Keeping Your Dog Hydrated During the Winter

Posted Dec 14, 2018 in Seasonal

An increase in thirst for your pup during colder temperatures may not sound right, but it is surprisingly true. A hydrated canine is a happy and healthy one, so make sure you don’t make the mistake of decreasing their water supply this winter. 

Winter Weather Dehydration 

If you’ve been a pup parent for a while now, you may have already noticed your dog’s increased thirst during the winter season. For many owners, this may seem troubling, but it’s actually nothing to be concerned over and entirely reasonable. The reason for this is because during the colder weather the humidity in the air drops significantly which can easily cause dehydration in your canine companion. On top of this, your furry friend will need extra energy to stay warm which will be given to them through sufficient hydration. So be sure to keep an eye on their water bowl and ensure it’s appropriately filled at all times.

How Much Water is Too Much?

If you ask your veterinarian they will most likely tell you that you shouldn’t restrict your dog’s water access at all, even if you think it’s too much. Reducing their water intake is extremely dangerous and could cause severe dehydration quicker than you think. But, if you feel you as if Fido is increasing their water intake each day by significant amounts, contact your vet or schedule a checkup. By tracking your dog’s daily water consumption you can help your veterinarian out significantly in discovering a problem if there even is one.

Other Causes to Take into Consideration 

Once again it is extremely common for your pooch to need more water in colder temperatures, but it can’t hurt to take in other factors that may be in play. Did your pup start any new medications? This is a common cause of an increase in thirst and urination in dogs. By checking the list of side effects, you should be able to get a better perspective on the situation. A bad or changing diet could also be the culprit. If you or someone in your family is sneaking your furry friend some extra food under the table, it could quickly increase their sodium levels which would make your pup have an increase in thirst. A switch from canned to dry food could also be a possible cause to their sudden dehydration.

Overall the biggest take away from this is keep your pup hydrated! Keep a careful eye on their water supply to ensure it’s available to them at all times, and if you do have any serious concerns talk to your veterinarian first before making any drastic changes to your dog’s diet.