Hurricane Katrina not only saw the survival spirit of humans, it also showed the resilience and the survival instincts of animals, especially those pet dogs that pet owners left during the massive evacuation. News about rescuers finding skinny dogs stranded for several weeks on rooftops shocked many people, especially the animal lovers. How did these dogs survive the daily struggle without food? Water was the only thing that kept them alive.
Veterinarians explain that water is an important part of the dog's nutritional needs. Three quarters or 70% of the dog's anatomical make up is water. A month without food will make the dog lose its fat and muscles. The dog can still live without protein or fat. But if he loses even a tenth of the water in his body, he surely will die.
Veterinarians suggest that for a grown up dog to survive, he needs a minimum of 2 milliliters of water every day per pound of weight. 2 milliliters is just like two fifths or 40% of a teaspoon of water. Therefore, if your dog weighs 10 pounds, he needs to drink at least 20 ml of water. Nevertheless, that is only the minimum. Bear in mind, that 2 ml is enough only for the dog to produce urine. Once he loses that precious 2 ml, his chances of living are minimal.
The key here is to give your pet dog an unlimited supply of water so that he can drink more than the least required 2 ml per pound. If you always give him a bowl full of fresh water, it will provide more than enough liquid for the dog's body. Some pet owners overlook this part though. They just let their pets find their way to a water source, which is completely wrong. Not only will this dehydrate the dog, this will also put him at risk in drinking contaminated water.
Adequate water provides the dog a handful of nutritional and health benefits. First, it helps in digesting and absorbing nutrients. It is also a catalyst for turning food into energy. It maintains the body temperature of the dog. And when taken regularly, it replaces the liquid lost during excretion or sweating. Water allows your pet to get rid of toxins in the cells. And since the dog's blood level is acidic, they need water to neutralize it.
Just as humans need sufficient amount of water to live, your pet dog also requires that same amount of liquid intake. Do not take this water nutrition issue lightly. Water has plenty of health benefits for your dog. Just make sure to give him fresh and clean water all the time.
