administer intravenous fluids
and help speed your pet back to health. |