There are many different things you can do to help your pet stay cool and hydrated during the summer. These few summer nutrition tips for dogs and cats will help your furry friend cool down this summer.
1.Take care of their diet
During the summer, it is essential that we take care of our pet’ diet improving the right king of nutrition. When the weather is hot, it takes less calories to keep warm. Therefore, the need for food is less. It’s the same for us. In the summer we tend to eat lighter. So pay attention to your dog. If he’s not that hungry during the summer, don’t be concerned. When it’s too hot, your pet doesn’t need the same amount of calories from food to keep warm. If your pet is a healthy adult, feed him with high quality light feed, such asSummit 10 Cat Light Ch,F & R & Summit10 Dog Light Ch&R
2. Know The Signs of Dehydration
Most of us know how important it is for people to drink enough water, but it’s just as important for pets. As a matter of fact, your pet’s body is made up of 80% water, compared to the 60% that makes up your body! What this means is that, especially when it gets hot, your pet is at just as great a risk for dehydration or heat exhaustion as you are!
Common signs of dehydration include:
- Loss of energy
- Loss of appetite
- Sunken, dry eyes
- Dry, sticky gums
- Loss of skin elasticity
- Excessive, ongoing panting
- Vomiting and/or diarrhea
If you suspect that your pet is dehydrated, call your vet immediately.
3. Know How Much Water Your Pet Needs
Pets need from 50-100 ml of water for each kilogram of body weight.
It might be hard to keep track of exactly how much water your furry friend is drinking, especially if you have multiple pets or if they occasionally drink from backyard puddles or the kids’ wading pool. But knowing how much water your pet needs will help you to keep a closer eye on his water intake and determine whether he’s really getting all he needs.
4. Give Your Pet Access To Fresh Water At All Times
There should never be a time when you deprive your pet of the opportunity to drink. If you leave for any period of time, leave enough water so that your pet doesn’t run out before you get back. Even if you’re house training a puppy, he should always have plenty of clean, fresh water available. If you plan on spending time outside with your pet, make sure that you fill a water bowl and bring it out with you.
Change your pet’s water frequently, and wash water bowls every day to prevent bacteria from growing.
5. Bring Water With You
If you’re on the go, don’t forget to bring water for your pets. Taking a long car trip? Stop a few times and give them a chance to drink some fresh water. Hitting the trails with your dog? If you’re thirsty, it’s likely he is, too. Whenever you stop for a drink, offer your furry hiking buddy some water. You can even find special portable water dishes or doggy water bottles that make it easier to keep him hydrated.
6. Provide a Place to Cool Off
Pets heat up quickly in the sun, especially those with dark coats. When your pet is outside, even if it’s only for a short time, make sure he has access to a nice shady spot to cool off. And, when you’re inside sitting in front of the air conditioning, your pet would probably be happiest and comfiest sitting right next to you!
Hydration and Your Pet’s Health
Getting enough water is crucial to your pet’s health. Staying hydrated:
- Promotes urinary tract health. Pets who stay hydrated have lower risk of urinary tract infections. They also avoid developing urinary stones or crystals that can cause dangerous obstructions.
- Helps regulate body temperature. Water has a cooling effect on your pet’s body and helps him maintain a consistent, healthy temperature — even when it’s hot.
- Keeps energy levels up. Water helps animals convert fat to energy. So staying hydrated helps your pet have enough energy for play and exercise.
- Promotes easier healing and recovery. Drinking water keeps your pets’ kidneys healthy and flushes toxins from their bodies. This helps them recover from sickness, injury, or surgery more quickly. It’s one thing to know how important it is for your pet to stay hydrated.
Happy Summer!
