BarkWiki Announces National Pet Hydration Awareness Month

July is National Pet Hydration Awareness Month—a month dedicated to educating pet owners about the importance of pet hydration. PetSafe (the sponsor of the month) chose the month of July as it is typically one of the hottest months of the year and a time when pet owners should be especially aware of how much water their pets are drinking.

“Many pet owners do not realize that their pet’s body is 80% water,” said Adrienne Jade, owner of BarkWiki. “By comparison, the human body is made up of only 55% to 60% water. This means that dogs have greater water intake needs than people.”

The general rule of thumb is that dogs and cats need one ounce of water per pound of bodyweight. For example, this means that a dog weighing 40 pounds needs the equivalent of 5, 8-ounce glasses of water. However, many pets do not have access to enough water, especially during months with extremely hot temperatures.

Signs of dehydration in dogs and puppies include decreased or loss of appetite, lethargy, panting, sunken or dry-looking eyes, dry noses or gums, and a loss of skin elasticity.

One of the easiest and most reliable ways to check for dehydration in dogs is to perform a skin elasticity test. This involves gently pinching a loose fold of skin on the back of the dog’s neck or between the shoulder blades and releasing the skin. If the skin snaps back into place quickly, the dog is properly hydrated. If the skin slowly returns to place, the dog should be taken to a veterinarian to be checked for dehydration.

By contrast, some dogs get too much water, usually when engaging in water activities such as swimming. In these cases, dogs may experience water intoxication (also known as hyponatremia). Although fairly rare, water intoxication can occur if a dog ingests large quantities of water while splashing or swimming for an extended period.

Signs of water intoxication include coordination problems, bloating, lethargy, vomiting, glazed eyes, excess salivation, and breathing issues. In extreme cases, dogs may experience seizures or fall into a coma. In addition, if a dog consumes too much salty water (such as when playing in the water at the beach), sodium levels may become dangerously high. This condition is called hypernatremia.

To encourage proper hydration, pet owners should ensure that pets receive an adequate supply of fresh water every day. If possible, place a water bowl both inside and outside in locations where the dog spends most of its time. It is also important to clean water bowls every day to prevent bacteria from growing. If a dog seems reluctant to drink, consider purchasing a pet fountain, which keeps water moving and circulating. Finally, adding wet food or raw fruits and vegetables to a dog’s diet will help to increase water intake.

During the summer months, dog owners should be especially vigilant in monitoring their pets’ water consumption, especially if the dog has engaged in physical activity. Providing water before, during, and after outside activities such as walks is also important.

BarkWiki is dedicated to providing educational information about different dog breeds and health issues. BarkWiki invites its users to share cute dog photos of their canine companions and describe dog rescue and adoption success stories. The site also sponsors regular giveaways, including one that donates $1,000 to the animal shelter of the winner’s choosing. As advocates of rescue and adoption, they also recommend getting a dog from a no-kill shelter to save a dog’s life.