By Mark Eugene Hennick

Just like in humans, water consumption is vital for your dog’s health. Although your dog could sustain life for quite a few days without food, he or she would perish much sooner without necessary water. A dog’s body is composed of about 70% water; the dog will die if he or she loses just 10% of this water. At minimum, any dog should consume 2 ml of water for every pound the dog weighs. This is the absolute minimum for urine production.

Ideally, you should offer your dog an unlimited supply of water. When a dog’s body is deficient in water, the body is harmed and vital bodily functions can shut down. Here you will see the valuable functions of water in the dog’s system.

Water…

… assists in digestion and allows the body to absorb vital nutrients.

… is necessary for burning fuel in order to create the energy that allows your dog to function.

...helps to regulate the dog’s internal body temperature.

…replaces the fluid that is lost in sweat, urination, defecation, and evaporation.

…mixes chemicals absorbed by the body, causing necessary chemical reactions.
…carries toxins and waste away from the dog’s cells.

…regulates the acidity in the dog’s blood.

Without water, digestion is hampered, nutrients are lost, and energy falters. Body temperature becomes irregular, dehydration occurs, chemical reactions do not occur, toxins remain in the system, and the dog’s blood becomes too acidic. The overall function of the dog’s body is totally reliant upon the proper consumption of water. Regardless of the breed of dog or how active he or she is, water is the most important element in the diet.

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