The Importance of Hydration for Pets in Cold Weather

While most pet owners understand the importance of keeping their pets well-hydrated during the hot summer months, many don’t realize the importance of hydration in cold weather. Proper hydration is essential for pets in the winter as it helps regulate body temperature, keeps joints healthy, and supports digestion. Without adequate water, your pet may begin to show signs of dehydration and general unwellness. Let’s look at some of the reasons why hydration is critical for pets in cold weather, how to recognize signs of dehydration, and how to keep your pets well-hydrated.

Proper Winter Hydration for Dogs and Cats

Snow, ice, and freezing weather conditions can be hard on pets. It’s often harder for animals to spend time outside and stay active. Winter also poses certain health risks to pets, especially when it comes to hydration.

Indoor heating systems in homes can lower humidity levels, which dries out the air in the house. This can result in dehydration for both pets and their humans. Moisture is often lost through the skin, which can cause your pet’s skin and coat to become dull and lackluster. Proper hydration can help minimize these effects.

Despite many pets being less active, they still tend to burn more calories in winter as they try to regulate their body temperature. With more energy going out, the water needs of pets often increase. However, you may not notice this right away. Cold weather can often suppress the sensation of thirst in animals, which means your pet may drink less water despite the body requiring more hydration.

If your pet remains fairly active during the winter, hydration is even more important. Cats and dogs that continue to play, move, and be active can lose moisture through panting or sweating via their paw pads. Getting enough water is critical to avoid dehydration.

Common Signs of Dehydration in Pets

Dehydration is often a gradual process, making it difficult to recognize at first. During the winter, just as you would in the summer, ensure that your pet has enough fresh water and refill the bowl as needed to maintain hydration. You’ll also want to keep an eye out for potential red flags. Some of the most common signs of dehydration in pets include:

• Dry Nose – Your dog’s nose should usually be moist. If it looks or feels dry, this could be an indication that your pet is dehydrated or developing another health problem.
• Dull, Tacky Gums – Dogs that are dehydrated may have gums that feel tacky and appear dull and pale. Take a look into your pet’s mouth and examine the gums. Healthy pet gums should be pink and appear moist.
• Stringy, Thick Saliva – When in good health, a dog’s saliva should be thin and watery. However, dehydration can cause saliva to become thick and stringy and will often cling to the mouth.
• Excessive Panting – Even in the cold winter, pets can start to pant. In some cases, the cause is pain, anxiety, or another medical condition that requires attention. However, excessive panting can also mean that your pet is dehydrated.
• Sunken Eyes – When dehydration is allowed to progress and it becomes severe, the eyes can start to look sunken in. This typically occurs as the fluid located behind the eyes starts to diminish, causing the eyes to sink into their sockets.
• Lethargy – Lethargy, otherwise known as a decrease in energy, can make your pet appear weak and tired. Your cat or dog may no longer be interested in playing but will instead remain still or sleep to conserve their energy.

One simple test that can help determine if your pet is dehydrated is known as the skin pinch test. Carefully pull up some of the loose skin on your pet’s back and release it. If well hydrated, the skin should instantly spring back. In pets that are dehydrated, the skin will take considerably longer to return to its original position.

Hydration Tips for Pets in Winter

Keeping pets hydrated in winter requires a proactive approach that starts with always having enough cool, fresh water available. Fill your pet’s water bowl throughout the day as it starts to deplete. As a general rule of thumb, your pet should be drinking about one ounce of water per pound of body weight each day. If you suspect that your pet is not getting enough water, speak with your vet about your concerns.

Extra water should be provided to your pet when playing outdoors or exercising. Being mobile can cause your cat or dog to use excess energy, which requires plenty of water to restore them. In addition, you’ll want to keep your pet in overall good health by staying up-to-date on immunizations and parasite prevention. Take your dog to the vet on a regular basis for checkups. Younger kittens or puppies, as well as senior pets, may need to see a vet more often.

Keeping Your Pet Hydrated in Winter

Cold weather pet care requires pet owners to be observant of their pet’s food and water intake, and overall behavior. If your pet is showing signs of dehydration or appears to be unwell, contact your vet for guidance.