It’s summer, which means hiking, morning walks, and lots of outdoor time. It also means that our need for water increases, and that includes our pets. Even while inside, water is going to evaporate faster, so water bowl refills go up.
While canines don’t sweat like we do, they lose water throughout the day just as we do. However, dogs do it by panting, urinating, and water evaporating through their paws. Replacing escaping water is essential to keep major organs and body functions operating normally.
If your pup is dehydrated, he’ll exhibit one or more of these signs.
Signs of Dehydration:
- Skin loses elasticity
- Increased or distressed panting
- Increased saliva
- Gums get tacky
- Dry nose
- Sunken eyes
- Lethargy
- In more serious health conditions, vomiting and/or diarrhea
Safely Rehydrating Your Pet
In mild cases of dehydration, offer your dog a small amount of water every few minutes. If they drink too much, too fast, your pup will vomit up the water, thus causing the dehydration to get worse. You can also give your dog Petralyte® or Ringer’s Lactate which will help restore their depleted fluids and electrolytes. Also, call your veterinarian to let them know what happened and see if they want you to bring in your pup for a quick check-up.
In extreme cases, get your pet to a veterinarian immediately. They can treat your dog with intravenous fluids to rehydrate them. Even in mild cases of dehydration, vital organs can be damaged and need immediate attention.
Preventing Dehydration in the Future
A good rule to follow is that dogs need about one ounce of water per day for every pound they weigh. Also, remember that water does evaporate, even in homes kept at 72 degrees. Check your pet’s water bowl often and replace the water completely once a day.
Summer is a time for you and your pup to enjoy all the Treasure Valley and Idaho have to offer. Taking a few precautions to ensure you and your companion are well hydrated during your outing will be well worth it. Amazon.com, Chewy.com, and PetSmart all offer a wide variety of pet water bottles to use on your adventures.
