Summer Pet Safety: How to Keep Your Pet Hydrated
Like your body, your pet’s body needs water to stay healthy and functioning. Dehydration in the summer can lead to several problems, including heatstroke, which can be life-threatening.
In the heat of summer, dogs keep cool by panting which results in lots of their body’s moisture being lost through evaporation. Cats cool themselves down by licking their coats and enjoying the cooling effect of the moisture evaporating from their fur. As a result, pets lose a lot of moisture just to regulate their body temperature in warm weather.
To help your pets stay hydrated this summer and encourage them to drink more water, consider the following tips:
5 Tips to Keep Your Pets Hydrated This Summer
1. Fresh Water Should Always Be Available
Firstly, make sure your pet always has access to fresh, cool water in a place that’s easy for them to reach even when you are not home.
2. Water Bowls Should Be Clean
You wouldn’t want to drink from a stinky or slimy water glass, and your pets won’t want to drink from a dirty water bowl either. Be sure to wash your pet’s dishes regularly and make sure they have fresh water that’s changed every day.
3. Add Water to Their Food
You can help your pet take in a bit more water by adding water to their dry food. This will help them to stay hydrated while they eat.
4. Offer Frozen Treats
Pets can play with and crunch up ice cubes to stay cool and hydrated during the summer. You can also freeze bites of watermelon (which is safe for pets) to add a little bit of sweetness to this game.
5. Try a Water Fountain or Self-Replenishing Water Dish
Motorized water dishes or those with water reservoirs are a great option if you need to be away from your home during the day. These bowls have a reserve of water available for pets, and the water will taste fresh.
Summer Pet Safety at Bramalea Animal Hospital
To keep your pet safe this summer, talk with a veterinarian about the signs of dehydration and heatstroke. You can also help keep your pet safe with seasonal parasite prevention, vaccinations, and a pet microchip. To learn more or schedule an appointment, we welcome you to contact our veterinary hospital in Brampton today.
