If you have a benchtop water cooler, hot and cold water is always available for a refreshing drink or a tasty beverage. However, spare a thought for our humble pets that are often saddled with drinking tap water. This is a particular issue when we consider the health of developing animals that are weaned, but still very young. In this article, we will look at the correct hydration levels for a puppy and some of the issues that need to be considered carefully.
The Correct Level of Hydration:
As humans, we understand that we usually require around 2 litres of water every day to stay healthy. However, this is not as simple when considering the water intake of a puppy. In order to ensure that they have the best start in life, their water intake needs to be monitored carefully. Veterinarians recommend that a dog should be drinking 15ml to 30ml of water for every half a kilo of body weight every day. A pup should be naturally drinking this amount anyway if sufficient clean water is always available, but monitoring the amount is a good way to be sure.
Checking the Pup for Adequate Hydration Levels:
There is a quick non invasive test that anyone can do to check that a pup or dog is correctly hydrated. Gently grab some of the skin located at the shoulder blades and lift it up. When you let go of the skin, and it remains in a tent shape, the dog is dehydrated. Other signs of dehydration in puppies include lethargy, sunken eyes, dry mouth and a loss of appetite. If you suspect that your pup is dehydrated and you cannot get them to drink, you must get them to a vet as soon as possible.
Some Helpful Hints for Dog Hydration:
The pup must always have access to their water bowl, and it needs to be filled with good quality water. If your pup is dehydrated, but won’t drink much, try switching to a wet food that contains higher levels water. Just like people, dogs drink more after exercising so bear this in mind when providing water. Keep an eye on panting, it’s how dogs keep cool, but it also loses a lot of water. Finally, if you have any concerns about water consumption consult a vet as there could be an underlying issue that requires attention.
If you are considering a benchtop water cooler, Perth based residents and business managers should contact us. We supply a large range of high quality water products for domestic and commercial use. All of our products are HACCP certified, and we deliver direct to your door for added convenience. Our sales team is looking forward to discussing your needs in greater detail, and they can answer any additional questions you may have.
