The summer months are the hottest, but even when the sun is full out, you understand the importance of drinking enough water. It’s no different for your pet because your pet is just at great risk of experiencing dehydration or heat exhaustion as you are. This is why you need to keep him hydrated at all times while at home. Water keeps your pet’s essential electrolytes plentiful, allowing adequate circulation, proper digestion, and smooth and comfortable bowel movements.
With plenty of water, your pet’s kidneys will also effectively flush out toxins from their bloodstream and ensure a healthy cardiovascular system. Remember that when your pet experiences extreme dehydration, their organs could fail, and even death could occur.
How To Know If Your Pet Is Dehydrated
During high temperatures and many physical activities, monitor your pet’s water intake. You can note the telltale signs of dehydration when you see your dog, for example, with dry, sticky, pale gums. Peel its lips back to look at their gums. Ensure that their saliva is thin and slippery and not thick and ropey. If the latter occurs, add more water to the water bowl. If your pet lacks appetite, has an increased heart rate, and looks ill, he could be dehydrated. Don’t forget to check out an ESA letter to keep your pet with you at all times!
The Simple Steps
You can keep your pet hydrated through the following simple steps:
1. Give Your Pet Access To Fresh Water Always
Never should you deprive your pet water at any time at home. When you leave your home to go out, make sure there is enough water in your pet’s bowl and that it won’t run out before you are back. If you happen to go out with your pet, fill your water bowl and bring it out with you. Even when house training your pet, make drinking water frequently as part of the training.
2. Maintain A Clean Water Bowl Always
It is crucial to change the water frequently and wash the water bowls every day to prevent bacteria or mold from growing. It is always important to ensure that your pet’s bowl is always clean. Pet’s, especially cats, will avoid drinking from a bowl whose water is not fresh. Don’t wait until you see the green substance growing around the edges. Wash the bowls every day and refresh the water supply multiple times a day.
3. Take Water With You During Exercising
When you are walking your pet or exercising them, make sure you have adequate access to a portable water source. Carry the water with you and give your pet to drink after any vigorous exercises outdoor. You can also leave water and shelter from the heat if you usually leave your dog outdoors when you leave home.
4. Water Down Your Pet’s Food
This is a great way to get more water into your dog’s diet. Add a little water to the dry kibble to make the food soft for your pet while offering a hydration touch. Pieces of ice could also be great for a dog as an extra treat.
5. A Place To Cool Off After The Sunny Outdoors
Pets are known to feel heat quickly, especially those that have dark coats. You can create a nice shady spot outside for them to cool off. You could also create a spot for him next to you inside your home, where you both get to sit in front of the air conditioning. Doing this will ensure that your pet doesn’t lose water.
6. Have A Bigger Dog Bowl For Your Pet
The water bowl of your pet should be larger than its food bowl. The bowl should be large enough to hold more water than they drink in a day. A big bowl will ensure that your pet doesn’t run out of drinking water, especially if you leave the house for long hours.
Keeping your pet hydrated at home is essential because a healthy pet will automatically be a happy pet. Your pet will give you more joy when he is healthy, hydrated, and comfortable. He will be your furry companion for a long time.
Author’s Bio
Henry Thompson is a journalist who enjoys covering topics of home security and home renovation. Over the course of his career, he has been contributing to various media publications, and now he is running the blog homenetrouter.com where he writes about healthy living, DIY, and home security.