Dogs can easily become dehydrated, especially when they are sick. Dehydration can cause a host of problems, including making it more difficult for your dog to recover from an illness. Keeping your dog hydrated is crucial to their health, so it’s important to know how to do so.
Here are six tips on how to keep your dog hydrated when they are sick:
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6 tips on how to keep your dog hydrated when they are sick
Offer small amounts of water regularly
Keeping your dog hydrated is important for their overall health, and offering them small amounts of water throughout the day is a good way to do that. You don’t want to give them too much at once, as that can cause them to vomit or have diarrhea.
Instead, give them just enough so that they can take a few sips. In general, dogs need about one ounce of water per pound of body weight each day. So, if you have a 15-pound dog, they should be getting around 15 ounces of water per day.
Add water to their food
If you’re looking for ways to help your dog stay hydrated, adding water to their food is a good option. You can either mix the water in with their food or soak their food in water for a few minutes before feeding it to them.
This will help ensure that your dog is getting enough water throughout the day. Additionally, you can try feeding them foods that are high in water content, such as cucumbers or watermelon.
Make ice cubes from chicken or beef broth
Making ice cubes out of chicken or beef broth is a great way to add some extra flavor to your dog’s water. They’ll love the taste and you’ll know that they’re getting some extra hydration.
To make the ice cubes, simply pour the broth into an ice cube tray and freeze. Then, when your dog is thirsty, add a few cubes to their water bowl. The broth will help to keep them hydrated and they’ll love the taste. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover broth that you might have.
Invest in a dog water fountain
If you’re finding that your dog isn’t drinking as much as you’d like, investing in a dog water fountain may be a good solution. The flowing water is often more appealing to dogs than still water, so they may be more likely to drink from it.
Additionally, many dog water fountains come with filters that help to remove impurities from the water, ensuring that your dog is drinking clean, fresh water. If you’re looking for a way to help your dog stay hydrated, a dog water fountain is definitely worth considering.
Use a humidifier
If your dog is sick, using a humidifier in their room can help to keep them hydrated(1). The extra moisture in the air will help to soothe their throat and nasal passages, and it can also help to prevent dehydration.
Keep in mind that your dog obviously still has to drink water. A humidifier can also be helpful if your dog is having trouble breathing, as the extra moisture can help to loosen congestion. Just be sure to clean the humidifier regularly, as dirty humidifiers can actually make your dog’s health problems worse.
If used correctly, a humidifier can be a valuable tool for helping your sick dog to feel better.
Try a rehydration solution
If your dog is extremely dehydrated, they may need a rehydration solution. The solution provides electrolytes, which are minerals that help to regulate the body’s hydration levels
Rehydration solutions can be made at home with(2):
- 3-4 cups of water
- Tablespoon of honey
- Tablespoon of salt
First boil the water and then add the honey and salt. Let the mixture dissolve and then cool to room temperature before giving it to your dog. Give the solution in small amounts every few hours until your dog is rehydrated.
The importance of keeping a sick dog hydrated
When a dog is sick, it is important to make sure that they are properly hydrated. Dehydration can lead to a number of serious health problems, and it can also make existing problems worse.
Water flushes out toxins, helps to regulate body temperature, and it is essential for many of the body’s metabolic processes. So, making sure that your dog stays hydrated is crucial to their health
By following the tips above, you can help to ensure that your dog stays properly hydrated, even when they’re not feeling their best.
Signs of canine dehydration
How can you tell if your dog is dehydrated? There are a few key signs to look for, including(3):
- Dry nose
- Sunken eyes
- Lack of energy
- Panting
- Dry mouth
- Reduced appetite
- Increased thirst
- Dark urine or decreased urination
If you notice any of these signs in your dog, it’s important to take action and try to get them to drink more water. If the problem is severe, you may need to take them to the vet for treatment.
Final thoughts on how to keep a dog hydrated when sick
When a dog is sick, it’s important to make sure that they stay hydrated. Dehydration can cause serious health problems, so it’s crucial to take steps to prevent it.
There are a number of ways that you can help your dog stay hydrated, including giving them ice cubes or broth, investing in a dog water fountain, using a humidifier, or giving them a rehydration solution
If you notice signs of dehydration in your dog, it’s important to take action and try to get them to drink more water. If the problem is severe, you should take them to the vet.
By taking steps to keep your dog hydrated, you can help them to feel better and speed up their recovery.
