H2-Oh No! How to Keep Your Pet Hydrated This Summer

Summer is finally here (at least, it is for us Midwesterners)! A time for sunshine, lake days, and long walks outside with your furry best friend. As temperatures rise, keeping your dog hydrated becomes more crucial than ever. Although drinking enough water might be low on your priority list, it is high on your dog’s! Dogs, just like us, require adequate hydration to thrive. Especially in the warmer months, our water supply is more quickly depleted the more we sweat.

Being thirsty is one thing, dehydration is another. At Bully Sticks Direct, we care deeply about the health and wellbeing of your pups, which is why we only sell the most all-natural dog treats on the market. In this blog, we’ll dive into why hydration is so crucial for your canine companion, how to spot the signs of dehydration, and practical tips to keep your pup happily hydrated.

Why Hydration Matters for Dogs

Dog’s can’t quench their thirst with the help of a soft beverage or iced coffee. Water is the elixir of life for dogs, playing a vital role in their overall health and well-being. It helps regulate body temperature, aids in digestion, lubricates joints, and transports essential nutrients throughout the body. When your dog is properly hydrated, their skin and coat look healthy, and their energy levels are high.

Regulating Body Temperature: Dogs primarily cool themselves through panting. As they pant, water evaporates from their tongue and respiratory tract, helping to lower their body temperature. Without sufficient water intake, panting becomes less effective, putting them at risk of overheating.

Lubricating Joints: Just like humans, dogs have cartilage that cushions their joints and allows for smooth movement. Proper hydration ensures this cartilage stays lubricated, minimizing pain and discomfort.

Aiding Digestion: Water helps break down food and facilitates the smooth passage of digested material through the intestines. Dehydration can lead to constipation and other digestive issues.

Supporting Organ Function: Water is crucial for the proper functioning of organs like the kidneys and liver. Dehydration can put a strain on these organs and lead to serious health problems.

Unfortunately, dehydration can creep up on our furry friends, and the consequences can be severe. Mild to moderate dehydration can lead to kidney problems, urinary tract infections, fatigue, and constipation. In severe cases, it can even cause organ failure. That’s why it’s essential to be vigilant and take steps to prevent dehydration.

Spotting Dehydration in Dogs

Now, there is no need to be alarmed at the first sight of your dog panting. With all of the running around our pups do, you likely catch them out of breath often. The key is noticing when they are panting.

Recognizing the true signs of dehydration is crucial for taking prompt action. Here are some common indicators to watch for:

1. Lethargy: If your normally energetic pup seems unusually tired or disinterested in playtime, it could be a sign of dehydration.
2. Excessive panting: While panting is normal for dogs, excessive panting, especially when it’s not hot or your pup is not active, can be a red flag.
3. Dry gums: Healthy gums should be moist and pink. If your dog’s gums feel sticky or dry, dehydration might be the culprit.
4. Sunken eyes: Eyes that appear sunken into the sockets can be a sign of dehydration.
5. Reduced urination: A decrease in urine output is a clear indicator of dehydration.

If you notice any of these signs, you must take your dog to the vet immediately. At this point of dehydration, your pup may even refuse water. Whether you are home or traveling, make sure to look up nearby veterinarian hospitals just in case of emergencies as such.

Hydration Hacks for Happy Hounds

Keeping your dog well-hydrated doesn't have to be a challenge. It really is quite simple: bowl and water! Believe it or not, there are other creative ways to sneak more h2o in your dog's diet.

Multiple Water Bowls: Don't limit your dog to just one bowl. Place water bowls strategically around your house, especially in cool, shaded areas where your dog likes to relax. This way, they're never far from a refreshing drink. Remember to include bowls outside as well, particularly in shady spots where your pup might spend time during the day.

Cleanliness is Key: Just like you wouldn't drink from a dirty glass, neither should your dog! Establish a routine of cleaning and refilling your dog's water bowls daily with fresh, cool water. This ensures they're always tempted by a clean, inviting drink.

A Splash of Flavor: Consider adding a tiny splash of low-sodium chicken broth to their water bowl. However, always consult your veterinarian to ensure it's safe for your dog and won't interfere with any medications or diets they might be on.

Give Wet Food a Try: Did you know that wet food has a higher water content than dry kibble? Switching to (or adding) wet food to your dog's diet can be a great way to increase their overall water intake, especially if they're not big water drinkers. Since wet food can be expensive, try mixing it half and half with dry kibble or saving the wet food for just one meal a day.

A Bully Stick Summer: Tips for Travelling

The summer months are bound to take you on adventures far from home. Whether you’re headed out for a long walk in town or a road trip over county lines - it’s important to bring along food and drink for your loyal pup. This means, always packing an extra water bottle and collapsible bowl to tend to your pup's hydration needs. It doesn’t hurt to bring along a small baggie of kibble or a few all-natural bully sticks to appease their appetite, too!

Bully Sticks Direct has a large catalog of bully sticks for pups of all shapes and sizes! From 6-inch bully sticks to 12-inch Monster Bully’s - there’s something for everyone! Between proper hydration and healthy dog treats, your pup is in for a successful summer!

Pro tip: To ensure you’re stocked up before your vacation, sign up for auto shipment on the Bully Sticks app! Shop our inventory online and follow along with us on Instagram for more tips and product updates!