The bodies of our pets are 70 percent water, even though they may be terrified of walking into the lake or taking a bath. Knowing how much water is normal to drink, and what too much of too little water intake means is important to know for emergency care, as well as long-term wellness and disease diagnosis. Read on to learn how to assess water intake and loss.
Things You'll Need
- Water dishes/buckets with calibrations
- Measuring cups
- Calculator
- Weighing scale
Instructions
Be aware of the fact that normal water intake per day per animal is 7 percent of body weight per day. This may increase in normal health in hot climates or very cold ones, and with increased activity. Be aware that polydypsia (too much water drinking) is defined as 10 percent of body weight in normal non-heat/non-cold situations. Be aware that 1 percent water intake of less of body weight is also abnormal. Know that food also contains water, which you can calculate from the label.
Be aware of signs of dehydration, which include sticky gums, skin on back 'tenting up' and not falling back into its normal shape if it is pulled up, and not sweating with intense exercise.
Be aware that water is lost through feces, urine, breathing and panting. You can measure urine output, and this normally makes up for about half of water loss per day. Be aware that polydypsia can occur in diabetes, generalized infection, Cushing's disease and kidney disease. Know that if animals don't keep up with water intake for two days, they will become dangerously dehydrated.