How To Keep Your Dog Hydrated

Summer is a love-hate season. Summer months are perfect for going on a beach vacation or spending the day at the park. On the other hand, hot summer days can be dangerous for your dog. The best thing you can do for your pooch in the summer is to keep him hydrated, whether he stays indoors or outdoors. He’ll need plenty of water to get him through the scorching days.

If your dog stays outside most of the day, then his need for water is even more vital than an inside dog. All dogs need water, but those panting in the hot sun lose water (and become dehydrated) more quickly.

Step 1

Always make sure your dog has access to clean water. You should fill his water bowl with cool water at least everyday, but if it’s really hot, then you should try to fill it more often. If it is hard for you to fill his water throughout the day, then consider purchasing an automatic water bowl. You can fill it up, and it will let out water as your dog drinks. Ice cubes can also help keep the water cooler longer. Throw in a few in the morning and when you refill the bowl.

Step 2

Place her bowl in a shaded area. Although the shade will not keep her water cold, it will help keep it cooler for a longer period of time. When you place her bowl in a shaded spot, make sure she has room to lie in the shade, too. She’ll spend a lot of time in the shade, and having her water close by is always a help.

Step 3

Clean your dog’s bowl daily. You don’t have to scrub it down with cleaner, but a quick brushing will do the trick. Purchase an inexpensive scrubbing pad or brush just for your dog. As you take the bowl to fill it with water, get a dab of soap and scrub the bowl. Rinse it out good before you put water in it.

Humans like to drink out of clean dishes, and dogs do too. Bacteria can build up on bowls very quickly, especially when they are outside. The buildup may cause your dog not to want to drink the water, and that is the last thing you want.

Step 4

Your dog’s bowl should have a heavy bottom. Bowls with heavier bottoms are less likely to be knocked over. If you aren’t there throughout the day and your dog knocks his water bowl over as soon as you leave, then he will have to go the entire day without water. This should never happen.

In addition to the bowl being heavy enough to stand up, it also needs to be sized to fit your dog. Your dog should be able to drink all of the water out of the bowl without a problem. For instance, you should not buy a small dog a big bowl that he can barely reach. If the bowl is too tall for him, then he may knock it over while trying to get to the water, or he may have a problem drinking the water.

Step 5

Use more than one water bowl. If he accidentally knocks one over, then he still has a way to get water. If your dog is inside, then keep one water bowl beside his food bowl and another water bowl where he likes to play. The additional water bowl doesn’t have to be huge, but your dog will be encouraged to drink more water when it is readily available to him.

If possible, your dog should have access to more than one water source, whether he is inside or outside.

Make sure your dog feels okay during the summer months. Check your dog for signs of dehydration. The easiest and quickest way to check is by lifting up the skin on the back of his neck. The skin of a hydrated dog will be elastic, while the skin of a dehydrated dog will stay up and take longer to return to normal. You can also check for dry mouth and sunken eyes, although these signs appear later on. If you think your pet is dehydrated, then call your veterinarian immediately for further advice.

Summer is a great time of the year, but it can be dangerous for your dog. To avoid dehydration, your dog should have access to plenty of clean water. The water bowl should be cleaned daily and placed in a shaded area to keep it cool. The bowl should fit your dog and, to avoid spillage, should not be top heavy. It’s always a good idea to provide your pet with more than one water source. Check him daily for signs of dehydration, and contact your veterinarian immediately if he is exhibiting the signs.

Article provided by Pet Super Store a site featuring: pet beds, pet ramps and elevated dog feeders.