Enjoying some fun in the sun is a great way to spend quality time with your pet, but even a little time in the heat can cause serious problems. That’s why it’s so important to keep your pets hydrated, and sometimes, that means going beyond the water bowl.
But don’t let cooler weather lull you into a false sense of security. Pets need to stay hydrated all the time, whether it’s hot or cold outside. Heat is a major factor in getting enough water, but other conditions can also threaten your pet’s fluid levels.
Why Is Hydration So Important for Pets?
Staying hydrated is vital for optimal health, whether you’re a person or a pet. When your pet drinks ample amounts of water, they reduce their potential risk for several health conditions. For example, drinking enough water can help lower your pet’s chances of urinary tract infections and kidney stones.
Your pet’s body also requires adequate water to carry out many of its everyday functions, including regulating temperature, lubricating joints, and aiding in digestion and circulation.
If your dog or cat doesn't get enough water, they’re likely to feel sluggish. But when water intake is significantly low, dehydration becomes a very real possibility.
The Dangers of Dehydration
When your dog or cat doesn’t get enough water, or loses more water than they take in, it can lead to dehydration. Mild cases might make your pet feel tired, or you might notice they have a dry nose. However, serious cases of dehydration can have severe consequences, including organ failure.
Some of the most common causes of dehydration are excessive heat, vomiting, diarrhea, and insufficient water intake. For some pets, certain health conditions, such as diabetes in dogs and cats or kidney disease, can contribute to dehydration.
If you suspect your pet may be dehydrated, it’s important to act fast. Look for the following symptoms:
- Dry nose
- Sunken eyes
- Dry gums
- Loss of skin elasticity (pinch a small part of skin on your pet’s back to see if it snaps back to normal quickly. If it doesn’t, this is a sign of possible dehydration.)
- Sluggishness
Any one of these symptoms can be a sign that your pet isn’t getting enough water. Encourage your dog or cat to drink immediately. However, if the case is severe, you need to seek veterinary care right away. Your pet may need an IV to ensure they get adequate fluids as quickly and safely as possible.
Tips to Keep Your Pet Hydrated
One of the most common ways to keep your dog or cat hydrated is to provide them with a continuous supply of fresh water. A clean water bowl, especially one that keeps water nice and cool, is the easiest way to do this.
If you live in a large house or have several pets, consider placing bowls throughout the home or using a large-capacity bowl. Make sure to clean your pet’s bowls daily to prevent bacteria buildup and grime.
If you spend ample time in the backyard with your pet, keep a bowl of water outside for them to use during outdoor activities. Bring water with you when you head to the park, go for a long walk, or go on an outing with your pup. Collapsible water bowls or pet water bottles work well for on-the-go pet hydration.
What If My Pet Doesn’t Like to Drink Water?
If your dog or cat is reluctant to drink water, add a splash of chicken broth to make things a bit more enticing. Make sure to use a low-sodium variety. Tossing a few ice cubes into the water bowl makes it extra cold and adds some fun enrichment opportunities.
Sneaky Ways to Keep Your Pet Hydrated
Drinking water isn’t the only way to keep your pet hydrated.
Incorporate Wet Food Into Your Pet’s Diet
Wet pet food is approximately 60% to 80% moisture, and although it likely decreases the amount of water your pet drinks, it increases their overall water intake. You don't necessarily have to replace your pet's entire diet.
Just a spoonful or two of wet food mixed into dry kibble can provide extra hydration for your pets. (Plus, they’ll likely appreciate the added variety to mealtime.) If your pet has special dietary needs or medical conditions, talk to your veterinarian about whether incorporating more wet food is the right choice.
Let Your Pet Enjoy Some Frozen Treats
Treat your pup or kitty to some yummy goodies that can help boost their hydration. There are several pet-friendly treats on the market that you can find in the frozen aisle, but you can also make your own frozen pet treats.
- Freeze diluted low-sodium broth in silicone molds.
- Blend pet-safe fruits like blueberries or watermelon with water for frozen bites.
- Freeze plain pumpkin puree into small cubes for dogs.
Avoid toxic ingredients, such as grapes, raisins, xylitol, chocolate, onions, and excessive amounts of dairy.
Add Hydration-Focused Enrichment to Your Day
Exercise is important for pets, so why not tackle two of your to-dos at once with some hydration-centered games? Get creative with how you can add hydration opportunities into some of your pet’s favorite play time experiences.
- Freeze your pet's favorite toys inside ice blocks for a cooling challenge that combines hydration with enrichment.
- Try stuffing a food puzzle or lick mat with wet food and freezing it before serving.
- Fill a shallow kiddie pool with a few inches of water and floating toys for dogs that enjoy splashing.
- Reward your pet with a quick water break alongside treats during training session breaks.
These small habits encourage frequent sipping and help replenish fluids before your pet becomes thirsty.
Turn Hydrating Fruits and Vegetables Into Treats
A lot of different fruits and vegetables contain high amounts of water, making them excellent occasional treats. Dogs can often enjoy seedless watermelon, cucumbers, and blueberries in moderation.
Cats tend to be pickier, but some will nibble on small pieces of cucumber or enjoy a little extra moisture from pet-safe vegetables mixed into their food. Always introduce new foods slowly, serve them in bite-sized pieces, and verify that they're safe for your particular pet before offering them.
Create Cool Rest Areas
Keeping your pet cool helps reduce fluid loss. Therefore, provide shady areas outdoors, cooling mats indoors, and plenty of opportunities to rest during the hottest parts of the day.
Schedule walks early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid peak afternoon heat. If your pet has fewer opportunities to overheat, they’ll lose less water through panting, making it easier for them to stay hydrated.
Make Pet Hydration a Daily Habit
Helping your pet stay hydrated doesn't have to be complicated. A combination of fresh water, moisture-rich foods, frozen treats, and creative enrichment can make a big difference, especially during the warmer months.
Pay attention to your pet's drinking habits and offer hydration in various ways to keep them healthy, comfortable, and ready for whatever adventures come next. When in doubt, monitor your pet for signs of dehydration and contact your veterinarian if something doesn't seem right.
A few simple changes can create significant habits that protect your furry family member year-round. Don’t miss the rest of the Neater Pets blog for more tips on being the best pet parent you can be.