6 Tips to Prevent Dehydration in Dogs and Cats

Summer’s warmth can encourage your dog or cat to be more active. But hotter temps and higher activity levels can also cause your pet to lose more body fluid, leading to a greater risk of dehydration in dogs or cats. And that can be dangerous, potentially leading to organ damage and even death. But a few simple steps can help your dog or cat stay safely hydrated, so you can both enjoy that summer sunshine!

How to hydrate a dog or cat

1. Keep plenty of clean water available at all times. As a general guideline, dogs and cats need about one ounce of water for every pound of body weight per day.
2. Clean water bowls and replace water daily, don’t simply top off what’s left. Bacteria can build up in the bowl, and that can discourage your pet from drinking.
3. Bring water on road trips, hikes or other high-energy or prolonged outings so your pet can stay hydrated away from home.
4. For finicky drinkers, consider a pet-specific fountain that keeps water moving. This may keep it fresher (especially if the fountain has a filter) and may simply make drinking more interesting for your pet — especially cats. Other tricks include adding a small amount of low-fat, low-sodium broth to the water, putting water in different types of containers (such as a cup or small bucket) or placing water in different areas of your home.
5. Include wet food in your pet’s diet. It can reduce the amount of water your cat or dog needs to drink, since it has higher moisture content than dry food. You can also try adding water to kibble.
6. Help reduce fluid loss by choosing cooler times of day for outdoor activities. (Find more summertime tips for keeping your dog or cat cool and healthy in this CareCredit article.)

Warning signs of dehydration in dogs and cats

The pinch test is one easy way you can check whether your dog or cat is hydrated. Gently pinch a small amount of skin on your pet’s head or neck, then let go. If the skin springs back in place immediately, that’s a sign that your dog or cat is probably well hydrated. If the skin moves back into place slowly or not at all, that’s a warning sign of dehydration in dogs and cats.

Here are some other red flags that might indicate your pet is dehydrated:

• Lethargy, depression
• Weakness
• Sunken eyes
• Dry gums
• Elevated heart rate
• Excessive panting

What causes dehydration in dogs and cats?

Warm weather is just one possible cause of dehydration in a dog or cat. Vomiting, diarrhea and other health issues can lead to the same result. So if you notice any signs of dehydration in dogs or cats, it’s a good idea to contact your veterinarian quickly.

The CareCredit credit card is an easy way to pay for veterinary products and services, including wellness exams and emergency visits. You can find a participating practice near you with the online Acceptance Locator or download the CareCredit Mobile App.