A trickle of water from a drippy faucet, a gentle stream in the woods, or the first drops of rainfall on a parched land; water sure is a captivating and delightful subject matter for poets, authors, filmmakers, and musicians alike. But you know who doesn’t concern themselves with this poetic aspect, yet holds water equally dear? That furry buddy lounging around your house. Yes, your dog. Water aids a critical role in your canine’s overall wellbeing. However, the question arises when your dog is sentenced to the confines of her crate; whether it’s bedtime, house-training, or that obligatory travel: should there be water in your dog’s crate?
It’s an understandable query, worthy of thorough examination and discussion. You, as a dog-parent, obviously want to prevent any situation that may lead to your furry friend’s discomfort. Let’s take a deep dive into understanding the various aspects of this question and make an informed decision.
When we talk about leaving water inside your dog’s crate, numerous factors come into play: her age, her breed, her eating habits, her medical conditions, and even the weather. Dogs, like humans, require a healthy water intake to keep their bodies functioning optimally. However, timing is everything, and so it is when it comes to your furball’s water consumption.
One key component is your dog’s age. Puppies are like small children; they need access to water more frequently since they’re growing and developing. On the other hand, older dogs have more control over their bladders and are less prone to accidents, but they also need to stay hydrated. If your dog is prone to urinary tract infections, kidney issues, or is on medications that tend to dehydrate her, the access to water becomes more crucial.
Another factor to consider is the weather. If you’re living in a hotter climate or if it’s the peak summer season, your dog might need more water to stay hydrated.
All these factors argue for leaving water in a dog’s crate. But before jumping to conclusions, consider the flip side.
Leaving water inside the crate also begs the question of hygiene. Dogs are curious creatures; they like to play, explore, and sometimes mess around. If your dog likes to swim in her water bowl, the outcome could be a wet, soggy crate that’s uncomfortable for her to lay in. Also, an overturned water bowl not only makes for a wet and cold crate environment, but it could also lead to a choked crate door, making it hard for your dog to get out during an emergency.
Additionally, water intake before night can potentially disrupt her sleep cycle, paving the way for nighttime “accidents.” This is especially true for puppies who haven’t quite mastered the art of controlling their bladder.
Given these multiple aspects, what’s the ideal course of action? Is provisioning water inside a dog’s crate a necessity or an avoidable circumstance?
As with many things in life, moderation is key. One solution could be investing in a no-spill or a lickable water dispenser. These are great options to prevent messy situations and assure your pet has water access while crated. Another solution could be modifying your dog’s diet. Including moisture-rich food in her meals can help combat dehydration. Fresh fruits, canned dog food, or simply adding a splash of water in their kibble can make a difference.
Lastly, ensure your dog is well-hydrated before she is crate-bound. Encourage her to drink water through the day, but remove the water dish a few hours before bed. This step will allow her time to relieve herself before getting crated, reducing the chances of messy accidents.
The issue around water inside a dog’s crate calls for a balanced approach. Providing water to your dog depends largely on individual circumstances and your dog’s specific requirements. While general rules hold value, the unique nature of every pet demands personalized attention and sometimes even professional consultation. Remember, your furry friend relies solely on you for their wellbeing. Their health is essentially in your hands.
So the next time you find yourself standing before your slumbering dog’s crate, water dish precariously in your hand, I hope you hear the echoes of this discussion guide you towards a decision that’s best for your furry partner.
Remember, it’s all about hydration and comfort, but without the mess and fuss. It’s about striking that perfect balance. It’s about ensuring that your dog, whether she’s in her crate or lounging in the living room, is hydrated, comfortable, and most of all, content.
