Most dog owners pay close attention to what goes into their pet’s food bowl, carefully choosing nutritious meals, healthy treats and supplements to support their wellbeing. But experts warn that one of the most important aspects of canine health is often overlooked: hydration.
Just like humans, dogs rely on adequate fluid intake to keep their bodies functioning properly. Even mild dehydration can affect everything from mobility and digestion to behaviour, immunity and cognitive function. Yet many owners may not recognise the early warning signs until a problem develops.
In this guest essay, Rachel Bean RVN, one of the UK’s leading canine first aid experts, explains why hydration matters all year round, the signs that could indicate your dog is becoming dehydrated, and the simple steps owners can take to help keep their pets healthy, comfortable and thriving.
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We all want to do the best for our dog, and for many of us that includes our choice of well-researched healthy food, treats and supplements too.
But food is just a part of overall nutritional health, and many of us don’t consider good hydration as often as we consider the food that we are feeding our pups.
Dehydration is dangerous, and it is really important that we make sure that our dogs are getting the right amount of fluid each day, to ensure their overall health and mobility. Dehydration will impact the overall health, mobility and behaviour of your dog and will affect their immunity, digestion, skin and coat, gastrointestinal health, eyes and vision, and brain health and coordination.
The effects of dehydration can be seen in the following ways:
> Is your dog’s skin not as elastic as normal? Try gently pinching a loose area, does it stand up after you let go?
> Vomiting and or diarrhea can be a warning sign that you dog is not holding fluids
> Is your dog tired or lethargic? All dogs are different but a sudden marked change could you a sign of dehydration
> Is your pup off their food?
> Do their eyes look sunken or dry? This can be as a result of dehydration. Panting too is a symptom to look out for.
> Is your dog ordinarily a drooler? If no notice any changes in the thickness of the saliva this could be a warning sign
> Dry nose, your dog should have a moist nose
So what can we do about it, and how can we ensure that our dog is not only adequately hydrated, but thriving?
Some dogs drink are more inclined to drink more water than others. Some dogs are savvy and go to their bowl for a slurp of water before a walk, but for some it’s just not in their thought process at all!
For more fussy dogs there are ways to make hydration more fun, think smoothies which you can make at home or buy ready to serve from Furrboost. You could also try a bone broth which you can give warm, cold or even freeze into an ice cube.
It is also important to consider the weather. When it is warm, like us, dogs need to drink more, so always ensure you have a tempting drink on hand when you go out for warmer weather walks.
We also need to think about the things that can help our dog remain hydrated for longer, and those things are of course found in nutrition!
Here are some key ingredients to look out for which can benefit your dog and keep them hydrated and happy:
Flaxseed: This gives an amazing boost to the digestive tract, and helps pups to manage their digestive cycle, preventing bouts of sickness and diarrhoea and keeping their stools regular.
Omega Oil: This fishy oil is not only great for keeping your dog’s insides healthy and hydrated, but is also a wonder for joints and mobility!
Sea Kelp: For a beautiful glossy hydrated coat, and this wonder supplement doubles down on the mobility benefits of the omega oils.
Beta Glucan: An immune booster, beta glucan is crucial for maintaining health and as. complex carbohydrate helps to balance your pup’s immune system protecting them from outside nasties.
Vitamin C: Dogs do create their own supply of vitamin c in their livers (clever things!) but adding a small amount can help prevent any itchy symptoms, and help with general health.
And finally, don’t forget that dehydration can strike all year round. This is not just a summer issue. So I know knowing these signs to spot helps you to make informed decisions, and get advice from a vet if you suspect your dog is suffering.
To find out more about Rachel Bean go to www.rachelbean.co.uk
