Dogs, just like us humans, are made up of nearly 80% water, so it’s no surprise that dehydration in dogs can be just as dangerous to them as it is to us.
When we think of dehydration in our dogs, our minds immediately turn to replenishing the water and electrolytes that they have lost, and it’s important that these are replaced as quickly as possible to prevent them coming to harm.
So how can we spot the signs of dehydration and how can we ensure our dog is getting enough fluids and electrolytes to stay healthy and happy, before dehydration sets in?
Why is hydration important?
Put simply, dogs require water to help their bodies work properly. Water is so important that essentially all bodily functions require it to remain healthy and operative. If your dog loses more water and electrolytes than they are taking in, they will begin to dehydrate, and their health will deteriorate. Dehydration in your dog can lead to kidney failure, unconsciousness, and even death in extreme cases!
How can I encourage my dog to drink more?
We all know water is king when it comes to hydration and that it should always be readily available. But sometimes our pets can be picky, and simply don’t want to drink enough or refuse to drink altogether!
An easy way of encouraging your dog to drink more is to scatter more drinking bowls around the house or garden so that it’s easy for them to reach, especially on hot days. Trying different types of bowls, such as ceramic, metal, or even a drinking fountain, is also a good idea.
One simple way is to simply add flavour! Offering an additional tasty treat such as bone broth or a carton of Furr Boost. Incorporating these additional supplementary drinks into your dog’s diet can also help replenish electrolytes and amino acids, not to mention vitamins and oils, which help contribute to overall health and good hydration.
How do I spot the signs of dehydration in my dog?
There are some warning signs to keep an eye out for to tell if your dog is dehydrated, particularly during the summer months! One of the main signs is the loss of elasticity in your pup’s skin. To test this, simply pull lightly on their skin. If it doesn’t return to its original position quickly, your dog is potentially experiencing dehydration.
Another warning of dehydration is xerostomia – the loss of moisture in your dog’s gums, causing them to become dry and sticky with thick, pasty saliva. Other visible signs include loss of appetite, panting, a dry nose, sunk eyes, and even collapsing in extreme cases.
What are electrolytes?
Electrolytes are minerals that naturally occur in both humans and dogs, and they are essential for proper health. Electrolytes are made up of sodium, chloride, and potassium, and they essentially facilitate the movement of nutrients into cells, aid in muscle function, and help regulate nerve activities.
How can I get more electrolytes into my dog’s diet?
To make sure your dog is getting enough electrolytes, you may be tempted to use an additive in their diets. However, these can often cause diarrhoea, particularly in dogs with sensitive tummies.
Instead, we recommend keeping your dog’s daily diet as normal as possible with their usual food and sneak those extra fluids in with a tasty treat supercharged with extra benefits, like Furr Boost, as it is 100% natural and contains human grade ingredients, vitamins and healthy oils. Available in three delicious flavours; beef, broccoli and blueberry; chicken, butternut squash and cranberry; and pork, sweet potato and apple; each carton contains everything you need to keep your dog healthy, happy and hydrated.
Serve as a smoothie for replenishing fluids after exercise, warmed up like a soup to entice dogs to take on much-needed fluids, or poured over dry kibble or wet food as a tasty topper, making it a great addition to encourage dogs who have lost their appetite to finish their meals. It can also be frozen onto licking mats or into pupsicle moulds to be served as a refreshing treat during warmer months, making hydration fun and tasty this summer!
Find out more and order a taster pack for £5.99 at www.furrboost.com
