Woof Meow Pet Tip for July 21 2025 at Star 977 with Don Hanson – Water and Its Importance for Our Pets

Woof Meow Pet Tip for July 21 2025 at Star 977 with Don Hanson – Water and Its Importance for Our Pets

< Updated 2025-07-23 >

< The link to this page –  https://forcefreepets.com/woof-meow-pet-tip-Pets&Water >

MIKE DOW: – Welcome to Woof Meow with Don Hanson here on Star 977. When it comes to pets, how to best care for them, how to train them, and how to make that bond with your pet even stronger, do what so many people in Maine do: they go to Don Hanson at Green Acres Kennel Shop, 1653 Union Street in Bangor and online at greenacreskennel.com, and at the ForceFreePets website at  forcefreepets.com

DON: – The most critical nutrient we provide for our pets is not the food we buy at the store or make from fresh ingredients. It is water. Water is a vital ingredient that fuels their bodies and keeps them alive. Without water, we and our dogs would perish. What most people don’t realize is that nature designed the dog and cat to get the bulk of the water they need from their food. While they may drink water we provide in a dish, their body expects most of the water to be ingested with the food they consume. Unfortunately, just filling a bowl of water may not be sufficient. I’ll address how to keep your pet sufficiently hydrated after the break.

MIKE DOW: – For 30 years, Don has been owner and operator of Green Acres Kennel Shop, 1653 Union Street in Bangor, offering pet supplies, boarding, daycare, and grooming. Learn more at. greenacreskennel.com. Don also offers education for pets and their people at forcefreepets.com.

DON: When we feed our pet wet food or frozen food, it is typically 70 to 75% moisture, only 10% less than the 80% moisture nature intended. Unfortunately, pets fed only dry food are getting only 10 to 12% of the moisture they would generally get from their food, which is typically around 80%. Unless a dog is drinking at least one-half to one ounce of water per pound of weight, they may be constantly dehydrated. Sadly, many pets do not drink enough water. Chronic dehydration can contribute to chronic kidney disease, which is one of the top ten causes of death for cats and dogs. A simple way to keep your pet hydrated is to add some water to their food. It releases flavor and helps ensure adequate hydration. For more information on your pet and their need for water, please read Our Pets’ Most Important Nutrient – Water on my blog.