The health benefits of water for dogs

Hurricane Katrina not only saw the survival spirit of humans, but also showed the resilience and survival instincts of animals, especially the dogs that pet owners left behind during the mass evacuation. News of rescuers finding skinny dogs stranded for several weeks on rooftops surprised many people, especially animal lovers. How did these dogs survive the daily struggle without food? The water was the only thing that kept them alive.

Veterinarians explain that water is an important part of a dog’s nutritional needs. Three-quarters or 70% of the dog’s anatomical makeup is water. A month without eating will cause the dog to lose fat and muscles. The dog can still live without protein or fat. But if you lose even a tenth of the water in your body, you will surely die.

Veterinarians suggest that for an adult dog to survive, it needs a minimum of 2 milliliters of water per day per pound of weight. 2 milliliters is about two fifths or 40% of a teaspoon of water. Therefore, if your dog weighs 10 pounds, he should drink at least 20 ml of water. However, that is only the bare minimum. Keep in mind that only 2 ml is enough for the dog to produce urine. Once you lose those precious 2ml, your chances of living are slim.

The key here is to give your dog an unlimited supply of water so that he can drink more than the minimum 2 ml per pound required. If you always give him a bowl full of cool water, it will provide more than enough liquid for the dog’s body. However, some pet owners overlook this part. They just let their pets find their way to a water source, which is completely wrong. Not only will this dehydrate the dog, but it will also put him at risk of drinking contaminated water.

Adequate water provides the dog with a handful of nutritional and health benefits. First, it helps digest and absorb nutrients. It is also a catalyst for converting food into energy. Maintains the dog’s body temperature. And when taken regularly, it replaces fluid lost during excretion or sweating. Water allows your pet to get rid of toxins in the cells. And since the dog’s blood level is acidic, they need water to neutralize it.

Just as humans need enough water to live, your dog also needs the same amount of fluid. Don’t take this topic of water nutrition lightly. Water has many health benefits for your dog. Just make sure you give her fresh, clean water at all times.