Working animals deserve water just like our pets
Working horses and donkeys need drinking water the same as our pets at home. Let's remember the importance of keeping animals hydrated this National Pet Hydration Month.
I'm Kim Wells, a global animal welfare expert at Brooke. Water is essential for life and a source of joy and comfort for animals. Our pets can quench their thirst whenever they need to. But I see first-hand working animals struggling to access clean water.
July is National Pet Hydration Awareness Month. A time to focus on the health and wellbeing of our animals by ensuring they stay hydrated. Brooke is dedicated to making sure working animals have access to water when they need it.
In hot weather, a working horse needs 40 to 60 litres a day. A donkey needs 20 litres a day.
Their requirements can vary considerably depending upon physiological needs, the type of work they perform and environmental conditions.
Horses and donkeys also play an essential part in the transport of water in parts of the world where accessing water is difficult. We are working to provide better support for these animals and their owners.
Every time I see an animal, I wonder when they last had a drink.
Water scarcity and poor quality water are familiar challenges for working animals. A stark contrast to the easy and abundant access to water that our pets can enjoy.
Without this important nutrient dehydration can set in, causing serious health and wellbeing problems, ranging from discomfort to organ failure, pain and death.
I have seen first-hand the difference that water can make for these animals.
I have seen the relief on their faces when they drink from a water point, or from an improvised water trough such as an old bathtub or converted tire.
I have seen owners carrying buckets of water to give animals when nothing else is available.
I have helped cool animals experiencing heat stress in India, where temperatures are more than 45 degrees Celsius.
I have also seen the impact of our work with communities and organisations who are new to equine welfare.
One of our partner programme leads told me after attending animal welfare training, he started to look at animals differently.
He said: "Now every time I see an animal, I wonder when they last had a drink." This simple question helped him realise just how important water is for them.
When we understand the barriers that prevent working horses, donkeys and mules from accessing clean water in the amounts they need, we can work with communities and systems to overcome them using our established approaches and experience.
Water gives animals energy, keeps them hydrated and supports their health and happiness.
This month let's pledge to keep our pets hydrated. Let's also pledge our support to those caring for working horses, donkeys and mules around the world. Their wellbeing depends on it.
Brooke is bringing water to communities
Kim is a Senior Manager of Global Animal Welfare at Brooke, having been with the charity since 2007.
Kim believes that change for animals starts with people and has supported Brooke tirelessly to achieve its goals.