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With the warmer weather here, it's the perfect time to get outside and have some fun with your pooch. While you're enjoying those lovely long walks and adventures together, it's essential to make sure your dog is getting plenty of water. Keeping them properly hydrated is key to their health, especially during the summer season.
Read on for our 6 simple tips to keep your dog hydrated this summer.
The Simple Reason Water Matters So Much in Summer
On those long, hot summer days, it's important to be aware of the extra risks for your dog. It's easy to forget that dogs don't cool down in the same way we do. Instead, they pant. Whilst this helps to lower their body temperature, it also causes them to lose a lot of water.
If they don't drink enough to replace what they've lost, they can quickly become dehydrated. This puts them in real danger of overheating and even developing heatstroke, a condition which can be incredibly serious.
Making sure your dog has a constant supply of fresh water is the best way to keep them cool, comfortable, and healthy.
6 Tips to Keep Your Dog Hydrated in Summer
Here are a few quick tips to help you keep them well-hydrated, so you can both make the most of the lovely weather.
#1 Keep their water fresh
The easiest and most important thing you can do is make sure your dog always has fresh, clean water available. It’s a good habit to check their bowl throughout the day, giving it a quick rinse and a top-up, especially when it’s warm or after they’ve had a good run around.
Some dogs simply prefer drinking from moving water, so a pet water fountain can be a smart way to encourage them to take on more fluids.
#2 Try a few different things to encourage them
Even with a fresh supply, you might find your dog is still a little reluctant to drink. Sometimes, they can be surprisingly particular!
A dog might not like the taste of tap water, or they might prefer a ceramic bowl to a metal one. Believe it or not, the type of water bowl you use can make a real difference, and even a bit of slobber in the water can be enough to put them off.
If your dog seems uninterested, try changing their bowl or offering them filtered water to see if that sparks their interest. Simply moving the bowl to a quieter, shadier spot can often do the trick, too.
For when you’re out on an adventure, it’s worth finding a good travel bottle. Many now come with a handy built-in bowl, making it incredibly easy to offer them a quick drink wherever you are.
#3 Offer a hydrating treat
Nutrient-rich food can be a brilliant and tasty way to help keep your pet hydrated. Certain summer fruits and vegetables are full of water and make a wonderful, healthy snack.
Slices of cucumber or small, seedless chunks of watermelon or cantaloupe are all great choices. They're not only refreshing but can also provide a little energy boost before you head out for a walk. As with any treat, just be sure they're dog-safe and only give them a small amount.
If you're planning a long car journey or a hike, make sure you pack a crunchy apple in your bag gives you a refreshing, healthy snack to share with your dog along the way.
#4 Make some frozen treats
On a particularly hot day, you can take those hydrating snacks a step further by serving them frozen.
A simple ice cube can be a fantastic treat! Many dogs love the fun of chasing one across the kitchen floor and getting to crunch on it at the end – a great game that also helps them take on some water. To make it even more exciting, try freezing a blueberry or a small piece of fruit inside the cube. It’s a lovely little surprise for them to discover.
You can also get creative and make your own dog-friendly ice lollies. Simply freeze some water or low-salt chicken broth in an ice cube tray with a few bits of fruit mixed in. You can even pop a biscuit into act as a handle, making a proper “pupsicle”. Another idea is to blend dog-safe ingredients like blueberries or a spoonful of plain pumpkin purée with a little water and freeze the mixture for a healthy, slushy treat.
#5 Time your adventures carefully
Nobody knows your dog better than you do, so you're the best judge of how much they can handle in the heat.
Even so, it’s sensible to be extra cautious. To be on the safe side, on a hot day, a smaller dog should only have around 15 minutes of intense fun, like a game of fetch, before needing a proper rest and a drink. Larger breeds might be able to go for a little longer, but it's still best to keep any really energetic activity to about half an hour at a time.
#6 Know Your Dog's Needs
Finally, it's also worth remembering that some dogs need more care in the heat than others. Breeds with flatter faces, such as Boxers and French Bulldogs, find it much harder to cool down by panting. Because of this, they can overheat very quickly, so they need extra attention to make sure they stay comfortable and well-hydrated.
On that note, what about shaving a dog with a thick coat? It might seem like a good idea, but it’s best to leave their fur as it is. A dog’s coat is an insulator that keeps them cool in summer as well as warm in winter. It's also their best line of defence against getting sunburnt.
A Final Thought for You Both
While you're busy keeping an eye on your dog's water bowl, it's easy to forget about your own. Staying hydrated is just as important for you, especially when you're out enjoying an adventure together. So, when you're packing a water bottle for your dog, remember to pop one in for yourself, too.
Summer is a wonderful time for making memories with your pet. You can't change the weather, but by following these quick tips, you can ensure your dog stays cool, safe, and happy right through the sunny season.
Enjoy summertime!