{"id":32061,"date":"2026-07-16T08:39:21","date_gmt":"2026-07-16T12:39:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ovenbakedtradition.com\/?p=32061"},"modified":"2026-07-16T08:47:55","modified_gmt":"2026-07-16T12:47:55","slug":"keeping-dogs-cats-hydrated","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ovenbakedtradition.com\/en\/resources-and-tips\/keeping-dogs-cats-hydrated\/","title":{"rendered":"Keeping Dogs & Cats Hydrated: The Little Things That Make a Big Difference"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Summer is finally here. Patios are buzzing, weekends at the cottage are calling and our furry friends are ready to be part of every adventure. Whether it’s a dog soaking up every ray of sunshine or a cat stretched out in its favorite sunny spot by the window, one thing is certain: warm weather asks a little more of them.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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For us, reaching for a cold glass of water on a 30\u00b0C day is second nature. For dogs and cats, it’s a different story. Some naturally drink more when the temperature climbs. Others, especially cats, seem convinced they can make it through the entire summer on three sips of water and an extra-long nap. As amusing as that may be, staying properly hydrated is essential to their health. Water plays a vital role in keeping the body functioning at its best. It supports healthy organs, aids digestion, helps regulate body temperature and contributes to countless everyday bodily functions. Even mild dehydration can affect your pet’s energy level, comfort and overall well-being, particularly during periods of intense heat.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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The good news? Keeping your pet hydrated doesn’t have to be complicated. A few simple habits can make a world of difference. And contrary to what many people believe, a full-water bowl is only part of the equation. Nutrition, daily routines and a few thoughtful tricks can all help increase your pet’s water intake and keep them feeling their best all summer long.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Let’s take a look at how to recognize the signs of dehydration, better understand your pet’s hydration needs and discover a few easy ways to help them stay happy, healthy and ready for every summer adventure.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Why Is Hydration So Important for Dogs and Cats?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Water is the single most important nutrient your dog or cat needs. Even before proteins, vitamins or minerals, it’s what allows the body to function properly. In fact, an adult dog or cat’s body is made up of approximately 60 to 70% of water. Every sip helps transport nutrients, remove waste, lubricate joints, support digestion, maintain healthy blood volume and regulate body temperature.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Unlike us, our pets don’t cool themselves by sweating. Dogs rely primarily on panting to release heat, while cats keep cool by grooming themselves and seeking out cool, shady spots for an afternoon nap. As temperatures rise, however, they still lose more water and need to replace those fluids by drinking more.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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That’s why hot summer days deserve a little extra attention. A long walk, an energetic game of fetch, a hike on the trail or simply spending time outdoors can significantly increase your pet’s need for water.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Even mild dehydration can affect how your pet feels. They may seem more tired than usual, less interested in playing, reluctant to eat or simply not quite themselves. Puppies, kittens, senior pets and animals living with certain health conditions can become dehydrated even more quickly, making proper hydration especially important.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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The goal isn’t to worry every time the water bowl looks half empty. It’s about building a few simple habits that help keep your furry companion comfortable, active and thriving all summer long. After all, no one wants a fun day in the sun to end with heat stress, especially not the dog who was happily chasing a tennis ball just five minutes earlier.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Nutrition and Hydration: The Connection We Often Overlook<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n
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When we think about hydration, we usually picture a full water bowl. But there’s another important piece of the puzzle that often goes unnoticed: your pet’s diet.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Not all pet foods contain the same amount of moisture. This difference naturally affects how much water a dog or cat needs to drink each day to stay properly hydrated. In other words, hydration doesn’t come only from the water bowl; it also comes from what’s in the food bowl. Understanding this connection can help you make simple choices that support your pet’s hydration, especially during the warmer months when their water needs are naturally higher.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Dry Food vs. Wet Food: What’s the Difference?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n
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One of the biggest differences between dry and wet pet food is moisture content. Dry kibble typically contains about 8\u201310% moisture, while wet food contains approximately 75\u201380% water. That doesn’t mean dry food is the lesser choice. Both dry and wet diets can provide complete and balanced nutrition when they’re formulated to meet your pet’s nutritional needs. The real difference is that wet food contributes a significant amount of water as part of every meal.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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This can be especially beneficial during the summer months, when pets naturally need more fluids to stay hydrated. For many dogs, occasionally adding wet<\/a> or semi-moist<\/a> food is an easy way to increase their water intake while introducing new flavors and textures to mealtime. For cats<\/a>, who are often less enthusiastic about drinking water, that extra moisture can be even more valuable.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Why Do Cats Often Drink Less Water?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n
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If you share your home with a cat, you’ve probably noticed something curious: the waterbowl barely seems to empty from one day to the next. Surprisingly, that’s perfectly normal. Cats descended from desert-dwelling ancestors and evolved to conserve water remarkably well. In the wild, they obtained much of the moisture they needed from the prey they hunted.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Even today, many cats don’t feel thirsty as quickly as dogs do, which means they often drink less water than they actually need. That’s one of the reasons many veterinarians recommend including wet food in a cat’s diet, particularly for cats that drink very little or are more prone to developing urinary health concerns.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Oven-Baked Tradition’s wet<\/a> and semi-moist<\/a> recipes fit naturally into this approach. In addition to providing complete and balanced nutrition for a variety of life stages and nutritional needs, they also help increase your cat’s daily water intake while making mealtime even more enjoyable. Of course, wet food should never replace access to fresh, clean water. Instead, it offers a simple and delicious way to support better hydration, especially during the hottest months of the year. Let’s be honest, very few cats or dogs, for that matter, have ever complained about having a little extra variety in their bowl!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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How Much Water Does a Dog or Cat Need?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Wouldn’t it be nice if there were one simple answer? Unfortunately, hydration isn’t quite that straightforward. Every pet’s water needs are different and can change from day to day. Factors such as body size, activity level, diet, age, health status and even the weather all influence how much water a dog or cat needs. Two dogs of the same weight may not drink the same amount, just as two cats living in the same home can have completely different drinking habits.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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As a general guideline, healthy dogs or cats require approximately 50 to 70 mL of water per kilogram of body weight each day. This includes not only the water they drink from their bowls but also the moisture they get from their food.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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For example:<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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