Summer brings sunshine, longer days, more outdoor adventures, and, not to be missed, risks of dehydration. Dogs are not able to sweat like humans, making them more susceptible to overheating and fluid loss quickly in hot, humid weather.
Your fur baby needs to stay properly hydrated, whether they are out with you digging up your yard or joining you for the perfect hike.
In this blog post, we will be digging into the importance of hydration, along with some essential tips to encourage your dog to drink more water. Read more below.
Importance of Hydration For Dogs During Summer
Water is crucial for the overall wellness of your dog. It regulates body temperature, supports digestion, cushions joints, and allows nutrient absorption. During hot weather, your dog could lose fluids more quickly from all that panting and playing. If those fluids are not replaced, it will lead to dehydration, and your pooch may exhibit symptoms such as:
- Dry nose and gums
- Loss of skin elasticity
- Lethargy or weakness
- Sunken eyes
- Excessive panting
Heatstroke is an emergency that requires immediate medical attention. This is why ensuring your dog has access to fresh water is indeed a necessity.
Essential Tips to Encourage Your Dog to Drink More Water
Tip 1: Always Provide Cool, Fresh Water
Always keep your dog's bowl full of fresh water. During summer, when the temperature is high, water can heat up quickly, making it less appealing to drink. Try these simple tricks:
- Refill often: Change the water every couple of hours to keep it cool.
- Add ice cubes: Ice cubes keep the water cooler for a longer stretch of time and create some fun for your furry friend.
- Use shaded places: Keep drinkers in cool, shady areas so they don't heat up.
If you are going out, keep a bottle of water ready and a collapsible bowl so your pup will be able to drink no matter where you go.
Also Read: Keeping Your Dutch Shepherd Well-Hydrated
Tip 2: Motivate Drinking With Flavour Add-ons
Sometimes, dogs do not drink enough water because they aren’t thirsty until they have already become mildly dehydrated. Make water more flavorful with the following tips:
- Pour in some low-sodium chicken or beef broth (be sure it is onion and garlic-free).
- Add a few blueberries or cucumber slices for a refreshing change.
- Provide ice chips as a crunchy, hydrating treat.
Flavor enhancers must be natural, healthy, and also dog-safe.
Tip 3: Monitor Water Intake
Keep track of how much your dog drinks so you know if they are drinking less than typical, which is the first sign of dehydration. As a general rule, dogs require 1 oz. of water per pound of body weight daily, but this amount increases with increased heat and exercise.
Tip 4: Multiple Water Stations
If your home and yard are larger, offer multiple water bowls. This ensures your dog has easy access to water and promotes drinking in more frequent intervals.
Tip 5: Pair Hydration with Food
You can also make their meals more hydrating with the following ideas:
- With dry kibble, add water or low-sodium broth to make a hydrating “gravy.”
- Feed wet food as it naturally has a higher moisture content.
- Make homemade frozen treats with pureed fruit for a tasty snack for dogs.
Tip 6: Avoid Overheating
Hydration alone cannot compensate for the overexertion you are putting your pooch through this hot summer. These safety measures help ensure good hydration:
- Restrict walks and playtime to early in the morning or evening, when it is cooler.
- Never leave your dog in a parked car, not even for a few minutes.
- Create shaded areas for resting in outdoor environments.
Tip 7: Recognize Danger Signs
If your dog shows signs of severe dehydration, appears to be extremely lethargic, collapsed, or panting heavily, please go immediately to the vet. A quick intervention will save your dog’s life.
The summer is the best season for you and your dog to enjoy nature, but hydration is the key to keeping them safe. Try these summer hydration tips to save your furry companions from dehydration. We hope you find this blog helpful.
