The heat of the summer can be troublesome – not only for us but for our beloved pets too!
We’re all pet parents, and we want to share with you 7 things you can do to keep your pet hydrated, especially during those scorching hot summer months!
Did you know that on average most pets need about one ounce of liquids per pound of body weight daily? This amount will increase in the summer.
With that being said, it’s our job as pet parents to make sure our fur babies stay hydrated. Let’s start off with the signs of dehydration, so you can always be on the lookout for any worrisome symptoms.
1. Dehydration Symptoms:
- dry mouth & nose
- sticky or pale gums
- excessive panting
- sunken in eyes
- decreased skin elasticity – (If the skin does not go back into place in between their shoulder blades after being pinched, your pet may be dehydrated)
- lethargy – reduced energy levels
- diarrhea
- vomiting
If you notice any of the above, please call your vet immediately. This way you can come up with a plan of action to get your pet back on track to their optimal health. Monitor the weather in your area and limit your pet’s exposure to extreme heat
2. Be aware of the time of day
Always be sure that you’re choosing the coolest part of the day to take your pet on a long walk or play outdoors. If you’re able to exercise them indoors during the hottest months of the year, it’s ideal, in air conditioning. However, we all know it’s nice to get outside and run around!
Early morning walks before the sun comes out, and late evening, when it has already set, is one of our favorite times to walk our pet’s because we’re in Las Vegas, NV and it gets VERY hot here during the day. Some days are as hot as 100+ degrees.
Check out this shaded bed for outdoor lounging!
3. Make sure your pet is getting their daily recommended amount
Check out the selection of bowls we have at PetFlow!
As a general rule of thumb, each pet should be consuming at least one ounce of water for each pound of body weight. For example, a 10lb dog or cat would be expected to drink at least 10 ounces of water per day to remain hydrated. If you have a large breed dog, like a Golden Retriever, you would still follow this same rule of thumb. An 85lb Golden Retriever should be getting at least 85 ounces of water per day.
Now keep in mind, this number can fluctuate depending on the activity level of your pet. If you have a dog that is very active and insists on being outside, even on the hottest days of the year, just account for that and make sure they have a little extra water that day.
4. Water should be accessible at all times!
If you’re on the go with your pet, be sure to always have a travel bowl with water!
We can not stress the importance of clean and fresh water enough. Water should always be available to your pet, there is never a time to deprive them of drinking! Anytime you’re changing your pet’s water, be sure to clean the bowl well to prevent bacteria from accumulating. Clean, fresh water should always be available to your pet, whether that be in multiple rooms of your house, outside in their play area, or on the road while traveling.
We always recommend bringing a travel bowl and some bottles of water with you if you’re planning a day excursion with your pet. Be sure your pet is always getting the required amount of hydration in their diet by having an on the go option for them to quench their thirst.
You can find these types of individual portable water dishes at PetFlow:
5. Make sure your pet has a cool, dry place to cool off in
For really hot weather, check out these fantastic Cooling Pads for dogs!
We know how hot it is in the summer months, so just imagine how hot it is for our furry pets. Make sure your pet always has a shaded spot to cool off in that is easily accessible when outside. If you’re inside enjoying the air conditioning, please invite your pet to be with you. Chances are if you’re hot, they’re hot too!
It’s always important to make sure your pet has a safe place to hang out that is away from the sun!
6. Add moisture in your pet’s kibble
As humans, we get a lot of our moisture intake from our food, but unfortunately, that’s not the case for our pet’s who predominantly eat dry kibble. The easiest way we like to add moisture to our pet’s food is by adding a bit of canned food to their bowl in addition to their regular kibble. Not only will this be appealing to your pet but canned food is made with a high percentage of water, and it’s a great way to keep them hydrated while feeling like they’re getting a treat!
Check out our amazing selection of high-quality CANNED DOG FOOD & CANNED CAT FOOD
Pet’s don’t really get a lot of water in their food since they typically eat a dry form of kibble. If you’re feeding a dry kibble to your pet, it’s best to add a little water to it in the hot summer months. Another great tip that we’ve tried with our own pets is to add a can of pet food as a topper which is mainly made up of moisture.
7. Buy a water fountain to entice your pet to drink clean and fresh water
The Pagoda Fountain is a PetFlow pick! The Pagoda fountain continuously recirculates 70 ounces of fresh, filtered water. Best of all, the stylish ceramic design is easy to clean and looks great in your home. The upper and lower dishes provide two drinking areas for pets, and the patented dual free-falling streams aerate the water. This allows the water to stay fresh and encourages your pet to drink more, especially in the hot summer months. By circulating the water, you’re also keeping bacteria from growing.
We know that fresh, clean water is most appealing so we must remember our pets would prefer it that way too!
