Cold water will be the first thing you reach for on a hot summer day, when you have finished your meal or after a gruesome workout.
As a pet parent, keeping your dog well hydrated is arguably the most vital responsibility, but can you share your cold water with him?
Worry not if this question puts you in limbo, as we have you covered.
So, can dogs drink cold water?
Yes.
Regarding your dog’s nutrition, cold water will be a holy grail as it works side by side with the proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and essential minerals in its diet.
The dog’s body will lose water all day through sweating, peeing, and pooping.
A fresh bowl of cold water is vital to ensure the water they are losing is replaced.
Before giving your dog cold water, you have to understand its health benefits, some risks it can pose to your dog, and how much your dog needs.
This article will tackle all that in detail.
Health benefits of cold water for dogs
It prevents dehydration in dogs
Cold water will be vital in having a well-hydrated dog.
The water your dog loses through urination, panting, sweating, and stool should be equaled by water intake.
You can find this to be a delicate balancing act as dogs don’t replenish their water reserves as quickly as humans.
Dehydration will not be suitable for your dog as it can reduce the flow of blood and fluids, reducing the delivery of oxygen to organs and tissue.
It can also cause a loss of electrolytes, such as sodium, chloride, and potassium.
Signs of dehydration in dogs
Loss of appetite.
Vomiting
Low energy level
Lethargy
Panting.
Dizziness
Sunken eyes
Dry nose
Dry and pale gums
Lack of tears forming at the corner of the eyes.
You can check for dehydration in your dog by picking up a fold of loose skin over the shoulder blades, and if it bounces back into place, dehydration is not occurring.
If it takes longer for the skin to bounce back, your dog can be dehydrated.
Maintains normal body temperature
Cold water will be essential in maintaining your dog’s normal body temperature.
As your dog sweats after a physical activity or in hot environments, the cold water evaporating will help keep its body cool.
Dogs sweat primarily through their paws.
Panting also helps to cool off their bodies as their tongues double in size to speed up the evaporation of water.
Helps move nutrients and release waste and toxins
When your dog drinks cold water, it will become a significant part of the blood, which carries nutrients and oxygen throughout the body.
It’s the water’s job to help move nutrients into and out of cells, ensuring every muscle and organ gets proper nutrition.
Cold water also helps remove waste from each cell in your dog’s body once the nutrients have been utilized.
The waste, which is in the form of urination and stool, is also aided by water so that elimination can occur effortlessly.
Aids in digestion
Cold water will be essential for your dog’s digestive system.
It will aid in breaking down the food the dog eats and facilitate the absorption of the nutrients.
Cold water will also help in the secretion of enzymes and acids necessary to complete the digestive process in your dog fully.
The easier your dog’s digestive system can function normally, the healthier and more active it will be.
Lubricates the joints and makes movement easier
In addition to aiding digestion, cold water will keep your dog’s joints lubricated and flexible, making movement possible without pain.
The synovial fluid that directly lubricates your joints is primarily made of water.
This fluid reduces the friction and maintains healthy tissues and joints.
Risk of cold water for dogs
Your dog can develop a condition known as gastric dilatation and volvulus (Canine GDV) upon consuming cold water.
It comes about when your dog gulps the cold water rapidly and swallows loads of air simultaneously.
The air will fill your dog’s stomach, causing it to bloat.
Excess bloating will make the dog’s stomach flip and twist; hence volvulus occurs.
At this point, your dog will need surgery.
How much cold water is enough for my dog?
The general rule of thumb is that a dog should drink about one ounce (1/8 of a cup) of water for every pound it weighs.
If your dog is 10-pounds, it should drink approximately ten fluid ounces daily.
However, some factors can affect how much cold water your dog will drink.
If your dog has a medical condition such as kidney disease or diabetes, it will become dehydrated quicker, needing more water than recommended.
In addition, weather changes will affect how much cold water your dog takes.
During summer, your dog will take more cold water, and during winter, the water intake will decrease because of the cold.
No matter the weather, season, or medical condition, ensure your dog drinks water daily.
How to get your dog to drink cold water frequently
To avoid dehydration in your dog, you have to spruce up some things to ensure it drinks the right amount daily.
They include:
Adding fruits to the cold water: The sweet scent and flavorful taste of cold water mixed with fruits will prompt your dog to drink more cold water. The fruits will also add more health boost to your dog’s body.
Mixing food: You can mix wet dog food with cold water. The dog will happily drink the water, especially if the food is a favorite.
Changing water bowl position: When you change the bowl’s position, your dog will gulp up the cold water, thinking it is a new treat.
If your dog still won’t drink water or has an illness preventing it from drinking enough water, contact your vet as soon as possible.
Yes. If you drink tap water, it will be safe to give it to your dog too.
Tap water is a cost-effective and readily available option, so there is no harm.
Can dogs eat ice cubes?
Yes, dogs can eat ice cubes as long as they are crushed and offered in small pieces.
Ice cubes will make a refreshing and hydrating treat for your dog on hot summer days.
Can dogs eat ice cubes?
Yes, dogs can eat ice cubes as long as they are crushed and offered in small pieces. Ice cubes will make a refreshing and hydrating treat for your dog on hot summer days.
To wrap up
As seen above, cold water will play a crucial role in nearly all of your dog’s body’s biological processes, from aiding in digestion to maintaining a normal body temperature.
A happy and healthy dog is what your furry friend will be with regular cold water drinking.
Hi, my name is Megan Turner and I have worked in a dog’s shelter for four years now. It is truly my dream job, and I see hundreds of dogs every month being united with new owners to give them a loving forever home.
Unfortunately, handicapped dogs are much more likely to be ignored when a family is picking out their new pet. Handicapped pets need more care than non-handicapped pets, so it is understandable why they are often harder to rehome.
