How to Hydrate a Dog at Home

How to Hydrate a Dog at Home. American author Henry David Thoreau is quoted as saying: "Water is the only drink for a wise man." Veterinarians agree that it is the wisest drink for a dog as well. Dehydration or a lack of water can mean death for a dog within a few days. Keeping your dog hydrated with fresh, clean water will help it to remain active and healthy throughout its life. With a few simple tips, your dog can be properly hydrated and lead a happier life.

Things Needed

• Clean water supply
• Metal bowl
• Anti-bacterial dish soap
• Water filtration device

Step 1

Fill clean metal bowls with fresh, filtered water.

Step 2

Place one bowl inside the home in a location that is easily accessible to your dog. Place another bowl outdoors if your dog spends time in the yard or on a porch or patio.

Step 3

Clean your dog's water bowls daily with anti-bacterial soap. Rinse the bowls thoroughly after washing to ensure that they are free of soap residue.

Step 4

Replenish the bowls daily with clean water. Monitor the bowls periodically to ensure they are free of debris. Never allow harmful chemicals such as floor cleaning supplies and airborne sprays near your dog's water supply.

Step 5

Test your dog's hydration health periodically by grabbing the skin on the back of the neck and gently pulling outward. If the skin bounces back into a normal position within a few seconds, your dog is probably properly hydrated. If it takes several seconds or a minute for the skin to return to normal, your dog may be dehydrated. Your dog's gums also indicate hydration health. Sticky, dull gums may be a sign of dehydration. The gums of a hydrated dog are wet and slippery.

Warnings

• Filter all water, including tap, before providing it to your dog.
• Clean water is the only proper hydration for a dog. Milk, juices, alcohol, coffee, tea, soda, and salt water can be deadly or dangerous to your pet's health.
• A healthy dog should drink about 1/2 to 1 oz. of water per pound of body weight per day.
• Ice cubes keep your dog occupied and hydrated if it is a finicky drinker.

Warnings

• Empty and refill your dog's water supply daily as bacteria and germs can contaminate standing water.
• Monitor your dog's water intake as consuming too much or too little water may be a sign of a significant health issue.
• Water from rain or snow, ponds, oceans or lakes, toilet bowls, communal dog bowls or pools of water in parking lots can be highly contaminated.

References

• VetInfo" Bad Water for Dogs -- 6 Sources To Avoid
• Dogster: How Much Water Should a Dog Drink a Day
• Vetinfo: Avoiding Dog Dehydration -- 5 Easy Steps
• Dogchannel; Dog Days of Summer Increase Risk of Hydration; July 5, 2007
• Vetinfo: Dog Water Basics
• ThinkExist: Water Quotations