Water is vital for every biological process in the body
Water is vital for every biological process in the body, including nutrient exchange between cells, digestion, toxin elimination, and more.
Dehydration can cause serious complications, which is why pet owners must always ensure their animal has access to fresh water. For kittens and puppies, dehydration is especially dangerous and can develop very quickly — without timely help, it can often end in a fatal outcome.
Tip: Place your pet’s water bowl away from their food bowl. This reduces the chance of food particles getting into the water, which can cause some animals to refuse to drink it.
Pet owners should also pay attention to how much water their animal drinks. Refusing water, as well as the opposite — excessive thirst — can both be serious warning signs that a visit to the veterinarian is needed. Increased thirst and urination can be caused by illnesses such as diabetes, kidney failure, pyometra, and others. A veterinarian will be able to determine the exact cause during an examination.
Cat owners should be aware of all possible places their cat might drink from, as cats often leave their water bowl untouched but may drink from other sources — for example, half-empty flower vases. If you feed your cat wet food, their daily water intake may naturally decrease.
The most common causes of dehydration in pets are vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. It’s important not to wait for the animal to recover on its own, as vomiting and diarrhea cause significant fluid loss. Unfortunately, many owners wait several days or even weeks before going to the veterinary clinic. Often, by the time the pet is brought in — after prolonged vomiting and/or diarrhea, refusing food and/or water — they are found to be severely dehydrated and require fluid therapy. Recovery in these cases takes longer, and treatment outcomes are much better when dehydration is addressed early.
Remember! For cats, food is just as important as water. Even just a few days without eating can be extremely dangerous for them.
