Photo by Joséphine Menge on Unsplash

Dogs do not sweat through their skin to control the temperature of the body unlike humans. Rather, a dog’s breathing controls their temperature. Their nasal cavities, tongues, and lungs’ linings all lose humidity as they pant. As a result, the air circulates through their body and cools them down.

As their body normally regulates their temperature through panting, there are activities you should do to help keep your pup hydrated during the days of summer.

Your dog may become more active in the summer due to the warmer weather. Yet, warmer temperatures and more intense exercise can also make your pet lose more bodily fluid, increasing the likelihood of dehydration in dogs. That’s risky since it may result in organ damage or even death. But by taking a few easy actions, you can ensure that your dog is well hydrated and you both get to embrace the summer heat!

 

Ways to keep your pup hydrated:

 

Use the mornings or afternoons to play or work out

Try to encourage them to play and exercise before it becomes too hot outside as often as possible, even if your schedule doesn’t always allow it. This could require you to get up earlier than usual to escape the heat, but you and your pup will be grateful you did. On hot, muggy days, refrain from playing and exercising between 10:30 am and 3:30 pm.

 

Throughout exercise or play, they should drink little amounts of water

Always remember to have water with you whether playing or working out. So that their tummy has time to process it and they do not overdo it, offer them a modest quantity every 10 to 15 minutes. Drinking to excess can cause swelling and even water intoxication, where the body’s salt reserves are exhausted. Always remember that a dog’s size determines the water he or she may need to stay hydrated in the hot summer days.

 

Watch how much water they drink

Your pup requires a particular quantity of water every day, just as you do. Moisture condenses their vital electrolytes in enough supply, allowing for normal metabolism, bowel movements, and oxygenation. Water also encourages a steady cardiovascular system and assists your puppy’s organs in eliminating pollutants from their circulation.

More water will be required the more energetic they are or the hotter the weather. Most dogs require three to four times as much water as usual in hot weather. One oz of water for every kilogram they weigh is a good rule of thumb.

 

Switch to wet food in summer

The warmer months necessitate a shift in nutrition. Wet packaged food is another adjustment that could be advantageous to your dog since it provides them with another supply of water. Puppies require more fluids and meals that are simpler to digest. To cool them off on a hot day, you may also give them cucumbers and watermelons (without the seeds).

 

Fill their water bowl with ice or soup

Another great approach to keep them hydrated on a hot day is with ice or water that has been flavored with chicken stock. Squashed ice cubes, chicken, beef broth, or both, can be added to the water dish of your pup if he or she refuses to consume the usual tap water. They may enjoy that liquid a little bit more!

 

Freeze different fluids

Your dog can be more intrigued by other frozen liquids if they don’t react well to water-based ice cubes. Giving your labradoodle puppy a little frozen chicken stock is a fantastic alternative. Salt is bad for dogs, so ensure the broth you buy doesn’t contain any additional onion, pepper, or salt. Onion plants and garlic are potentially deadly for dogs.

 

Incorporate shady areas in your yard

Never leave a pet in a confined vehicle, or even your pup’s kennel or dog house with no ventilation. Your pet can easily overheat if there isn’t enough ventilation. Alternatively, provide a shaded spot in your yard where they may spend much of each day if they have to be outside. If you do not have a tree, you may set up a tarp, piece of fabric, or shadow screen.

 

Relax in the water with them

Some dogs adore swimming, while others do not. For those that do, a simple plunge in a puppy pool will quickly chill off your furry friend. Additionally, you might wet the cloth and place it all over their body, particularly on their chest and stomach if they don’t enjoy the pool. Alternatively, you may take the hose and sprinkle them; just make sure the water temperature from the sun has evaporated before you start so that the water is nice and cool.

 

Make your frozen treats

Summertime is the ideal time for frozen delicacies. Your puppy might enjoy frozen raspberries, bananas, carrots, and bean sprouts. Make your handmade freezing fruit or chicken soup popsicles to go one step farther. Your pup will adore it!

You may consider feeding your dog a smoothie. Although it may sound absurd, your pup may consume many of the same components that are used in smoothies for people. You may prepare a little shake for them with enough ice or water to it as long as you take care to avoid potentially dangerous items.

Smoothies for dogs should just contain a few components to avoid risking causing an upset stomach. Try combining some blueberries, bananas, ice, and plain yogurt. Freeze the resulting concoction in ice cube trays or give it to them as a smoothie. This hydrated treat is delicious for your pet as well!

 

Prevent running or simply walking on hot sidewalks

Before letting your dog walk on the ground when you head for a trip, inspect it. For 5 – 8 seconds, press the back of your hand firmly on the ground. If that’s too hot for you, it’s also too scorching for your pup. If you do want to take your dog for a stroll, make sure to provide them with booties to protect their paws from the heat. Booties are great for both heat and cold. You can also walk short distances on grass rather than the pavement.

 

Ensure you know the rules for shaving your dog

Maintaining your dog’s grooming is important no matter the weather, but perhaps in the summer, it is even more important. Be aware of your dog’s coat type and know whether you should or should not shave your pup. The coat of your pup may keep him cool and comfortable in summer and warm in the winter. Additionally, it helps shield them from UV radiation. Dogs with double coats should never be shaved. 

For dogs that do not need to be shaved, periodically comb their fur. This gets the dead hair out of the coat so that sufficient ventilation is possible. Additionally, it prevents their hair from matting. Fur that is matted may hold heat.

Some dogs drink water without hesitation when it is provided, so be sure to always have fresh water for your pup. However, if you have  a dog who does not drink enough water, consider one of the suggestions on the list above.

In the heat of the summer, dehydration in your dog is a very real issue. Be aware of the symptoms and take your pup to the vet if this occurs. 

Guest Author: Emila is a freelance journalist and blogger with a love for those with four legs! She has grown up around animals and pets and wants to use her knowledge on pet behavior, training and lifestyle tips to help other pet parents live the best possible life with their furry friend.