When the warm weather approaches, it is not uncommon to see proprietors of small companies and store owners placing a bowl of water for dogs immediately outside the entrance of their establishments so that the dogs might stop by for a drink. It is a generous and thoughtful thing to do, but responsible owners of pets know better than to count on it. Follow these guidelines to ensure that your dog stays adequately hydrated while you are out and about with him so that you can avoid unnecessary discomfort and illness. Use this straightforward guide as a starting point to determine how much water your dog requires to prevent dehydration. Give one ounce of water per day for every pound of the person’s body weight. Therefore, a daily requirement of at least 10 ounces of water is necessary for a dog that weighs 10 pounds. If you keep track of the level at which the water bowl is filled and how much it falls over the course of a day, you’ll have a good idea of how much water your dog consumes. Measure how much water is in the bowl.
Getting Outdoors with Your Pet by Walking It
Throughout the course of a normal day, your dog will, of course, sweat and lose some water. In addition to losing water through their paw pads when they pant, dogs also lose moisture through their paw pads when they sweat. On a particularly sunny summer day, it is especially important to make sure that your dog is drinking lots of water on a regular basis because warm weather causes surfaces and walkways to become quite hot. When you go for a walk with your dog, be sure to have some water with you and a container to put it in. Your dog will absolutely adore an outdoor splash fountain if one happens to be located at the dog park where you take him or her. And if you do run out of water or forget to bring the bowl, feel free to share the water bottle you brought with you.
Bringing Your Pet Along for the Ride
When going on a trip in the car, no matter how long it is, it is imperative to bring more water than is necessary — at least one gallon per dog. While driving, you shouldn’t risk running out of water in the event that you get stuck in traffic, your car breaks down, or experience any other kind of delay. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Take a cooler with you and store your water supply somewhere that is cold and out of the sun. This will prevent you from giving a dog who is overheated and parched water that is too warm to drink.
Taking Care of One’s Own Water Needs
Put fresh water in strong containers and scatter them over the house as well as the yard that is contained within the house. To encourage people to drink, you should make sure the water is changed multiple times a day. Every day, scrub the inside of the bowl, and do periodic water changes. On a hot day, you may always add ice to the water bowl, regardless of whether it is indoors or outdoors.
Is My Dog Dehydrated?
It is important to get in touch with a veterinarian as soon as possible if you think your dog may be suffering from dehydration. The following is a list of some of the warning signs:
– There was either vomiting or diarrhea.
– Apathy and a depletion of energy
– Excessive, persistent panting
– A decreased desire to eat
– Dry and sunken eyes
– Dry mouth, gums that cling together
– Skin that has lost its suppleness as it ages
Stay cool out there, friends!
-Charlotte Kennels.