Tips for Keeping Your Dog Hydrated During the Summer
The summer can be a dangerous time for dogs, especially if their owners do not take the proper precautions to keep them well hydrated. The following is a look at some tips to keep your dog hydrated during the summer:
Provide them with plenty of water. One of the best things you can do to keep your dog hydrated during the summer is to provide them with a water dish filled with fresh water each and every day. You want to wash out their water container every day, and refill it with fresh water. If they spill it, make sure you refill it so that they get enough water during the day. If you are going to be away for a few days, provide them with a self filling water dish, or make sure a neighbor, friend, or someone is going to be around to get them water. A dog will not want to drink water if their dish is not clean, so take a few extra minutes each day to clean out the dish.
Keep them indoors or in the shade during the hottest parts of the day. From about 10 am to 4 pm, the sun is going to shine down the brightest. The heat from the sun can really add to dehydration. So, if you can, keep your dog inside the house during these warmer hours. If you can't keep your dog inside, make sure that they have a well shaded pen, with somewhere to go for sun protection. Being in direct sunlight all day can really dehydrate a dog, and leave them sluggish, sick, and unhappy.
Trim their hair. The fur on your dog can cause it to overheat and grow dehydrated more quickly. So, if you want to help your dog to not dehydrate too quickly, give them a bit of a trim. Longer hair holds in more heat, this is great for the winter, but in the summers it can be a bit too much for your dog, especially if they are being active, or are in direct sunlight. Taking your dog in to a grooming center, and having them shaved to a short coat can do wonders for keeping their body heat where it should be, and keeping them properly hydrated all summer long.
Of course, other things you want to do to keep your dog hydrated during the summer is make sure you do not put them in circumstances where they would lose too much body fluid. For example, make sure you don't put them in a closed car, as the temperature inside vehicles in the summer can be very magnified compared to the outside temperature.
Last, but not least, just pay attention to your dog, if they are panting, or appear sluggish, make sure they get plenty of fluids.
More Learn About Dogs
« Safety Tips for Your Four-Footed Friend in the Summer | Only Dog Beds | More Tips for Keeping Your Dog Hydrated During the Summer »