Water Drinking Tips For Your Pets
I have recently received a number of inquires on pets and their water habits.
I have to admit that I have not given the area much thought.
Our Cavalier, Anna, has no trouble keeping up her thirst in the Tropics of South Florida.
So, I did a little research and here is some information that I have found courtesy of the American Animal Hospital Association and Pets 911.com, here:
Though water seems like a simple enough subject, a few common problems can leave pets high and dry:
• The water bowl or water bottle needs cleaning every day. Bacteria that you can't see can grow in a bottle or bowl, giving the water a funny taste and discouraging your pet from drinking. Even worse, some kinds of bacteria can make animals sick. Develop the habit of giving the bowl a quick scrub with dish soap before you fill it in the morning. Pocket pets' hanging water bottles can be particularly hard to get clean; you may want to buy a long, narrow scrub brush that can fit through the bottle's neck and clean the inside.
• Dogs and cats that are left alone for long periods can easily knock over their water bowls. Try buying a bowl with a wide, weighted bottom. You may also want to leave more than one bowl around the house: one in the bathroom, for example, and another in the kitchen.
• Water evaporates faster than you may realize, particularly on warm days. Check water bowls a few times a day, especially in the summer. If your pet's outside on a very hot day, check the water every hour.
• You may think you're helping your pet out by setting out a big bucket filled with water, but once the bucket's half empty, he may not be able to get to the water anymore. Cats and small dogs could even fall in while drinking. Before you use a water bucket, make sure your pet's neck is long enough to allow him to drink from the bottom of it.
• Dogs that are chained up can easily wind the chain around a tree, a post, or even their own legs. With a tangled chain, they can't get to their water bowl. If you have to leave your pet chained outdoors, check him often.
• Lots of dogs and cats see the toilet as a big water fountain. Keep the toilet lid closed, because the bacteria in toilet water can make animals sick and, as with large buckets, cats and small animals can fall in while drinking. Even the best of us can forget to close the lid every once in a while, though, so don't use drop-in cleaners that release chemicals into the toilet bowl. These chemicals may be toxic.
• Some exotic animals, particularly amphibians like frogs and salamanders, can't or won't drink water from a bowl. These guys need a drip watering system, which drips or sprays temperature-controlled moisture into a cage for a few hours at a time. To select the right watering system for your exotic pet, consult your veterinarian.
• Reptiles often need a long, shallow dish of water in their cages. They use this water both to drink and to soak in, so it needs to be checked several times a day for dirt or fecal matter.
• Just like you, pets need more water when they're exercising. If you take your dog out for a long walk or run, bring along some water for him. Most pet stores sell light, collapsible travel water bowls that are easy to carry.
As long as you keep an eye on your pet and make sure his water is fresh and plentiful, you shouldn't have a problem. If you have any concerns about providing water for your pet, consult your veterinarian.
Some excellent tips for you and your pets.
http://www.pettrustlawblog.com/admin/trackback/172370
