Spending the summer in the wild outdoors is a fun and worthwhile activity especially in the company of a furry companion. But when the temperature rises to an alarming rate, the boiling heat can weaken the body and the mind of both people and pets due to dehydration.
Just like us, our furry friends have bodies that consist mostly of water. In fact, pets need more water than we do. Although essential, we people can get a lot of water from the food we consume. This is a different case for pets. Pet foods, especially dry kibble, may contain lower water levels than people food. This variant may best be complimented with wet food or larger rounds of water to ensure that the pet is receiving the sufficient amount of water it needs.
The lack of hydration can lead to serious health complications that may involve heat stress and other heat-related illnesses. It is necessary to keep the pet’s drinking station refilled with cool, refreshing amounts of water.
In the midst of El Niño, we ought to be mindful of both our and our pet’s water intake to stay healthy and comfortable. As an advocate of responsible pet ownership through proper nutrition and care, the Pet Food Institute, in partnership with the Veterinary Practitioners Association of the Philippines, through its Well Fed, Well Nurtured campaign, PFI shares some tips to keep pets refreshed in the summer heat.
Assess the pet’s condition
Pets have different heat response mechanisms depending on its breed and fur composition. For instance, thick-coated breeds such as Alaskan Malamutes and Siberian Huskies are accustomed to colder temperatures. Their popularity in the country enabled both breeds to acclimatize in a more humid temperature but owners of these breeds should still keep in mind their pet’s particular hydration needs in order to be in tip-top shape. Therefore, have a veterinarian evaluate their health condition to identify their water requirements in terms of volume and frequency.
Provide more access to water
Anytime a pet is indoors or outdoors, make sure he or she has plenty supply of fresh, cold water. In case the humidity gets too thick, feel free to put ice to water if possible. You definitely don’t want the pet to drink from the toilet, so make sure that H2O is accessible by adding drinking stations inside the house and in the backyard.
Some pets, cats for example, prefer moving water. There are drinking fountains that can be purchased in the local pet store to encourage little Fido or Whisky to drink more. Some dogs like a bit of fun too, so turn this into an enjoyable activity by letting them drink from a hose or sprinkler in the backyard.
Pack lots of water when in transit
If you’re on a road trip, remember to bring voluminous amounts of water for you and your pets. Tumblers are better options to feed pets with water inside a moving vehicle so it won’t get spilled and wasted. Keep them under the shade but never leave them alone inside the car even if the air conditioner is on. Especially on a hot day, temperatures inside a car with windows slightly open can rise up to dangerous range within a few minutes. This can suffer the pet due to organ damage which leads to death.
Limit outdoor exercise on humid days
Although it is imperative for pets to exercise regularly, control the amounts of activity they do if the weather gets too hot. Spending too much time outdoors exercising can get exhausting and weakening and may fry up the skin of the pet. Reports have shown that days get really hot from nine o’ clock in the morning until two in the afternoon. You might want to reschedule the exercise to an earlier time, or in the evening. Remember to always carry a water bottle to keep pets from dehydrating. Of course, when it comes to identifying the exercise activities pets need, consult first a veterinarian.
Most importantly, watch for any signs of heatstroke. Heavy panting, glazed eyes, rapid heartbeat, difficulty in breathing, excessive thirst, lethargy, fever, dizziness, vomiting, among many others are signals of heatstroke. If any of these symptoms show, don’t be discouraged and seek guidance first and foremost from a veterinarian.
Food intake is also a chief aspect in keeping the pet healthy and lively. So make sure they get the complete and balanced nutrition from their food source such as commercially-made pet foods. They are intricately processed to meet the nutritional needs based on the pet’s breed, age and health condition. As long as vet-recommended medications, diet, and exercise routine are followed, your pet will enjoy the summer in no time.
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