Slip-n-slides, sprinklers, and the swimming pool: summer is better when you embrace the wet-and-wild. Water and summer just make sense together. This is especially true when it comes to our four-legged friends. Our dogs don’t just love lapping up cool, freshwater on hot summer days—they need to drink water to stay healthy and safe. Dehydration is a hidden danger that can be fatal for dogs, especially during summer.
1. Why Does Your Dog Need to Hydrate?
As a dog parent, you probably pay careful attention to the ingredients in your dog’s food. But how often do you measure how much water your dog is drinking? Water is a vital part of your dog’s diet. Like us, your dog’s body is mostly made of water. Water is responsible for healthy cells and keeping your dog’s organs functioning properly. Without enough water, your dog can become sick and eventually suffer from organ failure and death.
During the hottest days of the year, your dog dehydrates more quickly. As your dog pants, water evaporates off her tongue as a way to cool her down. Dogs also lose water by sweating from their paws and going to the bathroom. This water needs to be replaced otherwise your dog can become dehydrated.
2. How Much Water Does a Dog Need?
Dogs need plenty of fresh, clean water to stay healthy. In fact, a dog needs one ounce of water per pound of her body weight to stay hydrated. That means if your dog weighs forty pounds, she needs at least 40 ounces of water. This number goes up if you’re taking your dog on a hike and on hot days.
3. How Can You Encourage Healthy Hydration for Your Dog?
Don’t let your dog suffer from dehydration this summer. Whether you’re at home, hanging out in the backyard, or going on an outdoor adventure, be sure your dog has access to cool, fresh water.
- Be mindful of how much your dog drinks. Measure how much water her bowl holds and note how often you fill it.
- When preparing for a hike or walk, bring along your dog’s travel bowl and bottles of water. Using a collapsible bowl that you can keep clipped to your hiking bag with a carabiner is the perfect way to make hydration easy and convenient on hikes. A clip ensures your dog bowl stays secure, so you won’t get caught off guard by a lost bowl.
- If you’re spending time in the backyard with your pupper, place a water bowl in the shade and make sure it stays full.
- To encourage your dog to drink more, use a water fountain bowl or place ice cubes in her bowl to make it more enticing.
- If your dog regularly doesn’t drink enough, switch her food from kibble to canned. Canned food has a much higher level of moisture, which can supplement a bit of hydration.
Wish You and Your Dog a Happy, Healthy, Hydrated Summer!
We hope this summer is the best yet with your four-legged best friend. Add a baby-pool to your backyard fun, keep your dog hydrated, and don’t forget to go on unforgettable adventures with your dog.
