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Does your pup seem a bit sluggish or off their normal routine? It might be because they’re not getting enough hydration! Water is essential for keeping your pup healthy and happy all year round but even more so when temperatures start to soar. In this short article, we’ll give you 5 tips on how to keep your pup hydrated and maintain their overall well-being. Read on to learn more!
Importance of hydration for dogs
Keeping your dog hydrated is essential to their health and wellbeing. Not only does it help regulate body temperature and aid digestion, but it can also help prevent certain diseases. There are a few simple steps you can take to ensure your pet stays healthy and happy:
#1 Provide plenty of fresh, clean water: Make sure your pet has access to a bowl of clean water at all times. If your dog goes outside, keep the bowl in the shade so that the water doesn’t get too hot. Additionally, consider investing in a self-filling water dispenser that will keep the bowl full without having to be filled manually.
#2 Add some flavor: Flavoring water with broth or low-sodium chicken or beef stock can help make your pet more interested in drinking up. You could also add some fresh fruit like blueberries or strawberries for extra vitamins!
#3 Monitor daily intake: Keep an eye on how much water your pet drinks throughout the day and adjust as necessary. If you notice a decrease in their daily intake, encourage them to drink more by adding something flavorful to their water or taking frequent breaks for them to drink from a bowl.
#4 Encourage exercise: Exercise is key to keeping your pet healthy and hydrated. Make sure they get plenty of physical activity every day so that when they do exercise they don’t risk becoming dehydrated from overexertion Just like humans need more water when exercising.  And giving your dog ice cubes after exercising allows them to take in a little water at a time and avoid bloating.
#5 Take them on regular bathroom breaks: Regular walks not only give your pup an opportunity to relieve themselves, but also provide them with the opportunity to drink some fresh water while they’re out and about.
Signs of dehydration in dogs
Dehydration is a serious health concern for our four-legged friends and it’s important to know the signs. Dogs can become dehydrated quickly, so watch out for certain symptoms, such as dry nose and gums, sunken eyes and lack of energy.
Loss of appetite, vomiting, panting and discolored urine are also common signs of dehydration. If your pup has any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
Furthermore, if your dog is not urinating or has dark colored urine, it could be a sign of dehydration and should be checked out by a vet. Lastly, if your dog is breathing more rapidly than normal or has a dry mouth, this could mean that they are dehydrated and need water.
Have water at the ready
It is important to ensure your pup’s hydration and there are a few tips you can follow to help make this easier. Always keep a bowl of fresh, clean water available for your pup, that they can access at any time. If needed, you can also add some low-sodium broth or a bit of tuna juice to the water to make it more appealing.
Additionally, if your dog spends time outdoors, bring along a portable water bowl and fill it with cold water when you take your pup for walks or hikes. Be sure to check the temperature of the water before giving it to your dog as too hot or too cold can cause discomfort.
Lastly, if you’re going on a long journey with your pup in the car, make sure to bring water along for breaks!
Make it fun!
Water games with dogs can be a great way to combine fun and hydration for our four-legged friends. Whether it’s playing catch and having the pup chase after a ball filled with water, or simply filling up a kiddie pool for them to splash around in, there are lots of fun activities that can help to keep our furry friends cool and hydrated during the hot summer months.
You can even take it up a notch and fill up a watering can with water and let your pup try to catch the water as you pour it out. For an extra challenge, try throwing in a few treats as you pour the water. No matter how you choose to keep your pup hydrated, it’s important to remember that they should always have access to plenty of fresh, clean water.
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