Hydration

When your pet becomes dehydrated, it makes your pet's illness and symptoms worse. Try some of the following recommendations to increase your pets water intake.

• Flavored water - Increase your pets desire to drink by flavoring the water. Adding a small amount of chicken broth or tuna water will often increase the amount of water your pet will drink.

• Water fountain - Pets love circulating water. Try using a pet water fountain to help increase your pets water intake.

• Ice water - Why do you think dogs prefer to drink out of the toilet? Some pets prefer cold water. Add some ice cubes to their water to see if your pet prefers a cool drink.

• Wet your dry food or feed canned food - Adding water to dry food or feeding canned food will increase overall water intake/consumption. Because canned food is 50% water you will need to be sure that your pet consumes enough calories to help maintain body weight.

• Manage fluid loss - If your pet is vomiting or has diarrhea it is more difficult to maintain hydration. Talk with your veterinarian if your pet has these symptoms to see if medications can help control fluid loss.
  

• Subq fluids - Fluids can be given under your pet's skin at a veterinary clinic or at home to help your pet maintain hydration. The frequency and amount of fluids needed for your pet will be determined by your veterinarian.