Paws-itively Hydrated

Before you and your furry friend become a blur of paws and sneakers, let's talk about the liquid fuel that keeps the engine running: hydration. You are going beyond a simple bowl of water and delving into the surprisingly complex world of keeping your canine co-runner (and yourself!) properly hydrated. Because let's face it, a dehydrated dog is about as enthusiastic about running as a cat is about a bath.

Water Works

You've probably heard the "eight glasses of water a day" mantra. And it is adviseable for you to take another liter of water. It's a reasonable starting point, and you can even boost your intake by snacking on water-packed goodies like watermelon and cucumber. But honestly, sometimes you are so busy chasing squirrels (metaphorically speaking) that you forget to drink until your tongue resembles a dried-up sponge. Your dog is in a similar predicament. Your dog can't exactly tap you on the shoulder and say, "Pardon me, but I'm feeling a bit parched. A spot of H2O would be lovely." Your dog depends on you to be their hydration guru, their personal water sommelier of the running world.

Thirst-Quenching Clues

Waiting until you're desperately thirsty might mean you've missed earlier, subtler signals. You might have a less sensitive thirst response, or you might mistake thirst for hunger. If that sounds familiar, make a conscious effort to drink regularly throughout the day. Keep an eye out for signs of dehydration, both in yourself and your dog, such as headaches, dark yellow urine (think of a strong, dark brew, not a light, refreshing lemonade), dry skin, a funky taste in your mouth, or even dry, irritated eyes. Surprisingly, back or neck pain can sometimes be a sneaky symptom of dehydration. Low blood pressure, dizziness, feeling faint, fatigue, and even constipation (especially if your diet is high in fiber) can also point to a need for more fluids.

Drink When You're Dry?

Here's a revelation that might surprise you: you don't have to be constantly chugging water during your runs. In fact, research suggests that simply drinking when you feel thirsty is a perfectly adequate strategy. A study in the European Journal of Applied Physiology found that experienced runners who listened to their thirst cues stayed well-hydrated, even in hot weather. Their body weight loss from dehydration remained within a safe range. Forcing yourself to drink too much, on the other hand, can lead to stomach discomfort. The key is to begin your run well-hydrated, with your urine a pale yellow or almost clear color, and to have fluids readily available throughout your run. Trust your body; it's usually pretty good at knowing what it needs.

Doggy Drinks

Now, let's translate human hydration wisdom into doggy terms. A good rule of thumb for your adult dog is to aim for 40,0 to 60,0 ml of water per kilogram of body weight each day. So, a small dog between 10,0 and 15,0 kilo would need 0,4 to 0,9 liters per day. A medium sized dog, between 20,0 and 30,0 kilo, needs between 0,9 ml and 1,8 liters. And a large dog, 40,0 kilo or up, needs at least 1,6 to 2,4 liters per day. If your dog takes more than 100,0 ml per kg, it is too much. If your dog's meals include raw food, fruits, and veggies, they'll get some extra moisture from those sources. And puppies, those adorable little water guzzlers, need even more.

Hot Dogs and Hard Runs

When the weather heats up or you're planning a particularly strenuous run, bump up your dog's water intake by at least 50%. So, if your 20kg husky normally needs 800ml to 1.2 liters of water, a challenging run on a hot day might require 1.2 to 1.8 liters. Think of it like this: you wouldn't run a marathon without access to water stations, would you? Your dog needs those same opportunities to rehydrate. Invest in a collapsible water bowl or a hydration pack, and offer your dog frequent, small drinks.

Secret Signals

Dogs aren't always the best at communicating their needs. Your dog won't always dramatically pant and beg for water. Watch for more subtle signs of dehydration, such as restlessness or anxiety (pacing, whining, or seeming generally unsettled). Thick, sticky saliva, like trying to talk with a mouthful of peanut butter, is another clue. Dark yellow urine (or a lack of urine) is a major red flag. A dry nose and eyes, rather than the moist, boop-able nose you all adore, can also indicate dehydration. Check their gums; they should feel slick and moist, not dry or tacky. A sudden loss of interest in their surroundings, unusual lethargy (more than just post-run tiredness), excessive panting (beyond normal cooling), irritability, and a decreased appetite can all be signs that your dog needs to drink. You can also check their skin elasticity. Gently pinch the skin on the back of their neck; if it snaps back quickly, they're hydrated. If it stays tented or wrinkled, it's time for an immediate water break. You can also test the capillary refill.

Water Wizardry

Some dogs are surprisingly reluctant to drink, even when they need to. If your dog is a water-avoider, try a few tricks. Tempt them to their water bowl with a delicious treat, dropping it into the water and praising them enthusiastically when they drink to get it, using the command "drink." Many dogs love ice cubes, so try making them with chicken broth for added flavor and hydration. If your dog refuses to drink from a collapsible bowl, practice at home using the treat method until it becomes a positive association. You can even encourage drinking from natural sources like streams by tossing a treat into the water.

Sip, Don't Slurp

Just as you wouldn't want to gulp down a huge amount of water in the middle of a run, your dog shouldn't either. Offer your dog small amounts of water frequently to prevent vomiting or that uncomfortable sloshing feeling in their stomach. A small, collapsible bowl, holding around 450ml, is perfect. Offer about half a bowl at a time, especially if your dog seems very thirsty. For longer runs or canitrails (over two hours), consider adding a bit of fish fillet to your dog's water to create a tasty and nutritious "fish soup."

Pre-Game Hydration

It's crucial to ensure both you and your dog drink plenty of water 1.5 to 2 hours before you start your run. This way, you're both beginning with full hydration tanks and only need to maintain those levels during your activity. Starting dehydrated and trying to catch up mid-run is a recipe for discomfort and potential problems. Remember, if you're already well-hydrated, drinking extra water right before the run won't offer any additional benefit; your body can't store it. But drinking during exercise is essential because you lose fluids through breathing, sweating, panting, and, of course, peeing.

Electrolyte Enigma

Electrolytes, those essential minerals like sodium, potassium, and chloride, are important for muscle and nerve function. You lose them through sweat, which is why sports drinks are often recommended for intense exercise. However, dogs don't sweat in the same way you do. Their primary cooling mechanism is panting, which primarily releases water vapor, not significant amounts of electrolytes. Therefore, dogs don't typically require electrolyte supplements. An exception might be working dogs, such as search and rescue dogs, who spend long hours in extreme conditions. Studies have shown that dogs offered a chicken broth-based rehydration solution tend to drink more readily than those offered plain water.

Broth-tastic Boost

Homemade bone broth, made from chicken, beef, or other bones, is a fantastic hydration booster for your dog, especially before or after exercise. It's packed with nutrients, easy to digest, and most dogs find it incredibly appealing. Bone broth offers a range of benefits, including boosting the immune system, aiding recovery after illness or exertion, being gentle on sensitive stomachs, supporting joint health (thanks to the glucosamine and gelatin it contains), and promoting a healthy gut lining.

The Final Lap

Running with your dog is a wonderful way to bond and stay active. But prioritizing hydration is essential for a safe, enjoyable, and successful run for both of you. Pay attention to your dog's cues, offer water frequently, and don't be afraid to get a little creative with your hydration strategies. Now get out there and enjoy those runs, with your happy, well-hydrated dog by your side!