HELP A PET OUT… Let’s Talk Hydration
HELP A PET OUT… Let’s Talk Hydration
A pet’s complete unbiased guide to fresh water, fancy fountains, and convincing humans to refill the bowl.
Written by: Jerry, the Jack Russell
When it comes to hydration, I take my water pretty seriously. Now, I’m not one of those dogs who carries a water bottle in a fancy saddle bag everywhere I go. I’d like to think I could be that dog… but let’s be honest, I usually forget where I buried my favorite bone.
Truth is, I know a good drink when I see one. Slightly chilled? Perfect. Fresh bowl? Even better. One with enough room to splash half of it onto the kitchen floor? Now we’re talking. The humans call it “making a mess.” I prefer to think of it as adding a little atmosphere. If you’ve ever watched us take a drink, you’ll know we believe water belongs in at least three places: the bowl, the floor… and occasionally your socks.
The humans call it ‘making a mess.’
I prefer to think of it as adding a little atmosphere.
I got the idea for this article while I was curled up on the sofa watching the first season of Shrinking… you know, watching with my eyes closed. Gabby kept reminding everyone to stay hydrated, and I thought, “Finally! Somebody gets it.” We have a lot in common. We both think water deserves a little more attention. So pull up a stool at The Hydration Bar, grab yourself a drink (don’t forget one for me), and let’s talk hydration. After all… we’re all regulars here.
These days, the first thing everyone does is ask AI. And honestly, I’m impressed. AI knows a lot about dogs. But here’s the thing… AI has never experienced the absolute joy of drinking straight from the garden hose or sticking its entire face into a freshly filled water bowl. Before I write every article, I check in with AI to dig up the latest facts, trends, and research. Then I add a little common dog sense. Between the two of us, we usually make a pretty good team.
We all need a little reminder now and then to drink more water, and trust me, it makes a big difference. Water helps keep us cool on hot days, cushions our joints during long walks, keeps our digestion moving, and yes… even helps with #2. Pretty glamorous topic, I know, but that’s life when you’re a dog. The truth is, you’ll usually notice when we’re not getting enough water long before we ever tell you.
Here’s an easy trick to remember. Most healthy dogs and cats should drink about one ounce of water each day for every pound they weigh. I weigh a trim 16 pounds, so a full 16- ounce water bottle is about what I need, this is a great guide to the pet water bowl size I need.
Now, don’t go chasing us around the house with a measuring cup. Just keep fresh water available and pay attention to the bowl. If it’s staying full all day, or suddenly emptying much faster than usual, we are telling you something. Sometimes our water bowl says things long before we do.
Let’s settle another important question while we’re here at The Hydration Bar. How often should you change our water. I say think about the glass of water you left sitting on the counter overnight. Would you drink it? Maybe… but wouldn’t you rather pour yourself a fresh one? We’re really not much different. Fresh, clean water always tastes better.
There’s one more thing we should probably talk about… What goes in… eventually comes back out. So if you’ve done a great job keeping us hydrated, don’t be surprised if we ask for a few extra potty breaks. Just taking care of business.
Being part of the Wild Love Tails team has its perks. I get to challenge the humans to find the newest pet water fountains, the smartest hydration technology, and water bowls that are as beautiful as they are practical. Together we’ve rounded up some of our favorite discoveries to help make life with pets a little easier… and maybe a little wetter.
We love sharing products, ideas, and innovations that help pet parents spend less time wondering and more time enjoying life with the pets they love.
A well watered pet is a happy pet!
As you scroll, you’ll discover some of our favorite pet water fountains, bowls, bottles, smart hydration technology, and a few more helpful tips we’ve picked up along the way. We hope you find just what you need to keep your pets happy, healthy, and well hydrated.
And don’t be afraid to try a few of our suggestions. We can’t promise every trick will work because, well… you’ve met us. One dog drinks from a crystal fountain, another prefers the muddy puddle in the backyard, and the cat is probably headed for your water glass anyway.
Jerry is no ordinary Jack Russell Terrier – he’s a talented writer with a sharp wit and an old-school sense of humor. His captivating storytelling and insightful commentary on sports, outdoor activities, and history keep readers coming back for more.
