As the summer sun reaches its peak, the month of July brings with it an important reminder for all pet owners: ensuring our furry friends stay hydrated. Welcome to National Pet Hydration Awareness Month, a time dedicated to emphasising the critical need for proper hydration in pets. Just like humans, pets are susceptible to the dangers of dehydration, and as temperatures soar, the risks increase. Let’s dive into why hydration is essential for pets and how you can keep your beloved companions cool and refreshed this summer.

Why Hydration is Crucial for Pets

Water plays a vital role in maintaining your pet's overall health. It aids in digestion, helps regulate body temperature, lubricates joints, and supports cellular function. Dehydration in pets can lead to serious health issues, including kidney failure, heatstroke, and even death. Symptoms of dehydration can be subtle, so it's important to stay vigilant and proactive.

Common signs of dehydration in pets include:

• Lethargy or lack of energy
• Dry nose and gums
• Sunken eyes
• Loss of skin elasticity
• Panting or excessive drooling

Tips to Keep Your Pet Hydrated

Always Provide Fresh Water

Ensure your pet has constant access to clean, fresh water. Check their water bowl several times a day, especially if they spend time outdoors. Ensuring that your pet's water is fresh is crucial for their overall health and well-being. Fresh water is free from contaminants, bacteria, and harmful substances that can accumulate in stagnant water, reducing the risk of illness. Stale or dirty water can harbor pathogens and parasites, potentially leading to gastrointestinal issues, urinary tract infections, and other serious health problems. Additionally, pets are more likely to drink sufficient amounts of water when it is clean and appealing, helping to maintain proper hydration levels. Regularly replenishing their water supply not only supports vital bodily functions but also encourages a consistent drinking habit, essential for preventing dehydration and ensuring your pet stays vibrant and healthy.

Use Multiple Water Stations

Place water bowls in various locations around your home and garden to encourage frequent drinking. When water is easily accessible in various locations, pets are more likely to take frequent sips throughout the day rather than waiting until they are extremely thirsty. This is especially beneficial for pets with mobility issues or those that spend time in different areas of the house. Multiple water sources can also reduce competition among multiple pets, ensuring that each animal has ample opportunity to hydrate. Additionally, placing water stations in different environments—such as cooler or quieter areas—can cater to individual pet preferences, making them more inclined to drink regularly. This simple strategy helps prevent dehydration and supports the health and vitality of your furry companions.

Buster Incredibowl For Long Eared Dogs £17.19 and Munch & Crunch Anti-Skid Dog Bowl £3.99

Consider Pet Fountains

Some pets prefer running water. Pet fountains can entice them to drink more regularly. Some pets may prefer drinking from pet water fountains because the continuous flow of fresh, oxygenated water is more appealing than still water in a bowl. The sound and movement of flowing water can attract pets, stimulating their natural instincts and encouraging them to drink more frequently. Additionally, water fountains typically filter the water, ensuring it remains clean and free from debris, which enhances its taste and makes it more enticing. For pets like cats, who may be fussy about their water sources, a fountain can mimic the experience of drinking from a running stream, making it more enjoyable and natural. Overall, pet water fountains can promote better hydration by providing a more engaging and cleaner drinking experience.

Hydrating Treats

Hydrating treats can provide numerous benefits for pets, especially during the hot summer months or in cases where they may be reluctant to drink enough water. Treats such as cucumber slices, watermelon, and ice cubes made from diluted chicken broth not only offer a refreshing snack but also contribute to their daily water intake. These treats can be particularly helpful for pets that primarily eat dry food, which lacks moisture compared to wet food. Hydrating treats can also make hydration more enjoyable, turning it into a positive and rewarding experience. By incorporating these water-rich snacks into their diet, pet owners can help ensure their pets stay adequately hydrated, which supports overall health, aids in digestion, and helps regulate body temperature.

KONG Fill Or Freeze Tray £10.69

Wet Food Diet

If your pet primarily eats dry food, consider incorporating wet food into their diet. Wet food contains a high moisture content, often comprising up to 70-80% water, which directly contributes to a pet's overall fluid intake. This can be especially beneficial for cats, who naturally have a lower thirst drive compared to other animals. By consuming wet food, pets receive an additional source of hydration, which aids in maintaining proper bodily functions, supporting kidney health, and preventing urinary tract issues. Furthermore, the palatability of wet food can encourage pets to eat more, ensuring they not only stay hydrated but also receive essential nutrients. Incorporating wet food into their diet provides a dual benefit of nourishment and hydration, promoting overall well-being and vitality.

