10 Hydration Tips for Cats and Dogs
Some cats act like camels who purr. Many are not big water drinkers. And some dogs also need to be led to the water bowl. But water keeps the organs and body systems hydrated for our pets. It also ushers out body waste, regulates body temperature and acts as a lubricant for joints.
Make it stand out
Quick Stat: A 10 -pound cat or dog needs to drink 7 to 10 ounces a day to keep skin and organs hydrated.
That’s why I put together this list of 10 tips and tricks to get your pet to drink up. Read on!
Elevate water bowls. Older pets are likely to have osteoarthritis and are not able to easily put a lot of weight on their forelimbs. Avoid them having to strain on their front legs as they would lean over a bowl on the floor.
Dish up canned food because of its high water content. Canned food contains 70-80 percent water.
Bring on the broth. Buy or make bone broth but skip any onions, salt or other seasonings. Bone broth boosts the immune system, aids in digestion, bolsters the flavor of the kibble, supports the musculoskeletal system, offers a yummy way to stay hydrated.
Pour water in wide bowls. Cats especially rely on their whiskers as sensory organs to alert them to what is around them. Cats do not like the feel of their whiskers being scrunched when trying to drink from a narrow bowl. Same goes for your canine pals.
Pay attention to the water bowl’s location. Cats are fussy and do not like their water bowl next to their food bowl. Reason? Cats are hunters and because they eat what they kill, they try not to eat where water sources are for fear of contamination.
Disguise the water in something yummy. Try boiling chicken breasts in water to give as treats. The chicken water delivers needed hydration and a nutrition boost.
Clean the water bowls. Consider ones made from ceramic, stainless steel, glass or stoneware bowls that clean easily and do not retain odors. Avoid plastic bowls and replace any bowl with scratches or nicks.
Select drinking fountains with your pet’s – and your level of commitment – in mind. Cats and dogs hear far better than we do. If you can hear the pet drinking fountain, then the sound is like screaming at your pets and will cause some to avoid the fountain. Select fountains that can be easily cleaned in a dishwasher to avoid mold or mildew. Pick one with washable filters. Otherwise, you have to keep on a schedule to regularly replace the filters to keep the water clean. Place pet water fountain in your pet’s favorite hangout area in the house
Introduce a novel liquid. Some pets really like bottled clam juice. Or try water-based tuna. Put the water from a can of tuna mixed with purified bottled water in a sealed container in the refrigerator.
Up the appeal of a catio or petio. Place a fresh bowl of water in your enclosed catio or petio every day. It can entice an indoor cat or dog to drink while he safely gets to look, listen and smell the great outdoors.
Final Tip:
Show your cat and dog how much you care for them by enrolling in one of our Pet First Aid 4U classes. We offer three options for you to earn veterinarian-approved two-year certificates in our pet first aid/CPR programs:
In-person classes primarily aimed at pet professionals and first responders.
Interactive via ZOOM classes offered monthly and on demand
Self-paced online classes for those wishing to learn anytime, anywhere.
Pick the best option for you and sign up today!
About the Author:
Arden Moore, founder of Pet First Aid 4 U, is a Master Pet First Aid/CPR Instructor who teaches veterinarian-approved, hands-on safety courses alongside her teaching team of Kona (dog) and Casey (cat). Known as “The Pet First Aid & Safety Coach,” Arden is also a nationally recognized behavior consultant, bestselling author of over 25 pet books, and the award-winning host of the “Oh Behave!” podcast. A Fear Free Certified Professional, she brings decades of pet expertise to all her endeavors — with a mission to help pets live safer, longer and healthier lives.
