A few weeks ago, one of my patients and I had a shocking event, literally. The dog and I interacted and shocked each other with static electricity.
Water, fluid and moisture requirements for pets are increasing
This phenomenon is not a direct result of dehydration, but rather a build-up of abnormal electrical charge. I often see patients/pets experiencing static electricity are, in fact, dehydrated, as evidenced by their blood work and have very dry skin.
Forced air heat and low humidity lead to a greater need for water or food with additional moisture.
Occasional mild dehydration is not life-threatening, but chronic dehydration affects all internal organs and tissues within the body, in addition to the skin. The kidneys and cardiovascular system are affected by tissue dehydration, which causes decreased oxygenation of cells and earlier cell death.
To ensure that your pet is protected from dehydration, and that they drink plenty of water, be creative about their feeding and drinking habits. Consider adding a water fountain for your pet, which simulates fresh running water. Many cats and dogs prefer it to stagnant water, and the sound of running water will entice your pet to drink more often.
Pets who do not drink a lot of water can be encouraged to drink more fluids with the addition of canned or fresh meats, vegetables and fruits to their food (puree in a blender and mix with their meat) or adding low sodium meat broth, kefir or goat’s milk in their diet.
Being outside in cold weather also increases the fluid needs of people and pets, as shivering uses more fluid and energy in the body.
In colder weather, make sure your pet has plenty of water available at all times. Warming pet food and giving room temperature slightly warm bone broth, after a trip outside, will help warm and hydrate your pet.
Changes in caloric needs
Some pets and owners become less active in the colder months, with fewer walks and less outdoor play time. If your pet fits into this category, he needs fewer calories. Unfortunately, the tendency to eat more calories increases when we are bored, less active and doing things like watching TV.
Try to get up and throw a ball for your pet, or do the food parade, encouraging your pet to follow you around the house as you carry their food up and down the stairs.
In addition to eating fewer calories, make sure you eat leaner proteins, such as lean meats, and eliminate carbohydrate-laden snacks like grain based treats. Dry pet foods are more calorie dense than real foods, including blueberries, carrots, and green beans. Give some of that in place of your pet’s kibble.
For pets who maintain an active winter lifestyle, increasing calories through fresh protein (meat, fish and eggs – lightly cooked or raw) and healthy fats can be the answer to help with hydration and keeping your pet at a healthy weight.
Omega-3 fatty acids, such as those found in fish oils, nut oils, and from grass-fed animal fats, are great for reducing inflammation, protecting pets from cancer and increased skin moisture. But, be careful when introducing new fat sources to pets. Use small amounts, at first, and gradually increase.
If pets have experienced previous episodes of pancreatitis or gastroenteritis, the introduction of new food ingredients, including healthy fats, needs to happen gradually.
Add seasonal cold weather carbs to the diet
Have you noticed how many foods are easily and naturally available during certain seasons?
Until the last 60-80 years, the diets of domestic animals reflected what was available seasonally for the people with them. For example, fruits are not readily available in winter, but abundant in summer, so they are not consumed raw in winter.
Instead, root vegetables and tubers, such as sweet potatoes are consumed cooked during the winter months. Give your dog a break from processed foods and consider adding some home-cooked food with cooked meat and sweet potatoes, instead of grains, wheat and legumes (lentils and peas).
Cooked oats are another great warming food to feed pets in the winter. And canned pumpkin filling (no added sugar) is a great source of fiber for pets year-round.
Heat your pet’s food with spices
Warming spices like cinnamon and turmeric are great and safe ways to safely warm a pet indoors. Avoid cooling foods, such as cucumbers, cold foods, ice cubes and ice cream. Give food and drink slightly warm or room temperature.
Stay warm, dry and active, for your pets’ sake and yours.
Dr. Cynthia Maro is a veterinarian at Ellwood Animal Hospital in Ellwood City and at Chippewa Animal Hospital in Chippewa Township. She writes a biweekly column on pet care and health issues. If you have a topic you’d like to address, email [email protected].
