It may be September with Fall on the horizon, but we still have warm days ahead when our dogs need to be hydrated. Being fully hydrated is so important for our canine friends.
Dogs that get enough water get far fewer urinary tract infections, urinary stones, or crystals. An adequate water intake cools your dog and helps them to maintain a healthy temperature. Drinking water helps your dog convert fat to energy with enough pep for playing and an active lifestyle. Water also flushes toxins out of the body to promote faster healing from illness or injury.
Your dog needs 1 ounce of water for every pound of body weight. Keeping an eye on your dog’s water intake as best you can is a good idea, especially in warm weather. Pay attention to some tips below for keeping your dog hydrated.
Bring water with you - When you are out with your dog, take a doggie water bottle with you. Give your pooch a drink while you’re both jogging or hiking. Don’t forget about stopping for water breaks when on a car trip, too.
Offer heat relief - It’s easy for your dog to get overheated. Provide relief from the heat with shade or air conditioning breaks.
Add water to his diet - If your pooch eats dry kibble, add a little water or broth to it to get extra water in their diet. You can also add a little wet food for the same result.
Ice- Some dogs enjoy having ice cubes added to their water. You can also make your own frozen treats popped out of silicone molds to help cool them off. For recipes, see our previous blog post.
A doggie drinking fountain - fountain water bowls are available and they may entice your dog to drink more. In nature, moving water is not stagnant so some dogs are drawn to it. Keep in mind that water bowls at dog parks can harbor other dog’s bacteria. It’s best to bring your own water.
Know your dog’s signs of dehydration can head off severe health problems. Some of these signs are:
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Lethargy
Excessive and continued panting
Loss of appetite
Sunken, dry Eyes
Dry, sticky gums
Keeping any eye on your pup’s hydration can help you to have a happier, healthier dog! Follow these tips to make it possible.
All proceeds from Thousand Hills Pet Resort support New Life K9s. New Life K9s provides service dogs to veterans and first responders with PTSD at no cost to them.
Resources: https://www.caninecampus.us/7-creative-ways-to-keep-your-dog-hydratedhttps://www.k9power.com/blogs/news/5-ways-to-keep-your-dog-hydrated-and-why-you-should