Pet Hydration Awareness Month: Don't Let the Heat Get to Your Dog

July is Pet Hydration Awareness Month, and for Floridians with dogs, this is one topic not to be ignored. As the hottest month of the summer looms, it’s imperative that your fur baby drinks enough water each day to avoid health hazards, such as overheating. 

What are the risks of overheating & dehydration?

As humans, we battle the heat by wearing sunblock, donning light clothing, staying in the shade and drinking plenty of fluids. Dogs are at a greater risk, as that body covered in thick fur certainly doesn’t help them stay cool. 

Dehydration leads to overheating, and if left untreated, can be deadly. This is mainly because symptoms go unnoticed, and progress quickly. 

Overheated dogs suffer from:

• Heat exhaustion
• Heat stroke
• Sudden death from cardiac arrhythmia

Prevention starts with knowledge

If the weather is extremely hot and your dog will be spending ample time outside, you must have fresh water available for drinking. 

During playtime, dogs have a tendency to get caught up in all the hullabaloo, running and jumping with no regard to the heat. Make sure your pupper takes a rest in the shade. 

If you have a swimming pool, a plastic baby pool or a lake nearby, allow her to submerge her body periodically. Rubbing her down with a damp towel works just as well.

Always be on the lookout for signs of overheating. If your dog displays any of the following symptoms, wet her body with cool water and get to a vet immediately.

• Panting
• Disorientation
• Collapsing
• Convulsing
• Red/blue gums
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting

Hydration is key to keep cool this summer

Dog overheating can be scary, but that’s why Pet Hydration Awareness Month is so important. By ensuring your dog drinks enough water each day, her body stays lubricated and in optimal condition to handle the heat. 

While the human body is made up of 60% water, the canine body is 80%. Dogs need at least 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight. 

Limiting your dog’s time spent outdoors during the hottest hours of the day is also paramount to preventing overheating. One of the best ways to do this is by dropping her off at doggie daycare. 

When you work during the week or travel for vacation, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your dog is playing and relaxing in a large, open air conditioned room or outside in the shade for limited amounts of time. 

Doggie daycare professionals know to keep a close eye on overheating, with fresh water provided throughout the day.