Isn’t it too hot out there? Imagine not getting enough water in the scorching heat! The same applies to dogs, as even they need adequate hydration to live and thrive. Pet parents need to stay cautious and find ways to keep their furry companion cool in the summer.
Animal experts suggest that dogs require 3-4 times more water compared to their regular intake. Hydration required by canine friends also varies on their breed, size, and energy levels.
Increasing the amount of water for dogs in high temperatures can guard them against several health issues. Apart from this, there are various other precautions to keep them cool mentioned below!
How can Hydration Help in Boosting Dog’s Health?
Both humans and canines need sufficient hydration, and it’s essential to understand why. Water, in any form, provides hydration, which restores electrolytes in your dog’s body and helps in proper circulation, bowel movement, and digestion. It is the base of a healthy gut system for your pooches.
Water also supports the dog’s kidneys to flush off the toxins from the bloodstream and retain their healthy cardiovascular system. Insufficient water intake or dehydration can also result in organ failure amongst them.
Soaring temperatures also bring bright, sunny days to go on vacation with your furry friends. With proper precautions and by following the right hydration methods, pet parents can take their doggo on beach trips, park strolls, or even camping excursions. So, here are the ways to keep your canines cool and hydrated in hot weather!
10 Important Tips to Ensure Dog Hydration in Hot Weather
- Plan a Nearby Trip—If you are willing to leave home for a summer trip with your beloved pet puppy, prefer nearby places. If you are taking them along on car rides, begin with small open walks near the house to make them familiar with the environment. Fun excursions around water bodies like lakes or beach-side resorts and camps are a good decision here.
- Pay Attention to Packing—When packing your dog’s vacation bags, do not forget to gather all the essential supplies for their safety. A portable water bowl, doggy bedroll, life jacket, neon leash, fruity treats, swimming dog toys, and food are must-haves.
- Few Breeds are Sensitive to Heat—There’s no single way to ensure hydration in canines of all breeds. Dog breeds with short noses and flattened faces, like Pekinese, pugs, and bulldogs, suffer more breathing problems, making summers more problematic for them. Such dog breeds are susceptible to overheating, and it is wise to refrain from taking them out in soaring temperatures or humid weather.
- Never Leave Pets in Parked Cars- Within a short span of 10 minutes, the temperature can surge from 85° F to 102° F. Can you imagine how fatal it is for the poor canines locked in a parked car? Many people make the mistake of lowering their car windows for ventilation, but this doesn’t reduce inside temperatures. It can lead to heatstroke in pets, and they can’t speak about the suffering as well. Ensure to keep them at home in a relaxed and cozy place while you move out for shopping during summer.
- Pets also Need Time to Acclimatize—Just like humans, even dogs need time to cope with climate change. People planning a vacation during hot, dry, and tropical climates must make their dogs rehearse outdoors first. Plan travel during early morning or evening hours, as the weather is comparatively pleasant during that time.
- Not all Dogs are Swimmers- Every canine is not able to swim, yet they like to cool down in water bodies. While you accompany them for a pool session, safeguard them with life jackets in striking colors to prevent accidents. If wading in boats across rivers, attach a rope to them to keep them in close reach.
- Prevent Walks over Hot Pavements—Hot pavements can blister the soft paws of pooches or even cause sunburn. They can easily overheat and lead to irritation. Avoid exposing your adorable canine friends to hot spots, and wait for the surfaces to cool down before stepping out with them.
- Regular brushing and Bathing—Along with water intake, hydration in dogs is also relevant to their outer cooling system. Brushing and bathing them at regular intervals can keep them cool and comfortable. Rinse them after swimming sessions, as chlorine water may cause certain allergic reactions.
- Avoid Shaving their Fur Coats—Your dogs’ hairy and lustrous coats give them complete protection from sunburn, sun exposure, and heat. Refrain from unnecessary shaving or trimming sessions in summer. Their long coat can guard them from sunburn problems.
- Keep Fresh Drinking Water and Treats Handy- Pets need a lot of drinking water to sip throughout the day for hydration. Choose a good quality water bowl and do not lid it for frequent sips. Change the water daily and keep an ice cube in it for refreshing, cool water provision. Delight your puppies with frozen blueberry treats or frozen snack sticks to ensure regular intake. Your doggy is bound to get excited over the chilled treats and delights by pet parents!
Apart from the above remedies, keeping your canine cool during summer is an ongoing process. It can continue by keeping the dog on a cool tile floor with fresh air from windows and a ceiling fan. Do not give them hot blankets or clothes at night at all!
Signs to Know Your Doggy is Dehydrated
Check for the sensitive signs of dehydration in your canine companions mentioned here:
– Dry, Sticky, and Pale Gums
– Lethargy
– Sunken eyes
– Loss of appetite
– Increased heart rate
Enjoy Summer with Healthy and Hydrated Pets!
Taking care of the above ways and tips to keep your furry companions hydrated in summer can help. Make sure to increase the water intake of your canines, and pet parents need to be careful about their stay and play conditions as well.
Access to fresh water, time of walks outside, and mindful selection of diet for canines play a crucial role here. See the veterinarian without a second thought if required.
Happy Summer Petting!
