Summer is a wonderful time for outdoor adventures with your furry friend. But as the temperatures rise, keeping your pet properly hydrated becomes more important than ever. Just like humans, pets can suffer from dehydration, which can be dangerous if not addressed promptly.
Here’s what every pet owner needs to know about hydration and how to spot signs of dehydration, plus some tips for keeping your pet refreshed and healthy during hot weather.
Why Hydration Matters for Pets
Water is essential for every aspect of your pet’s health — from regulating body temperature to aiding digestion and supporting vital organs. When the weather heats up, your pet loses fluids faster through panting, sweating (yes, dogs sweat through their paws!), and activity. Without enough water, dehydration can set in quickly.
Signs Your Pet May Be Dehydrated
Knowing what to watch for can help you act early:
- Dry or sticky gums: Healthy pets have moist gums.
- Lethargy or weakness: Dehydration can sap energy.
- Excessive panting or rapid breathing: A sign your pet is working hard to cool down.
- Sunken eyes: A sign of fluid loss.
- Loss of skin elasticity: You can gently pinch the skin between the shoulder blades — if it doesn’t snap back quickly, your pet may be dehydrated.
- Loss of appetite or vomiting: Can indicate dehydration.
- Dark yellow urine or infrequent urination.
If you notice any of these signs, contact your veterinarian.
How Moisture-Rich Foods Help Keep Pets Hydrated
Adding moisture-rich foods, such as our Nice to Meat You food for dogs or our Chicken Pâté for cats, to your pet's diet is a great way to boost hydration, especially if they aren't big drinkers. Our wet foods typically contain around 70-80% moisture, compared to dry kibble, which usually has only about 10% moisture. This extra water content helps supplement your pet's fluid intake naturally throughout the day.
Moisture-rich foods can be especially helpful for older pets, those with certain medical conditions, or pets that spend a lot of time outdoors.
Offering these hydrating foods supports your pet’s overall well-being by maintaining electrolyte balance, improving kidney function, and keeping skin and coat healthy — all important during warmer months.
Tips to Keep Your Pet Hydrated This Summer
1. Provide Plenty of Fresh Water
Always have clean water available indoors and outdoors. Use multiple bowls if needed, and refresh the water regularly to keep it cool and appealing.
2. Add Water-Rich Foods to Their Diet
Incorporate wet pet food, such as our Oh Deer! or our Sockeye Salmon Food into your pet’s meals during summer.
3. Offer Hydrating Treats
Frozen treats like ice cubes made from diluted pet-safe broth or pureed fruits (such as watermelon or blueberries) can encourage hydration and provide a refreshing snack. Did you know our Nice to Meat You Food contains broth which is full of collagen, amino acids, and glucosamine (especially good for joints)?
4. Avoid Exercise During Peak Heat
Walk or play with your pet during the cooler parts of the day—early mornings or evenings—to reduce water loss through heavy panting.
5. Create Cool, Shady Spaces
Ensure your pet has access to shaded areas or air-conditioned rooms to help them stay comfortable.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your pet hydrated in the summer is crucial to their health and happiness. By providing plenty of fresh water, incorporating moisture-rich foods, and watching for early signs of dehydration, you can help your furry companion enjoy the sunny days safely and comfortably.
If you want to learn more about nutrition that supports your pet’s health year-round, check out our range of wholesome, hydration-friendly pet foods designed to keep tails wagging all summer long!