Association of Livestock Veterinarians & Slovak Association of Small Animal Veterinarians

ADVISES

The term "drinking regime" means only clean water, with a balanced PH of 7.5 with an increased calcium content and reduced value of minerals, which the dog should always have available.

LongLifeDogWater meets all criteria and provides the best quality water for dogs.

The amount of water a dog takes in depends on the time of year and the breed ,but also with what their average daily activities look like - and likewise, how old it is.

Amount of water during the day

It is generally stated that a dog should drink no more than 1 oz to 2 oz of water per 1 lb. of its weight. Of course, some deviations in fluid intake can occur on warm summer days - the dog cools itself with its tongue and needs plenty of clean and fresh water. Take special care of the freshness, you should change the contents of the water bowl at least once a day, more often in the summer months. Do not give the dog ice water or water with ice, because it is not suitable for digestion.

During the winter, the dog does not need as much water as in the summer, but it must be ensured that the drinking regime is not neglected. Even in the winter months the dog must have constant access to water. Again, room temperature is an ideal temperature for water, which you replenish at least once a day.

The dog drinks too much - or too little. Why?

External circumstances take their toll – heat, daily activity, food. It is understandable that at higher temperatures the dog takes in more water, also if he has had a more intense activity. Dogs who eat a more pelleted food diet tend to drink more. On the contrary, those that receive moist food, such as canned, pouches, or the owners cook for them, they drink significantly less, because water is already included in the food.

During the production of milk in females, pregnancy can also increase water intake - up to three times.

Also, the dog may have a feeling of increased thirst if he receives something that is salty, for example leftovers from the table or ham - which is not recommended. Dogs have a much lower salt intake per day than us humans and also the weight differences between us are considerable.

Health point of view

Excessively high water intake can also signal a serious health problem. Not every owner measures their dog`s daily water intake, but everyone does know their dog’s habits, that`s why if you watch it drink for an extended period of time than normal, a veterinarian should be sought. Attention must be given especially to older dogs and non-neutered females. Among the health problems that can be hidden behind this symptom, include kidney failure, hormonal changes and endocrine diseases and diseases such as diabetes mellitus, Cushing`s syndrome, and also inflammatory processes, for example, pyometra - purulent inflammation
of the uterus, which affects unneutered females. 

Cases when a dog drinks too little of water are not so frequent, but this may indicate medical conditions such as reflux and problems with the esophagus or stomach. It is described that with such problems, the dog can eat normally and rather refuses water.

TIP

How to measure the amount of water a dog drinks? Ideally with bottled water such as longlifedogwater. Pour the precisely measured amount of water into the dog bowl. Do not add any additional water for 24 hours. Then measure the rest that is left in the bowl. Try to preserve a daily routine - no longer walks than usual, use the same food.

How to support water intake?

Some dogs prefer running water, so one way is to purchase a fountain, but regular water replacement is very important here, which owners often neglect. Another option is to add water to the dog`s food - soak the granules or pour water into canned food or other wet food. Drinking from swimming pools is expressly not recommended due to the large number of chemicals used for pool maintenance, it applies likewise for salt pools. Also, drinking tap water is strongly not recommended, due to the increased addition of chlorine, which harms dogs and destroys their bones. Definitely do not let your pet drink water from the toilet. Many dogs like this activity. Toilets are full of bacteria and they are not a source of clean drinking water.

A drinking regime is equally important for humans and animals. For that never prevent the dog from accessing water. Dogs should have plenty of fresh water available regardless of the season. During higher temperatures change it more often and keep the bowl clean. During longer walks the dog needs to be replenished with fluids, the best suited for this is Long Life Dog Water and a travel bowl with its bottled, specially balanced, and directly for dogs water without added minerals and with an increased calcium content.

Excessive water loss is life-threatening for a dog. It is enough if it loses 10-15% of the water in its body, and the problems already emerge. Therefore, your pet must have access to water regularly.

Water bowl hygiene

The bowl for water (as well as for granules) should be easily washable material. Wash the bowl every day so that dirt does not hold. Keep the water fresh at all times. On warm days, if it is necessary, change the water more often.