Royal Canin Mini Adult Wet Multipack in Gravy 48x85g £46.99 and Royal Canin Appetite Control Care in Jelly Adult Cat Food 12 x 85g £18.99

Monitor Outdoor Activities

Limit your pet’s outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day. When outside, ensure they have access to shade and water. Providing shade for pets when it’s hot outside is essential to their health and comfort. Shade offers a cool refuge from the intense heat and direct sunlight, helping to prevent overheating and heatstroke, which can be life-threatening. Pets, particularly those with thick fur coats, are more susceptible to heat stress and require shaded areas to regulate their body temperature. Access to shade also protects pets from harmful UV rays, reducing the risk of sunburn and skin cancer. Moreover, shaded environments encourage pets to rest and relax, reducing their overall activity levels during peak heat, which further minimises the risk of dehydration and heat-related illnesses. Ensuring that pets have ample shade is a simple yet crucial measure in safeguarding their well-being during hot weather.

All For Paws Chill Out Always Cool Dog Mat £12.49 and Animate Pet Dog & Cat Cooling Coat Jacket £12.99

Travel Prepared

Carry a portable water bottle and bowl when traveling or taking your pet on walks. Frequent breaks for water are essential, especially on hot days to ensure your pets stay hydrated. Pets can easily become dehydrated in the heat due to their less efficient cooling mechanisms and higher susceptibility to the effects of high temperatures. Unlike humans, pets cannot sweat through their skin and rely primarily on panting and limited sweat glands in their paws to release excess heat. In hot weather, this process is often insufficient, leading to rapid fluid loss. Dehydration can occur quickly, especially if pets do not have constant access to fresh water or are exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods. Signs of dehydration, such as lethargy, dry gums, and excessive panting, can develop swiftly, posing serious health risks if not addressed promptly. It's crucial for pet owners to be vigilant and proactive, providing plenty of water, shade, and cool environments to help their pets stay hydrated and safe during hot weather.

Henry Wag Pet Travel Bowl £7.89 and Henry Wag Water Bottle with Leaf Bowl £14.99

Recognise Their Limits

Pets can overheat quickly. Be aware of their limits and avoid strenuous activities during extreme heat. Avoiding strenuous activity during hot weather is vital for pets to prevent overheating and heat-related illnesses such as heatstroke. Pets exerting themselves in high temperatures can quickly become dehydrated and unable to regulate their body temperature effectively. Unlike humans, pets, particularly dogs, do not sweat through their skin but primarily cool themselves through panting, which is less efficient in extreme heat. Overexertion can lead to rapid exhaustion, excessive panting, and elevated heart rates, putting significant strain on their cardiovascular systems. Additionally, hot surfaces like asphalt can burn their paws, causing pain and injury. By limiting strenuous activities and opting for short, gentle exercise sessions during cooler parts of the day, pet owners can help ensure their pets stay safe, comfortable, and healthy during hot weather.

Special Considerations for Different Pets

• Dogs: Dogs tend to lose more water through panting. Ensure they have plenty of opportunities to drink water, especially after exercise.

• Cats: Cats often drink less water than dogs. Increasing their water intake can be challenging, so try using cat fountains or adding a bit of water to their food.

• Small Animals: Animals like rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters also need access to fresh water. Check their water bottles or bowls regularly to ensure they are functioning properly and the water is clean.

• Birds: Birds can suffer from dehydration too. Make sure their water containers are filled with fresh water daily and are free from debris.

Staying Hydrated With Direct4Pet

National Pet Hydration Awareness Month serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of keeping our pets hydrated, especially during the hot summer months. By taking proactive steps to ensure your pets have access to clean water and recognising the signs of dehydration, you can help keep them healthy and happy. Shop our full range of bowls and other watering supplies on our website. This July, let’s commit to making hydration a priority for our pets and spread the word to fellow pet owners. After all, a well-hydrated pet is a healthy and happy pet!