2. Water Did you know that water is considered the MOST IMPORTANT nutrient? Without a doubt water provides the foundation for all metabolism of all nutrients of the body. Water is the largest and heaviest component of the body, making dehydration a common threat to sick patients unwilling or unable to eat and drink.

3. Functions of Water Volume effects the blood pressure of the animal Water is a thermoregulator for body temperature Transports solutes and gases (medium for all chemical reactions) Lubricates joints and eyes Electrolyte balance Is essential for absorption and metabolism of water soluble vitamins like B and C Is utilized by organs to maintain their functions; kidney filtration

4. Water facts Water makes up 84% of the weight of a newborn puppy and 50-60% of the weight of adult dogs. Dog and cats require 30mL/lb/day

5. Water Losses Urine Feces Insensible losses (skin and lungs) Sweat from sweat glands

6. Animals and Water The animal’s body requires 2 ½ times the volume of water compared to the volume of dried food every 24 hrs. If a dog gets 8 oz of dry food, you should give the dog 20 oz of water. In other words, if your dog gets 1 bowl of food, then it will need 2 ½ bowls of water.

7. Animal Dehydration Levels 4-5% - skin turgidity is lost 7% - eyes are sunken with lose of skin turgidity 10% - all the above symptoms and generally in lateral recumbency Hydration can be evaluated exactly by taking blood and evaluating the hematocrit (PCV) of the animal.