As the New Jersey summer sun beams down, your pet’s need for hydration shoots up significantly. Long afternoons spent engaging in frolicsome play or relaxing under the sun's glow can impact your dogs' and cats' well-being, with dehydration being a potential risk. Therefore, keeping our furry companions well-hydrated becomes one of our many responsibilities as caring pet parents. Tea anyone?
Firstly, we need to establish a hydration plan that revolves around their lifestyle and habits. Observing their water intake can give you insights into their hydration needs. As a rule of thumb, an average cat or dog needs around 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight each day. However, during the warmer months, those figures might need revising upward for our furry friends. You never want them to have a parched paw pad or a dry nose!
To quench their thirst, why not experiment with some new options? At The Hungry Puppy, we've been steering pet parents towards nutritional, hydration-rich foods like Canidae Grain Free Pure options for dogs, which have a high moisture content. "Taste of the Wild" is another brand that releases recipes crafted with the finest, nutrient-rich ingredients that dogs and cats both love and benefit from. Worried your fur baby is a 'picky licker'? Fret not. We're here with many options that even the fussiest eaters would happily lap up!
While food can be a good water source, nothing really substitutes the good old water bowl. Remember that our pets prefer their water fresh and cool—not unlike us humans! Stagnant water is a no-no, so be sure to refill bowls with fresh, clean water as often as possible. For health-conscious pet parents, 'Bag Balm' has a range of pet-safe water purifiers that can help ensure that no harmful particles are taken in with those eager licks.
Now, hydration doesn't only occur internally. External hydration, especially for our canine companions, also plays a part in keeping them comfortable and cool during the summer. Remember those kiddy pools we used to lounge in as wee ones? They make fantastic doggy spas! Fill one with water, toss in your dog's favorite toys, and voila – you have a fun, cooling oasis just for them!
As we get to the end of this little hydrating chat, let's uncover a cool pet parent hack that is both amusing and efficient! Try encouraging dogs to hydrate by having them play ‘chase-the-ice-cube’. It's an engaging and refreshing way to cool down in the scorching summer heat. Cats can participate in the icy fun too, with a simple switch from cube to ice-chilled ball, offering a similar thrill of the chase.
Keep these tips in mind to ensure our furry friends have a safe, hydrated and pawfectly fine summer. After all, we all remember the old saying, right? A hydrated pet is a happy pet!