Vets are urging dog owners to keep an eye out for their pets drinking habits this winter
Dog owners are being urged to stay on top of a key winter habit by ensuring their pet remains properly hydrated. Experts warn that as temperatures drop, dogs tend to drink less and owners need to be proactive in making sure their four-legged friends are getting enough fluids.
This happens because, much like humans, dogs lose less moisture in colder weather and therefore don’t feel as thirty as they do in the summer. The issue appears to be be causing concern for most dog owners, with Google searches for ‘dog dehydration’ having surged by 144 per cent over the past month.
Brand Ambassador and Media Vet, Dr James Greenwood, explained: “Throughout the colder months, it’s completely normal for dogs to drink less water. As temperatures drop, their bodies conserve moisture more efficiently.
“They pant less and don’t sweat as much, which means they lose far less fluid than in summer. Additionally, the sensation of thirst tends to feel less urgent in cooler weather, so they simply don’t feel the same need to drink. While this seasonal change is to be expected, dry air can affect your dog’s hydration, and water is important to support regulating their body temperature and keep their digestive system ticking along nicely.”
4 simple ways to help your dog drink more in winter
Offer water at room temperature
While a cold glass of water might feel refreshing to us, dogs may be less enthusiastic about icy water, especially in winter, the Mirror reports. To help prevent dehydration during the colder months, try offering your dog lukewarm or room- temperature water as it is more inviting.
Switch to wet dog food
Wet dog food naturally contains far more water than dry dog food, making it a useful option during the winter months when your dog may not feel as thirsty. Wet dog food has a moisture content of 60 to 80 percent, compared to just 3-12 per cent in dry food, switching to wet food can help keep your dog hydrated without solely having to rely on drinking water.
Place extra water bowls after the house
An easy way to encourage your dog to drink more is to have multiple water bowls in different areas of the house. Many dogs forget to drink if their water is out of sight.
If they are relaxing in a favourite spot, they may not be motivated to get up and walk to another room, especially if they don’t feel thirst. By providing bowls in several different locations, your dog is more likely to sip throughout the day.
Make drinking water fun throughout the day
If your dog is reluctant to drink, try using a pet water fountain as the moving water can help to spark their curiosity in drinking. Other options include interactive water toys that can be filled with drinking water and lick mats, both which combine hydration with mental stimulation and help release endorphins.
However, if your dog continues to show little interest despite using the enrichment activities, the vet recommends owners consult their own vet to rule out any underlying health issues and address the root cause.
The cold weather isn’t the only hazard owners need to be aware of. A separate recently issued a 4pm warning urging pet owners to “stay alert”. The cautionary message came as it was revealed that due to the darker evenings, our pets are more at the risk of having an accident on the road.
According to the Blue Cross around 80,000 dogs and 200,000 cats are killed by cars each year, prompting experts to advise owners to take precautions immediately.
Owners are also being reminded that dogs shouldn’t be taken for walks when temperatures drop too long. As with humans, each dog reacts differently to icy conditions. Some breeds are better suited to the cold, while others may struggle even with a slight chill.
