Drink Up this Advice for Pet Hydration Month

By PAWS NY | July 28, 2021

In honor of Pet Hydration Month, we wanted to share some tips and advice for keeping your pet(s) happy and healthy. Did you know that your pet’s body is made up of almost 80% water?!

Pet Hydration - A black and white husky drinks water from his guardian's hand and a water bottle.

First and foremost, make sure to have fresh, clean water available for your pet(s) at all times. Keep an eye on their water bowl and refill as needed. Consider adding multiple water bowls around the house! Also, be sure to wash their water bowl once a day to avoid any bacteria growing there.  

If your cat is a fan of running water, try letting them drink from the sink faucet for a few minutes, or consider a pet water fountain.  A cat or dog going outside in hot weather and/or exercising more, will need to increase their intake of water.  If you’re concerned about your pet getting enough water, you can try adding wet food to their diet, or soaking their dry food in a little water.

Both dogs and cats have a slightly higher internal body temperature than humans, so if you are hot, your pet certainly will be. Try air conditioning, or if that’s not possible, a cool, dark place they can rest with a fan is ideal. You can also lay down a wet, cool towel for them to rest on.

Pet Hydration - a cat drinks from a large bowl of water outside

When you and your dog go out on a walk, be sure to bring water with you, or make a plan to stop at a public water fountain. Dogs with shorter snouts, like Pugs, Shih Tzus, and Bull Dogs, overheat more easily. If the pavement is too hot to hold your hand on it longer than 3 seconds, it will also be hot on your dog’s paw pads. Go for walks in the early morning or evening. Try to walk in the shade or consider booties for your dog.

Know the signs of dehydration

Dehydration can happen very quickly. Know the signs to make sure you can get your pet help as soon as possible:

  • Vomiting and/or diarrhea
  • Loss of energy
  • Excessive, ongoing panting
  • Loss of appetite
  • Sunken, dry eyes
  • Dry, sticky gums
  • Loss of skin elasticity

Hopefully this information helps our volunteers and supporters make sure that all pets stay safe, especially during Pet Hydration Month and all summer long!

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