One Health

Staying hydrated is essential for overall health-whether you have two legs or four! Water helps regulate body temperature, cushions joints, supports digestion, and keeps vital organs functioning properly.

In pets, dehydration can happen quickly, especially during hot weather or after vigorous activity. For people, even mild dehydration can lead to headaches, fatigue, and poor concentration.

The solution is simple: drink water regularly and make sure your pets always have access to clean, fresh water.

A good rule of thumb? If you're thirsty, they probably are too. Let's all make hydration a healthy habit-because feeling good starts with staying hydrated. 🐾💧

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Candice Hinkle
Assistant Director
Program for Pet Health Equity
Knoxville, TN
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Keep Tails Wagging: July is Pet Hydration Awareness Month!

Did you know July is Pet Hydration Awareness Month? With rising summer temperatures, it’s the perfect time to make sure your furry friends are staying properly hydrated. Just like people, pets rely on water to regulate body temperature, aid digestion, and keep their organs functioning smoothly.

Signs of dehydration in pets can include dry gums, lethargy, sunken eyes, and excessive panting. Always provide fresh, clean water—and if you're on the go, bring a portable water bowl along.

Adding ice cubes to water dishes, offering pet-safe frozen treats, and keeping pets in shaded or cool areas can all help them beat the heat.

This month, let’s raise awareness and make hydration a priority—because a well-hydrated pet is a happy, healthy one! 🐶🐱💧

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Candice Hinkle
Assistant Director
Program for Pet Health Equity
Knoxville, TN
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Thank you for the very important reminder, @Candice Hinkle! It is very important to keep an eye on those water bowls and keep them full around this time, along with refreshing the water regularly.

I know Stanley cups have been a really popular and trendy way to get to your daily water intake, and I have definitely found that using a large (~40oz) water tumbler of that style has really helped me keep up on my water intake. Using cups with that straw attachment helps me take regular swigs of water throughout the day without distracting me too much from what I'm doing.

I also add cucumber slices to my water every once in a while. I am looking into getting a fruit diffuser for my tumbler as something new to try!

I would be curious to know what others are doing to reach their daily water intake!

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Kayla Anderson
Veterinary Social Worker
Program for Pet Health Equity
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Original Message:
Sent: 07-03-2025 07:28 AM
From: Candice Hinkle
Subject: Why Hydration Matters-for Pets and People 💧

Staying hydrated is essential for overall health-whether you have two legs or four! Water helps regulate body temperature, cushions joints, supports digestion, and keeps vital organs functioning properly.

In pets, dehydration can happen quickly, especially during hot weather or after vigorous activity. For people, even mild dehydration can lead to headaches, fatigue, and poor concentration.

The solution is simple: drink water regularly and make sure your pets always have access to clean, fresh water.

A good rule of thumb? If you're thirsty, they probably are too. Let's all make hydration a healthy habit-because feeling good starts with staying hydrated. 🐾💧

------------------------------
Candice Hinkle
Assistant Director
Program for Pet Health Equity
Knoxville, TN
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The Importance of Staying Hydrated 💦

Water is more than just a thirst-quencher—it’s vital for keeping our bodies running smoothly. Staying hydrated helps regulate body temperature, boosts energy, improves focus, and keeps your heart, kidneys, and joints healthy.

Even mild dehydration can cause headaches, fatigue, and dizziness. In hot weather or during physical activity, the risk increases—so it's important to drink water regularly, not just when you feel thirsty.

Carry a refillable water bottle, add fruits like lemon or berries for flavor, and aim to sip throughout the day.

Staying hydrated is one of the easiest ways to take care of your body—inside and out. 💧

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Candice Hinkle
Assistant Director
Program for Pet Health Equity
Knoxville, TN
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