Explore Some Of Our Favorite Pet Hydration Gadgets
Pet Fountains
Technology is leading the way in smart gadgets that are ideal for not only encouraging hydration, but monitoring intake, health and even multi -pet monitoring fountains. Here are a few of our favorite options, visit our Pet Fountain Shop to explore many more choices. Fountains are a fantastic way to encourage pets who enjoy drinking from the faucet, need to be encouraged to drink water, or will only drink fresh or moving water.
Pet Water Bowls
Choose a water bowl that is sized to fit your pet, think approximately 1 ounce of water per pound of water daily is a good guide. Choose a water bowl size that holds plenty of water and allows you to monitor water intake. A slanted bowl for example reduces vomiting and an elevated bowl makes it easier for older and taller pets.
Gravity Fed Pet Water Bowls
For pets who enjoy their water, consider a gravity fed pet water bowl that fills automatically as pets get their fill. Ideal for both indoor and out and a great idea for hot summer days. Keep in the shade to keep food as cool as possible.
Travel Pet Water Bottles and Bowl
For pets who enjoy their water, consider a gravity fed pet water bowl that fills automatically as pets get their fill. Ideal for both indoor and out and a great idea for hot summer days. Keep in the shade to keep food as cool as possible.
Non-Slip and Non-Flip Pet Water Bowls
Many pets miss their water due to their interesting drinking habits and having a little too much fun with their bowls. Here are a few options that help keep the water in the bowl and pets hydrated.
Let’s take a deeper dive into pet hydration
One of the easiest ways to tell if your pet is getting enough water is simply by paying attention to what’s normal for them. If your dog or cat suddenly seems less energetic, isn’t interested in eating, has dry or sticky gums, thick saliva, sunken eyes, or isn’t urinating as often as usual, dehydration could be part of the problem. You may also notice dark yellow urine or that their skin doesn’t spring back as quickly when gently lifted. While many of these signs can have other causes, they’re your pet’s way of letting you know something isn’t quite right. If you think your pet may be dehydrated or notice significant changes in their drinking habits, it’s always a good idea to contact your veterinarian.
Helping Pets Drink More Water
Every pet has a different personality when it comes to drinking water. Some seem to visit the bowl every hour, while others need a little encouragement. The good news is that healthy hydration often comes down to making fresh water easy to find and enjoyable to drink. Keep bowls clean, refill them with fresh water throughout the day, and place them where your pets naturally spend their time. Many cats and dogs are drawn to moving water, which is why fountains can make such a difference, especially for pets that rarely seem interested in a traditional bowl.
For dogs, don’t wait until they look thirsty after a long walk, a game of fetch, or time spent outdoors. Offer water before they become overheated and again when they come inside. Puppies can even learn that every trip outdoors, every meal, and every play session ends with a quick visit to the water bowl. Before long, it simply becomes part of their routine. Some dogs are enthusiastic drinkers, while others get so busy playing that they forget to stop. A gentle reminder is sometimes all it takes.
Cats can be a little more mysterious. Many prefer quiet places away from food and litter boxes, and some enjoy having several water stations throughout the house. Others seem convinced your water glass is somehow better than the one you thoughtfully filled just for them. If your cat isn’t drinking much, try offering fresh water in a different location, switching to a ceramic or stainless steel bowl, or introducing a flowing fountain. You may be surprised how quickly curiosity takes over.
Of course, every pet likes to keep us humble. Some flip their water bowls, some splash half the water onto the floor, and some insist the muddy puddle outside tastes better than the fresh bowl you just filled. The goal isn’t to make every pet drink the same way. It’s to learn what encourages your pet to drink enough to stay happy, healthy, and well hydrated.
A Few More Pet Hydration Helpers
Carry plenty of water when spending time outdoors, hiking, exercising, or camping. You might consider a cooler for the car to keep water cool, a pack our pet can carry to bear some of the load, or ask your vet for a recommendation on pet hydration powder or supplements. We especially love this Pet Stroller Pack designed to make a day at the farmer’s market, shopping or a long walk nice and hydrated.
