Your pet’s body is made up of 80% water, roughly. That means that even a small reduction in the amount of water consumed or in the amount of moisture lost can make a big difference in terms of your pet’s hydration status.

Your pet’s hydration can be a concern in many different situations.

• In warm temperatures, your pet can become dehydrated very quickly. This is true if your pet is exercising with you, such as jogging or hiking. If you’re going to be outdoors with your pet in warm temperatures, be sure you have plenty of clean fresh water for both you and your pet. You’ll both need it. Don’t forget to bring a collapsible bowl or some other device which you can fill with water to deliver to your pet.
• Even if your pet is not exercising, if he/she is outdoors in the sun, dehydration can occur. Always make sure your pet has access to clean fresh water when outdoors. A shady spot where your pet can get out of the sun should be provided as well. Check on your pet frequently when outdoors as accidents can happen. For instance, a water bowl can spill or leak, leaving your pet without water. Be a responsible pet owner and bring your pet indoors when the temperatures are too hot (or too cold).
• Closed cars can heat up very quickly, leading not only to dehydration but to a rapid and dangerous increase in your pet’s body temperature. Never leave your pet locked inside your car untended.
• Cats, as a species, perhaps because of their unique evolutionary development, often live on the verge of dehydration. Many simply drink don’t drink enough, if left to their own devices, to provide adequate hydration. This is the reason many veterinarians and other cat experts advise feeding cats canned food. Canned food has a higher moisture content than dry, thereby increasing a cat’s water consumption without the need to actually drink water. However, devices that encourage the drinking of more water can also be useful. These devices include water fountains, dripping faucets, and even adding water to the food.
• Illness can also lead to dehydration.

So, now you know that your pet can become dehydrated. The next question you may have is “How do I tell if my pet is dehydrated?” or “What can I do about it if I think my pet is dehydrated?” The following infographic, courtesy of PetSafe, will help answer those questions for you. I think you’ll find it useful.