Good hydration is the foundation of wellness

We hear about hydration all the time. Those Gatorade commercials have been seared into my brain – a montage of athletes pushing themselves to the brink, sweating up a storm, and taking a big swig from a bottle as if it literally gives them life. Seems dramatic but as it turns out, that’s not far from the truth. Hydration is critically important to survival for us and our animal friends.

Humans should drink about half of our body weight in ounces of water, whereas dogs need approximately 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight daily, and cats require about 3.5-4.5 ounces per 5 pounds of body weight. Think of this as your starting point because every companion’s needs are unique, and these needs increase with activity, illness, dry food diets, and heat. 

During the hotter months of the year it’s especially important to monitor your pet’s hydration because, unlike us, they don’t sweat it off and they can’t speak for themselves. They’re covered in fur (or hair, or feathers) so they can’t disrobe, and that’s a fact humans often take for granted. So, it’s on us to make sure they don’t overheat because the consequences can be dire.

Very young pets, old pets and those in poor health are especially prone to dehydration that can lead to organ failure and death. And we just can’t have that.

Cats have a naturally low thirst drive inherited from their desert ancestors, making them more prone to chronic dehydration. Dogs are generally better at self-regulating, but they still face hydration challenges, especially working dogs and seniors.

The skin tent test is your best friend when checking your pet’s hydration: gently pinch the skin on the back of the neck; it should snap back immediately when released. Sticky gums, sunken eyes, or lethargy also indicate dehydration.

Urine Monitoring: Pale yellow urine indicates good hydration, while dark yellow suggests dehydration. Cats should urinate at least twice daily, dogs more frequently. Changes in urination patterns often signal hydration issues before other symptoms appear.

Pet Hydration Considerations:

Senior Companions – They Need Extra Attention: Older animals may need more accessible water sources and frequent monitoring. Kidney function naturally declines with age, making hydration more critical. Small accommodations can make a big difference in their quality of life.

Medical Conditions: Companions with kidney disease, diabetes, or other conditions may have altered water needs. Work closely with your veterinary team to establish appropriate hydration protocols. This is where collaboration between nutrition and medical care really matters.

Travel and Routine Changes: Maintain hydration during travel with portable bowls and familiar water when possible. Disruptions in routine can affect drinking patterns – plan ahead and be patient with adjustments.

Stress Reduction – The Often Overlooked Factor: Stress can significantly affect drinking habits. Ensure water sources are in quiet, accessible locations away from food and litter boxes. Some pets won’t drink near their food – this is normal behavior, not pickiness.

How to Improve Pet Hydration:

Electrolyte Balance: Natural electrolyte solutions can be made with small amounts of sea salt and honey in water for dogs (never give honey to puppies under one year – their digestive systems can’t handle it safely). For cats, plain water or veterinary electrolyte solutions are safer choices.

Water Station Optimization – Small Changes, Big Results: Multiple water bowls throughout your home at different heights and locations can dramatically increase consumption. Many cats prefer elevated bowls, while some dogs like floor-level options. Also, change water daily and clean bowls regularly – this might seem obvious, but it makes a real difference. Some pets prefer running water, so pet fountains can encourage drinking. The sound and movement of flowing water often attracts reluctant drinkers, especially cats.

Wet Food Integration – The Game Changer: Incorporating wet food significantly boosts hydration. Even mixing a small amount of wet food into dry kibble helps. For cats especially, wet food can provide up to 70% of their daily water needs. This is one of the most impactful changes you can make.

Food Additions That Work: Add low-sodium bone broth, goat milk, or plain water to dry food. Freeze-dried foods can be rehydrated with extra water. Some pets enjoy ice cubes made from bone broth as treats – it’s enrichment and hydration combined.

Herbal Support: Certain herbs like dandelion leaf (in appropriate doses) can support kidney function and encourage drinking. Always consult a veterinary herbalist before introducing herbs – what’s natural isn’t always safe for every companion.

When basic strategies aren’t enough, modern hydration supplements offer targeted support. Here’s how to choose what’s right for your companion:

• Most Comprehensive Recovery Support: OC Raw’s Hydrolyfe offers the broadest spectrum of recovery nutrients beyond basic hydration. It combines amino acids, antioxidants, probiotics, and vitamins for complete physiological support. Think of it as recovery nutrition that happens to enhance hydration, rather than just a hydration booster.
• Best for Crisis Management: HydrADE’s appetite-stimulating properties excel during illness recovery periods, making it ideal for companions experiencing stress, diarrhea, or vomiting episodes. When your pet won’t eat or drink normally, this can be a bridge back to wellness.
• Best for Athletic Performance: Annamaet Glycocharge provides scientifically proven glycogen replenishment for working dogs. Research shows 97% recovery of pre-exercise energy levels within 24 hours. If your companion is truly athletic, this is worth considering.

Signs of dehydration include: Sunken eyes, dry gums, dry nose, lethargy, excessive panting, loss of appetite, vomiting, skin elasticity decrease, dark urine

Always monitor and assess hydration status regularly, especially in senior pets and those with medical conditions. Small changes often make meaningful differences – start where you are, use what you have, and do what you can.

Small mammals like guinea pigs and rabbits and even some rats live indoors with us as pets, but their wild counterparts are subjected to extreme temperatures each summer. And then there are the birds and the bees. As different as they are from mammals, they still need water. So be a low key hero and leave a bowl of water out for whatever may pass by.