How to keep your pets hydrated
 

Keeping your pet hydrated is very important, no matter what the weather is. It can help to maintain your pet's health and prevent possible conditions, or treat ones they already have. Despite this, sometimes pets are finicky: it can be hard to get them to drink! Here are a few ways to encourage your pet to stay hydrated.

Many pets enjoy moving water because of the sound, appearance, and the freshness of it. Try looking into a pet fountain. They are expensive, but luckily, you can make your own. Use a large pet bowl, a pump and/or an inexpensive fish filter to keep the water clean and make a waterfall. If you don't want to use a fish filter, use a pump to circulate the water. Keeping water moving also helps if you take care of any outside animals, as it can keep water from freezing or becoming too stagnant. Just make sure to clean it regularly!

Some animals enjoy ice cubes, while others do not. Experiment with ice cubes to see what your pet thinks of them. Put some ice into their water, or even on a clean area of the floor. Some cats will lick ice cubes and will play with them as well.

Aside from making a pet fountain and using ice cubes, you can consider freezing some of their favorite treats. There are some cat and dog treats that are of a liquid consistency. Try freezing them and offering them to your pet. You can freeze them in silicone ice cube trays (or candy making trays). While this is not water, it is a way to get your pet something cool and hydrating.

Do you ever want to break out of your routine and try a change? Maybe your pet feels similarly as well. Consider moving your pet bowls around. In addition to this, try adding several water bowls all around your house. This gives your pet options and more access to fresh water. You can also try an entirely new bowl, which can be particularly useful if your current one is old or if you think your pet may not like it.

Some people aren't a fan of canned wet food for their animals: it has an odd consistency and can smell a little funny depending on the flavor of it! However, it can be important to offer it if you do not already. A lot of these foods have water and other fluids to increase your pet's hydration and comfort.

More often than not, many pets have an interest in what you're consuming. Cats will sometimes dip their paws, or their entire faces into your cup of water. If this happens, try to offer water in a different form: your cup. This can also be a sign that your pet's water isn't as fresh as they would like it to be.

While it can be a challenge to keep your pet hydrated, there is probably something to help even the pickiest of pets! Experiment with these ideas, or find some more of your own to find out more about your pet's likes and dislikes.