Animals, like us, need to stay hydrated throughout the day to remain healthy. Depending on what kind of animal, activity level, size, living climate and food type, they need different amounts of water. For example, animals that only eat wet food will require less water throughout the day to stay hydrated vs. an animal that only eats dry food due to wet food containing water.
Your pet’s veterinarian will be able to take all of those into account and tell you just how much water your specific pet will need.
Common practice if you have many animals is to have the same amount of water bowls as animals you have using them plus one additional bowl. Many animals like to feel secure and safe when eating and drinking, so, to make sure they use them, try putting them in an area with a low amount of foot traffic and monitor usage if you believe they are not getting enough water in a day.
If you suspect your pet may be dehydrated, do not rely on the wetness or temperature of their nose! This is an old wives tale and is not accurate. Their gums should be moist and pink, a sign of dehydration is dry and tacky gums. Also, their skin should spring back if you gently pull on the scruff at the back of the neck. If it goes back into place slowly or stays in a tent shape, the animal is very dehydrated and needs medical intervention.
Most animals can be picky with their water situation, with a lot of animals refusing to drink dirty water. As most people would as well. Especially for outside animals, the cleanliness of their water is a big concern not only because of overall hydration but also because of parasites that can cause diseases and illness.
Chickens require an unlimited amount of water to stay hydrated and stress free, especially being outdoor pets in the sweltering summer months. Some farmers add extra waterers and even shallow pools to keep their birds cool during the summer months outside. Heat will increase the rate of dehydration for any outdoor animal.
We designed Endless Water systems to combat many causes of animal dehydration. From the amount of water, to the cleanliness, our system keeps water safe and always there to make sure our and your pets stay happy and healthy.
If you are concerned about your pet’s hydration, please contact your pet's Vet immediately.
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