If you have ever wondered about The Importance of Water in a dog’s diet, you have come to the right place! Freshwater is essential to your dog’s survival and is vital for maintaining a normal body temperature. In addition, it helps move nutrients and release waste and toxins. Water is one of the most important nutrients in a dog’s diet! Read on to learn more about this vital nutrient!
A dog’s digestive system is very dependent on the water she/he consumes. Water breaks down food in a dog’s stomach making it easier to dissolve and absorb nutrients. It also helps the body secrete enzymes and acid to facilitate the digestive process.
The Importance of Water in a Dog’s Diet
The Importance of Water in a Canine Diet can’t be overstated. Dogs lose water through their respiration, stools and urine. So, in order to avoid dehydration, they must replace the water they lose with fresh, clean water every day. A dog’s daily water requirement depends on several factors, including the size of the dog, the type of food it eats, age and weather. A 70-pound Labrador retriever, for example, should drink 35 to 70 ounces of water or 4.5 to nine cups of water per day.
During cold weather, dogs may become dehydrated, especially if they exercise. Adding ice cubes to their water bowls after exercise is a great way to keep their water bowels from freezing. It also prevents bloating. Adding water to your dog’s diet will also influence the amount of water it drinks. For example, dry dog food contains only 10% of water, while canned or wet food contains up to 80%. Therefore, a dog on an exclusively dry diet will need more water than one fed with a mix of wet and dry food.
Water plays a vital role in almost every bodily process. It helps digest food, transport nutrients to the cells, and clear waste from the body. Water helps regulate body temperature, lubricates joints, and cushions the brain. It also helps the dog breathe. It removes toxins and keeps the dog hydrated. When water is not present in the body, your dog will pant and suffer the consequences.
Keeps Dogs from Dehydrating
One of the easiest ways to tell if your dog is dehydrated is to check their gums. A dehydrated dog’s gums are white and dull. A well-hydrated dog’s gums are pink, turn white when pressed, and quickly return to normal. A dehydrated dog’s gums stay white for longer and return to pink more slowly. To determine if your dog is dehydrated, simply press its gums and wait until they return to normal.
Another sign of dehydration in dogs is loose skin. Gently lift a small piece of skin on the dog’s back and feel for elasticity. A dog that is well- hydrated will spring back into place instantly. A dehydrated dog’s skin will be spongy and remain in that position longer. If you notice these changes, you should immediately get your dog a dose of water. And, you can also check your dog’s gums for elasticity.
Your dog’s water needs increase during hot weather, dry environments, and heavy exercise. Always keep a water bowl near the dog’s bowl and monitor your dog’s activity level. It’s a good idea to limit time outside when it’s warm. A dog’s water bowl should be checked every two to three hours. If you’re unsure, consult your veterinarian for further guidance. The vet will be able to prescribe the best rehydration method for your dog’s individual needs.
Maintains Normal Body Temperature
Keeping the body temperature of your dog at a healthy level is crucial for the proper function of its vital organs. Proper hydration ensures that the entire body is well-hydrated and the body temperature remains stable, reducing the risk of contracting various diseases. Your dog is 60% water and seventy percent air, so it’s vital to keep it well-hydrated. A healthy dog’s body temperature will fluctuate by only one or two degrees, depending on the environment, time of day and the level of activity.
Although dogs have a lower body temperature than humans, their average core body temperature is ten1.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Their body temperature varies according to their size and breed, but their normal core temperature is around 101 degrees Fahrenheit. This is due to their internal mechanisms that regulate body temperature. Moreover, dogs sweat, and have a faster metabolism than humans. The ability to sweat will help your dog remain cool when the weather is hotter.
To make sure your dog is comfortable, record their temperature at different times throughout the day. Remember that dog body temperature can vary based on their mood, so it’s important to take multiple readings of the temperature of your dog. Some people believe that fever is accompanied by a runny nose. However, that is a common misconception. Taking a temperature of your dog can prevent a potentially deadly condition called heat stroke.
Helps Move Nutrients and Release Waste and Toxins
Toxins are substances that can build up in a dog’s body and cause many health problems. Some are created by metabolic processes and others are produced by microbial activity. Yeast and bacteria are the most common culprits when it comes to producing toxins in a dog’s body. Toxins also cause indigestion, digestive problems, and allergic reactions.
Digestion is Aided
Besides being a source of important minerals and vitamins for humans, water also plays an important role in your dog’s digestive health. Water helps break down food and aids in the secretion of digestive enzymes and acids. A dog’s digestive tract will function optimally if it has enough water in its diet. If you notice your dog not eliminating regularly, he may be dehydrated.
A healthy digestive tract contains every neurotransmitter in the human brain. The contents of a meal control the digestive activity of the digestive tract. When an animal is in perfect health, it has an inner environment that encourages complete digestion. However, commercially prepared and highly processed food can cause disruptions in this process. Drugs can also alter the digestive process. And in severe cases, stress can alter digestive patterns and result in diarrhea and vomiting.
The digestive tract in animals works through a complex series of biodynamic systems. Food reaches the small intestine, which is a thick, muscular organ that can store the food long enough for it to be mixed with gastric juices. These mucus-based juices contain proteins called pepsin, which break down food and aid in the absorption of nutrients. This process is essential for the health of your dog, and it is not possible to get enough water without it.
An Indication of Health
Water consumption is an important health indicator for dogs. Approximately 25 to 50 ml per kg of body weight per day is required to maintain normal health. However, water consumption also depends on the type of food eaten and how much water is lost from panting and exercise. Water consumption over 100 ml per kg per day is considered polydipsia. In addition to excessive drinking, some pets have abnormally high urine production, or polyuria.
Interestingly, water intake is not only an indicator of health but also an indicator of illness. Excessive water intake in dogs is often a symptom of underlying illness, like parvovirus or leptospirosis. Similarly, dogs with bladder infections, diabetes, and metabolic problems may drink excessively. Water intake in dogs varies depending on age, breed, activity level, and weather.
In healthy dogs, water intake corresponds to 1.0 mL of water per kcal of ME. Although this ratio is not reported easily, it can be estimated based on the calorie intake. However, this ratio may vary greatly from individual to individual, as it is difficult to measure it for all breeds and lifestyles. Some exceptions to this rule include dogs in cold climates or active dogs.
A large reason for the amount of dog food recalls that take place, the reason why a dog food recall even happens, is due to the water that is used in the dog food. The main ingredient should be the quality and type of meat provided in the dog food. The second ingredient should be vegetables or fruit. Water should be number three on the list.