The last few weeks have been soooo hot. We’re walking at 11pm, refilling the paddling pool every day, and always making sure that the water bowl is filled with fresh water. Keeping your dog hydrated is so important (and we’ll tell you why in a moment).
Obviously, the easiest way to do this is, as mentioned, by keeping the water bowl full of fresh, clean, cool water. But are there other options as well? Of course there are! Today we’re talking about healthy drinks for dogs.
Why Hydration Matters
Just as with us, dehydration in dogs occurs when the body is losing more water than it’s taking in. And while dogs don’t sweat the same way we do, they lose water all throughout the day through panting, breathing, urinating, defecating, and evaporation through their paws. This fluid is replaced when they drink and eat.
And that replenishment is important. We all (humans and animals) require water to function properly. Water helps cells absorb nutrition, lubricates the joints, supports the digestive process, regulates body temperature, balances the body’s pH, and helps the organs function.
See? Very important!
Dehydration in dogs can be fatal if not addressed, so you need to be able to spot the signs. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Excessvie panting
- Pacing, listlessness
- Excessive drooling
- Looking for water
- Pale, dry, or sticky gums
- Loss of appetite
So, we want to do all we can to make sure they’re getting enough liquid nourishment throughtout the day!
[RELATED] How much water should your dog be drinking each day? Check this out.
Healthy (& Hydrating) Drinks for Dogs
Let’s face it: water is boring. And maybe our dogs are fine with it, but it never hurts to add a little variety to the mix. Also, you can give more nourishment, vitamins and minerals, with different kinds of drinks for dogs.
1. Bone Broth
We’re big fans of bone broth, for a variety of reasons. It’s really easy – and inexpensive – to make! It’s full of vitamins and minerals like iron, vitamins A and K, fatty acids, selenium, zinc, and manganese. It’s great for pets who are feeling a little under the weather to give that often much-needed nutrition boost. It’s also great for digestive and joint health. You can buy it pre-made (make sure it’s for dogs since lots of human bone broths are made with onion), or make your own. Here’s our recipe.
2. Herbal Tea
Several of the herbal teas that we brew for ourselves can also be healthy for our pups! Different teas contain various beneficial properties, including antiviral, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory! Reach for chamomile for extra calming hydration, echinacea for immune-boosting hydration, or ginger for digestion-loving hydration. Simply brew a pot (weak for ginger – it can be a little spicy), let it cool, and serve some up on its own or with their food. You can read more on herbal teas here.
**Just remember, caffeine is a no-go for dogs, so we go for decaf, always.
3. Vegetable Broth
Carrot peelings, asparagus ends, broccoli stalks… think about all those leftovers you have when preparing veggies. Instead of tossing them directly in the compost bin, put them all in a pot with water and let them simmer for a few hours. Then, strain out the veggies and let it cool and you’ve got a super vitamin-rich bevvy your dog will love. This is a great way to both use those veggie odds and ends and give your pet a hydrating, nutritious addition to the diet.
4. Fruit Juice
No, we don’t mean a bottle of OJ, but fruit can be really hydrating and a good way to get in some extra vitamins. For example, watermelon is packed full of water, so blending it up and adding it to your pet’s food (or freezing for some pupsicles) is an easy way to keep things fresh. Pick one or make a mix. Don’t want it thick like a smoothie? Just add more water! That’s the point of this, after all. Just don’t go overboard. Fruits can be high in sugar, so don’t rely only on fruit juice – just make it part of the roster.
5. Coconut Water
Ohhh the power of cococut. Coconut water is full of electrolytes that can help keep your dog hydrated and even give them a boost of energy as it’s full of nutrients like potassium, calcium and vitamin C. They also make nice ice cubes to give as treats or to add to their regular water bowl! Just make sure you get pure, unsweeted cocnut water, without additives. You just want the good stuff.
Now, of course, there’s no substitute for fresh, pure water. It should be the main source of hydration for your pup, but any and all of these hydrating drinks for dogs can be added to the mix for a little fun and nutritional value. Keep the fun going, but never forget to keep the drinks flowing too!
