Keep your dog hydrated

Providing your dog with water while on a walk, out on a hike or merely taking a road trip with your furry friend is essential to your dog’s health. That’s why you should always take along a dog water bottle.

It is important to consider the size of your dog to fully understand how much water your dog needs. Larger dogs need more water than smaller dogs.

On average, a dog will need one ounce of water per pound of their body weight. A 10-pound dog needs 10 ounces per day or just over a cup of water. Puppies and pregnant or lactating dogs require more water. If your dog engages in more vigorous activity, your dog will need additional water.

Keeping cool

If you are out and about with your dog on a day that is particularly warm, your dog will need more water than normal. The extra water on a hot day will also help keep your dog’s body stay cool. 

If you notice your hound’s tongue hanging out while panting, you will need to allow your dog to cool down. Humans sweat when they get warm, dogs stick out their tongues and pant. 

Panting helps water evaporate from your dog’s tongue, which helps your pooch cool down. This is the perfect time to offer your dog a cool drink from your dog water bottle.

But, it also is essential that you do not allow your dog to drink too quickly. This will sometimes lead to your dog becoming nauseated, which commonly leads to vomiting. Providing your dog with a way to consume water slowly is always the best option.

As important as food

Humans and dogs cannot live without water. Unfortunately, some dog owners tend to pay very close attention to what they feed their dogs and ignore the amount of water they drink. Making sure your furry friend gets the correct amount of water on a frequent basis is sometimes taken for granted or not taken seriously. 

Providing your dog with a regular and healthy amount of water will ensure that your tail-wagger is ready for all the exciting activities you have planned. 

A good rule of thumb is to hydrate your dog at least once per hour when it is hot outside. If the temperatures are above 70°F / 21°C, offer your dog water. 

Your dog may not want to stop to drink, but most dogs will drink when they understand that you will only continue with your adventure after they hydrate. If you stop to relax and take a drink yourself, chances are your pup will, too.

Portable dog water bottle

Whenever you are out and about with your dog, take an easy to carry a dog water bottle with you to keep your dog’s thirst quenched. 

Some dogs will be suspicious of a water bottle they have never used, so it helps to introduce the water bottle at home before your travels.  This will allow your courageous canine to become familiar with the water bottle and its mechanics before you try to use it on your outing. 

There are many ways to carry your water bottle, depending on what adventure you are on with your pup. You can find fanny packs, bags, and backpacks that are specifically designed to hold your bottle. Choose something that is fashionable and functional that works for you.

Whether you are out with your dog on an afternoon jog, weekend camping trip or a fun-filled day at the dog park, it is important to remember that if you are thirsty, your dog probably is too. Just as our water intake is important to us, so it is for our four-legged explorers.

What you should know about water quality for your dog