Pawsome Tips to Keep Your Dog Hydrated in the Scorching Summer Sun

Getting outside during summer is an exciting activity, but sometimes extreme temperature highs call for extra hydration. This summer, it’s important to make sure your pup is adequately hydrated while out and about.

This is why Get Joy is here to inform you of these 5 pawsome tips to keep your dog hydrated in the heat! With these guidelines in mind, hydration will be a breeze. Here’s what you need to know before stepping foot in the summer heat.

Why It’s Important For Your Dog To Hydrate

During high temperatures, your dog will be working hard to cool their body down. This means they’ll be actively losing water from their body by panting and sweating through their paws, making it harder to hydrate in heat. 

Your dog will be at an especially high risk for dehydration if they’re losing more water via sweat than they’re consuming. In fact, during summer, dogs require 3-4 times more water than normal and should consume an ounce of water per pound of body weight. For these reasons, your dog should remain constantly hydrated during summer activities. 

Pawsome Dog Tips For Summer Hydration

As you’re getting ready for summer fun with your dog, make sure you come prepared and provide consistent daily hydration. With these pawsome hydration dog tips handy, your dog will be happy, hydrated, and thriving throughout the summer.

1. Keep Water Bowls Throughout the House

If you’ll be spending time inside this summer, make sure you have multiple water stations throughout your home. Whether your house has AC or not, your dogs should have free-flowing water access to keep them cool as the day goes by.

2. Avoid High Noon Sun

During the summer, the sun sits the highest in the sky, making mid-day extremely hot. This is often referred to as high noon. To avoid high noon heat, head out for your daily walks earlier or later to avoid scorching heat and dehydration. 

3. Check the Sidewalk For Heat

Dog’s paws play a major role in keeping their bodies cool. If the sidewalk or concrete is too hot, they can easily burn their paw pads and become exposed to high temperatures. The next time you head outside with your dog, feel the concrete with your hand. If it’s too hot to keep on the ground, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.

4. Add Water To Your Dog’s Food

An easy way to avoid dog dehydration is to increase your dog’s water intake through their meals. By adding water to your dog’s food, you can consistently supplement hydration throughout the day in addition to regular water consumption. 

5. Bring Water On Your Adventures

While this may be obvious to some dog owners, it’s still a helpful reminder. After all, dogs can’t exactly tote around their own water bottle, so it’s up to us to bring water along while out and about. When you head out in the heat, be sure to bring water and a bowl so your dog can stay consistently hydrated while adventuring. 

Treating Dehydration in Canines

If your dog appears dehydrated, give them fresh water as soon as possible. Try giving them food as well. If these steps don’t help, your dog’s dehydration could be the result of a larger condition or illness. Contact your vet as soon as possible if your pet experiences ongoing dehydration.

Healthy Nutrition With Get Joy

Whether you’re a new dog owner or a seasoned expert, your dog’s health should be number one! And with Get Joy’s delicious custom meal plans, it truly can be. 

Ready to elevate your dog’s well-being and boost their joy? Take a look at our Customized Meal Plans to learn more!