The human body is made up of approximately 55%-60% water. Water is a major component is cells, blood, and body tissue. The same applies to animals. Their bodies are made up of water as well. We are told that we can live without food for several weeks, but we can only live a few days without water. The same thing is true with animals. Animals need fresh water for their bodies to function. Water is vital for bodily functions such as regulation of body temperature, lubricating joints, nutrient absorption, removing wastes, body weight, and overall health. When water is withheld or unavailable, dehydration occurs. Dehydration of more than 10% of the body’s water is considered a medical emergency, and the water needs to be replaced ASAP! If the water is not replaced, blood volume begins to drop, temperatures begin to rise, and organs begin to shut down. Animals get the water they need not only through the action of drinking but also from the food they eat. Fresh grasses, fruits and vegetables all contain water. Animals prefer fresh, clean water. Some animals will only drink stagnant water, even if it looks clean, as a last resort. I dump out and refill water pans and buckets every day. When I go away for a few days I always try to make sure my animals have enough feed and more importantly, enough water. I put out extra tubs, buckets and bowls and detailed instructions for my substitute caregiver on what to do about watering. It gives me peace of mind.
So just how much water do our animals need and do they need more during the warm months then they do during the cold months? The quantity of water that an animal will drink depends on their size and the food they eat. Water is needed to aid in the digestion of food, and some foods have more water in them than other foods. Animals lose water continually, even the act of breathing expels water into the air. During the warm months, an animal may lose more water trying to regulate their body temperature and keep cool. On hot days, additional water should be provided. Animals might not need quite as much water during the cooler months, but plenty of fresh water should be made available. It’s not a good idea to count on an animal eating snow to replenish their water. If necessary, an animal will resort to eating snow, but some animals don’t particularly like doing it. They would rather have a bucket of clean, fresh, liquid water.
A chicken will drink approximately 2 to 3 cups of water a day, depending on growth, size and time of year. A chicken drinks a little bit of water at a time and returns to the water bowl often, so it’s important to make sure they have a constant supply. During the hot months I also try to supplement their diets with fresh fruits and vegetables that contain water such as watermelon, cantaloupe, cucumbers, zucchini, and berries. During the winter it’s important to make sure they have access to water that isn’t frozen. This may require manually replacing water a couple times a day, or using some type of heated watering bucket or bowl. If a chicken does not have an adequate supply of water, their egg laying could be hindered or delayed.
A horse will drink between 5 and 10 gallons of water a day. They can last approximately 3 weeks without food, but less than a week without water. A horse will consume some of the water that they require as they forage on fresh grasses during the spring and summer. During colder weather when a horse eats mainly dry hay, water is very important as it aids in digestion and helps to prevent colic. It is said that a horse drinks less water in the winter, when it appears that this is the time of year their bodies require more. Some horse owners discovered that if they provided their horses with warmer water in colder climates, they tended to drink more then if they were merely offered cold water. Dehydration is a serious condition in a horse. If dehydration is suspected, try the simple skin test…pinch a fold of skin for a few seconds and if when released it springs back to its natural position the horse is properly hydrated. If it stays pinched up for more than a couple of seconds, it’s an indication the horse may be dehydrated and require medical attention.
A goat requires 2 to 3 gallons of water a day. Like horses, they can get by on less water if they are eating lush, fresh grasses. A nursing momma goat will require additional water to keep her supply of milk strong. Contrary to popular belief, goats are finicky eaters; curious, but they won’t eat everything in sight. The same holds true for their water. They prefer clean, fresh water. If their water is stagnant or dirty, chances are your goat will pass it by unless they are desperate for a drink! Like with all animals, water is important for the overall good health of your goat. If you need to encourage your goat to drink more water, try putting a small amount of blackstrap molasses in their water, but not too much as it can cause diarrhea. This is something I give to my does after kidding. They need the water, enjoy the sweetness and get a little sugar boost.
Geese and ducks require a lot of water. They not only need water to maintain healthy bodies, but they use water to wash their food down so they don’t choke. They also need water to aid in preening. Geese and ducks bathe everyday…sometimes more than once! Bathing is how they get rid of dirt and maintain healthy feathers, spreading the natural oils that keep the outer feathers weatherproof. Although they don’t necessarily need a large pond or pool, they do need a water source big enough that they can dunk their head and spread water over their bodies. You’d be surprised at what a goose can bathe in!
Rabbits will drink about a cup of water a day and appreciate a constant supply of clean, fresh water. It has been noted that rabbits tend to overheat in the summer when temperatures reach 85+ degrees. Cool, fresh water is critical at this point to help your rabbit stay cool. It has been suggested that rabbits will drink more water from a bowl then they will from a bottle. I notice during the summer that my rabbits will lay close to their water pan where it might be a little cooler. Putting a frozen 2 liter bottle of water in the hutch with your rabbit will also help to keep him cooler in the heat. Small bowls or containers of water freeze quicker in the winter then do large water troughs. When temperatures are freezing it is important to keep a close eye on your rabbit’s water.
Dogs come in a variety of sizes. The general rule of thumb is that your dog should drink about 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight. For example, a 10 pound dog should drink about a cup of water per day, while a 65 pound Labrador will need at least 1/2 gallon of water. Water not only aids in digestion, but also lubricates joints and helps to cool a dog down and regulate their body temperature. A very active dog can lose a lot of water because of excessive panting and salivation. It’s important to provide an adequate supply of clean, fresh water, especially after exercise.
As we work to provide the best care we can for our animals, let’s not forget one of the simplest forms of preventative care…a daily supply of fresh, clean water!
Sources:
https://www.businessinsider.com/how-many-days-can-you-survive-without-water-2014-5
https://extension.psu.edu/how-much-drinking-water-does-your-horse-need
https://simplelivingcountrygal.com/encourage-goats-drink-more-water/