July is Pet Hydration Month. There’s a good reason that pet hydration is in the spotlight at this time of year. Dogs love to run and play in the sun, but they can overheat very quickly in hot weather. After all, Fido is wearing a fur coat, and can only cool off so much by panting. Read on as a Dallas, GA vet offers some advice on keeping your canine buddy properly hydrated.
Water
Make sure that Fido always has access to fresh water. You may need more than one station, especially if you have multiple pets, a fenced yard, or more than one floor. Clean the bowls daily, as otherwise, they’ll collect germs, dirt, and, of course, dead bugs. Ew!
Fountains
Dogs are very playful, and many of them love splashing around. Consider letting Fido play in the spray from a filtered hose or sprinkler. Or, get him a doggy fountain that shoots up a stream of water when he steps on a pad. This will not only keep your pet hydrated, it will also keep him (and likely, you) entertained!
High-Moisture Snacks
Opt for snacks with a high moisture content. Sodium-free broth is a good one. You can also give your pup some doggy ice cream, which you can find in stores. Or, make your own by combining sodium-free broth with natural peanut butter, organic baby food, pureed pumpkin, ripe bananas, or plain yogurt. Freeze overnight.
Ice
Drop a few ice cubes into your dog’s bowl when it’s really hot out. Fido may also enjoy chomping on a few. Just don’t give him too many.
Water on the Go
Whenever you take Fido off your property—even if it’s just for a little while—always bring water for him. You may want to get him a doggy water bottle with an attached dispenser. It’s not a bad idea to keep some water in your car. This is also just good to have on hand for emergencies. You can also get collapsible plastic dishes, which are lightweight and easy to carry.
Rehydrating Liquid
Sports drinks, like Gatorade, are the go-to hydrating liquids for people. However, these aren’t a great option for dogs, as they do contain sugar. Ask your vet to recommend something to keep on hand.
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