As the temperatures are rising, our dogs are relying more and more on their panting skills to keep cool and their water bowls to stay hydrated. Summertime brings with it more time outdoors and outings to places like the beach and lake, but whether it is the backyard at home or seaside, there are important measure to take to keep your hound hydrated.
Keep his water bowl full
It sounds easy, but the summer sun is evaporating that bowl quickly. Placing the water bowl in the shade will help keep it cool and full, and there are automatic water bowls that self-replenish for Fido. Regardless of style or location, the vital thing is that this bowl contains clean water for your dog during these hot months.
Offer ‘drinkable’ water
Do not rely on the saltwater at the beach or the stagnant pools of water in a creek. Just because your hound has an entire lake to swim in, does not mean that water is ‘drinkable’. The water your dog finds while you are out can contain bacteria or other pollutants, so it is best to bring your dog some water from home.
Do you find that you and Fido go to the park often this time of year? Bring along a collapsible or portable water bowl that you can fill at a water fountain or with water you have packed from home.
Changing the water in your dog’s bowl helps it remain drinkable, as well. By refreshing a water bowl twice a day, you deter bacteria build-up. You also eliminate a mosquito nesting ground. And since mosquitoes are carriers of heartworm disease, this helps keep your dog healthy and hydrated.
Use water as a treat
If you are still concerned that your dog is not taking in enough water for his size and activity level, there are ways to make hydration fun! That water bowl may not look all that exciting, but throw a treat or a few ice cubes in along with the water and suddenly it is a game. Many dogs enjoy an ice cube by itself as a treat. Try freezing a piece of fruit within the ice cube and watch how quickly your dog hydrates in order to reach the fruity center.
Offer water before, during and after exercise
While many dog owners will be disciplined about offering water to their canine after playtime or at the end of the jog, many forget to offer water before and during exercise. Your dog will be losing water through his tongue (panting), nose and paws – their own way of ‘sweating’. The more hydrated they start, the better prepared they are to exercise, play and pant.
Look for signs of dehydration
Finally, keep an eye out for signs that your dog is not staying properly hydrated. These include lethargy, dry gums and sunken, darkened eyes. Dehydration can cause kidney and heart damage among other problems, but plentiful clean water will go a long ways toward keeping your hound hydrated and his tail wagging.
Susan Wright is a practicing veterinarian, dog owner, author, great neighbor, and a dog product expert with dog training collars.