Water is the simplest wellness tool you have, and warm weather makes it more important. Pets lose fluid through panting, drooling and paw-pad sweat, and an active day outside increases those losses. Most healthy pets regulate their drinking well when water is easy to reach. Your job is to make it easy, appealing and always available.
Set up the home for easy drinking
- Place more than one water bowl around the house, especially in a multi-pet home.
- Wash bowls daily. A film can build up quickly in warm weather.
- Refill with fresh, cool water at least once or twice a day.
- Keep bowls out of direct sun so the water does not warm up.
- Choose bowls that suit your pet, such as wide, shallow dishes for cats who dislike their whiskers touching the sides.
Some pets drink more from moving water. A pet water fountain can encourage them, but it needs regular cleaning and filter changes to stay hygienic.
Water on the go
For walks, hikes and car trips, bring water and a collapsible bowl or a bottle with a built-in dish. Offer small drinks often rather than one large drink at the end. Discourage your dog from drinking from puddles, ponds, streams and the ocean. Standing water can carry parasites, bacteria, chemicals or harmful algae, and salt water can make dogs sick.
Food matters too
Pets also get water from food. Wet food contains far more moisture than dry kibble, which is one reason some veterinarians suggest it for cats that do not drink much. If you are considering changing your pet’s diet, talk to your veterinarian first, especially if your pet has a health condition. Any diet change is best made gradually.
Frozen treats are a popular summer idea. If you make them at home, keep them plain and pet-safe, and check with your vet about ingredients. Avoid anything containing xylitol, grapes, onions, chocolate or other foods that are toxic to pets.
Notice changes in drinking
It helps to have a rough sense of how often you refill the bowl in a normal week. Pets naturally drink a bit more in hot weather and after exercise. But a noticeable, lasting increase in thirst, especially along with more frequent urination, can be a sign of health problems such as kidney disease or diabetes. A pet that suddenly drinks much less, or refuses water, can also be unwell. Either change is worth a call to your veterinarian.
Signs of dehydration
Possible signs include dry or sticky gums, thick saliva, sunken eyes, lethargy and loss of appetite. Your veterinarian can show you how to check your pet’s gums and skin as part of a quick at-home check, but these are rough guides only. If you suspect dehydration, especially alongside vomiting, diarrhea or heat exposure, contact your veterinarian promptly. Pets can become seriously ill from dehydration, and they may need fluids given at the clinic.
