July is Pet Hydration Month, making it the perfect time to take a closer look at one of the simplest ways to support your pet’s health—water. While food is often the star of nutrition conversations, water is just as essential. Every cell, organ, and body system depends on it.
Why Hydration Matters
Water is needed for almost every function in your pet’s body. It helps:
- Regulate body temperature
- Digest food
- Lubricate joints
- Remove waste products through the kidneys
- Maintain healthy blood circulation, including carrying oxygen and nutrients to cells
- Support normal electrolyte balance
Without enough water, the body cannot function properly. Even mild dehydration can affect how your pet feels, while more severe dehydration can be a medical emergency.
Why Cats and Dogs Don’t Always Drink Enough
Dogs: Dogs lose water every day through panting, breathing, urinating, and normal body functions. They may lose even more during hot weather, exercise, illness, or stress. Because dogs rely heavily on panting to cool themselves, they can become dehydrated quickly during warm weather.
Cats: As descendants of desert animals, cats present a unique challenge as they naturally have a low thirst drive – they don’t get the signal to drink enough. They often don’t feel thirsty until they’re already slightly dehydrated. Cats eating mostly dry food may be more susceptible lower water intake because dry kibble contains much less moisture than canned food.
Signs Your Pet May Be Dehydrated
Contact your veterinarian if you notice:
- Lethargy or unusual tiredness
- Loss of appetite
- Dry or sticky gums
- Sunken eyes
- Excessive panting (dogs)
- Reduced urination
- Skin that stays “tented” when gently lifted over the shoulders instead of quickly returning to normal
These signs can indicate dehydration or another underlying medical problem that needs attention.
10 Easy Ways to Increase Water Intake
1. Always provide fresh, clean water
Refresh your pet’s water at least daily and wash bowls regularly to keep them clean and appealing.
2. Offer more than one water station
Place water bowls in several locations throughout your home so your pet always has easy access. This can be especially helpful in multi-level homes.
3. Feed more moisture
Wet food naturally contains much more water than dry kibble. Even replacing part of your pet’s daily food with canned food can increase total water intake. If your pet eats dry food, ask your veterinarian whether adding water to meals is appropriate.
4. Try a pet water fountain
Many cats, and some dogs, prefer moving water. A fountain may encourage pets that ignore a regular bowl to drink more often.
5. Keep water bowls away from litter boxes
Many cats prefer their water source to be separate from both their food and litter box. Offering water in quiet locations around the home may encourage more frequent drinking.
6. Experiment with different bowls
Some cats have preferences for certain bowl materials or shapes. Wide, shallow bowls may be more comfortable because they reduce whisker contact with the sides of the bowl.
7. Bring water wherever you go
Always carry water when hiking, travelling, or spending time outdoors, especially during warm weather. Offer frequent drinking breaks rather than waiting until your pet seems thirsty.
8. Keep water cool and appealing
Many pets enjoy fresh, cool water. Replacing the water regularly throughout the day can encourage extra drinking. Some pets, however, may have individual preferences, so observe what your pet likes best.
9. Monitor your pet’s drinking habits
A sudden increase or decrease in water intake can be an early sign of illness, including kidney disease, diabetes, urinary disease, or other medical conditions. If you notice a significant change, schedule a veterinary visit.
10. Don’t ignore a pet that refuses water
If your dog or cat suddenly stops drinking, especially if they are vomiting, have diarrhea, seem weak, or are acting differently, they should be examined by a veterinarian promptly.
A Few Cat-Specific Tricks
If your cat is a reluctant drinker, you may have to get creative. You may want to try:
- Placing several water bowls around the house
- Offering water in quiet, low-traffic areas
- Using a water fountain
- Feeding more canned food
- Adding extra water to wet food if your cat accepts it
- Keeping bowls clean and filled with fresh water
Small changes can make a big difference over time.
Keep Hydration on Your Summer Checklist
During July’s Pet Hydration Month, take a few minutes to check your pet’s water routine. Clean the bowls, refresh the water, and think about whether your dog or cat could benefit from an extra water station, a fountain, or more moisture in their diet.
Hydration isn’t just about preventing thirst — it’s one of the easiest ways to support healthy kidneys, a healthy urinary tract, normal body function, and overall well-being all year long.
If you notice changes in your pet’s drinking habits or think they may be dehydrated, don’t wait. Contact your veterinarian. Early treatment can prevent more serious health problems and help your pet feel better sooner.
