Keeping Hydrated: Why and how
Why?
First things first, water is life – for you, for me, and definitely for our whiskered companions. Just like us, cats and dogs are made up of mostly water, and it plays a pivotal role in keeping everything running smoothly. It is important for their kidney, brain and tummy, to keep their organs moving. Without hydration, they would not be able to pump blood through their little bodies, keep their systems moving and removing waste from their system. Hydration also helps keep their coat shiny and skin clean and irritation-free by returning hydration lost through play, or the heat in general. Further, water is like fuel for your pet's energy tank. Staying hydrated ensures they're ready for playtime, walks, and all those adorable antics that bring joy to your day.
How?
Does your pet struggle to take in the required amount of water every day? There's a few things you can do to encourage them to keep hydrated. Most importantly, make sure your pet has access to clean, fresh water at all times. Cats can be particularly finicky about the cleanliness of their water, so a sparkling bowl might be just the ticket to entice them to drink more. This is also important for health reasons as well as old or scummy water can introduce bacteria. Another option is to turn hydration into a game by freezing some pet-friendly fruit or broth into ice cube trays. Similarly, mixing a bit of homemade or low-sodium bone broth with your pet's water can make it more appealing. It's like a tasty beverage upgrade for your fur baby. Pop one into their bowl for a refreshing treat that doubles as a hydration boost. For cats in particular, running water may be more appealing. Investing in a pet water fountain might cause your cat to be more interested in their drinking bowl, so they can hydrate and play at the same time. Another easy way to keep your pet's hydration up is by keeping up with a feeding routine. Delicious raw food like Bella and Boots food blends are packed full of hydration and can boost your pet's water intake. Talk about two birds with one stone!
Keeping your pet hydrated ensures they can live their life to the fullest and it is as easy as incorporating a few extra steps to your daily routine to keep their bowl clean and full. Adding fun additional bone broth or fruit can also encourage hydration.
