PAWD DRINKS supports National Pet Hydration Month this July. Anna Rozkosz  is a certified canine nutritionist and shares her top tips to ensure your dog stays healthy and hydrated all year round!

How much water should by dog drink per day?

Dogs should drink 60-80ml of water per kilogram of their weight per day.

How should I give my dog their food and treats?

Hydrating Kibble: If you feed your dog kibble, consider adding warm water to it. This not only keeps the kibble moist, aiding digestion, but also contributes to your dog's overall hydration.

Summer Treats: During summer, treat your dog with juicy ice cubes made by freezing blueberries, raspberries, celery or cucumber. These not only provide hydration but also serve as a refreshing snack.

What type of dog bowl is best?

Use glass/porcelain bowls for your dog to drink from, especially if your dog has allergies or immune system disorders, as glass is less likely to harbour bacteria or leach chemicals.

Always keep your dog’s water bowl clean. Ideally, wash it 2-3 times daily using baking soda or vinegar which are both safe and effective. Do not use chemicals or a dishwasher.

Avoid letting your dog share bowls with other dogs or drink from public bowls to prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses, which can disrupt your dog's microbiome and cause health issues. It’s just gross, imagine sharing your bottle with 13 other people…!

What type of water is best?

Depending on the area you live in you may wish to avoid giving your dog tap water as it can contain high levels fluoride and chlorine, which may be harmful. Filtered water is always a safer option!

Prevent your dog from drinking from lakes, puddles, the sea, ponds, or rivers. These water sources can contain harmful bacteria such as Leptospira, causing leptospirosis, or toxins from blue-green algae, which can be particularly dangerous during summer months when harmful algal blooms occur.

How often should I visit the vets?

Regular veterinary check-ups and routine testing are vital to maintaining your dog’s health. Early detection of issues through these tests can lead to more effective treatment and better outcomes for your dog. Check once a year for urinary tract ultrasound, abdomen and a blood test.

What tests should I be doing with my dog?

Kidney Function Tests

1. Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) and Creatinine: These blood tests measure waste products that are normally filtered out by the kidneys. Elevated levels can indicate kidney dysfunction.
2. Urinalysis: This test examines the urine for protein, glucose, blood, and other substances that can indicate kidney issues. It also measures specific gravity to assess the kidney’s ability to concentrate urine.
3. SDMA (Symmetric Dimethylarginine): This is blood test that can detect kidney disease earlier than BUN and creatinine.

Bladder Function Tests

1. Urinalysis: Besides kidney assessment, urinalysis can detect infections, crystals, and other abnormalities in the bladder.
2. Urine Culture and Sensitivity: This test identifies bacteria causing infections and determines the most effective antibiotics.
3. Imaging: X-rays or ultrasound can reveal bladder stones, tumours, or structural abnormalities.

Digestive Function Tests

1. Fecal Analysis: This test checks for parasites, bacteria, and other digestive issues by examining the stool.
2. Blood Tests: Specific blood tests, such as those measuring pancreatic enzymes (lipase and amylase) and liver function (ALT, AST, ALP, and bilirubin), can provide insight into digestive health.
3. Endoscopy: This procedure involves using a small camera to visualise the digestive tract and can also allow for biopsies if needed.
4. Barium Study: An X-ray procedure where the dog swallows barium, a contrast material, to highlight abnormalities in the digestive tract.

Hydration Status

1. Physical Examination: The vet can check for signs of dehydration by evaluating the dog's skin elasticity, gum moisture, and overall appearance.
2. Packed Cell Volume (PCV) and Total Plasma Protein: These blood tests help assess hydration levels. High PCV and plasma protein levels can indicate dehydration.
3. Urine Specific Gravity: Part of a urinalysis, this measures the concentration of urine and helps assess the dog’s hydration status.

Comprehensive Testing Panels

1. Complete Blood Count (CBC): Provides information on the overall health of the dog, including hydration status.
2. Serum Chemistry Panel: A broader blood test panel that includes electrolytes, proteins, and other substances to evaluate kidney function, hydration, and overall health.

PAWD DRINKS is a water-based liquid supplement which can improve your dog's hydration on a daily basis. https://pawddrinks.com/collections/dog-supplements

Check out Anna's company I PAW YOU for organic and delicious doggy treats, as well as some amazing events! https://www.ipawyou.uk/