PetSafe® brand is hosting the fourth annual Pet Hydration Month this July.The mission is to educate pet owners about the importance of providing pets with access to clean, filtered water, especially during the hot and humid summer months,
“While many pet parents are active with their pets all year long, it’s common for dogs, and even cats, to spend extra time outdoors during the summer months when it’s extremely hot and dehydration is more common, said Sarah Beene, category manager for PetSafe water and feed solutions. “It’s important that pet owners know what to do if their pet becomes dehydrated. But more importantly, they should be familiar with the steps needed to prevent it from happening.”
According to Allison Smith, veterinarian at Village Veterinarian Medical Center in Knoxville, Tennessee, common symptoms of pet dehydration include:
- Vomiting and/or diarrhea
- Lack of energy
- Excessive and ongoing panting
- Loss of appetite
- Sunken, dry eyes
- Dry and sticky gums
- Loss of skin elasticity (when pulled or moved, the skin will not go back to its original place)
If a pet parent suspects that their pet might be dehydrated, they should take him or her to a veterinarian immediately where they can monitor the pet closely and administer IV fluids.
One way to en sure that both cats and dogs are receiving enough fresh, filtered water is by using a convenient, indoor or outdoor pet fountains.
“Our pets’ bodies are made up of 80 percent water. They need 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight each day,” said Beene. “Providing filtered water entices them to drink more, which supports vital organ functions and is important digestion and waste removal.”
PetSafe brand offers a variety of modern fountains to meet all pet and pet parents’ needs. Check out one of my favorites, the Sedona
In addition to keeping pets healthy and happy in the summer, proper hydration helps pets all year long with things like:
- Preventing urinary tract infections and urinary disease. Unlike the food humans eat, dry dog and cat foods have very low moisture levels. If a pet doesn’t drink a lot of water, consider adding water to their dry food or incorporating wet food into their diet. Cats with low water intake may experience urinary tract infections or even urinary stones and crystals that can cause urethral obstruction.
- Aiding with energy levels and temperature regulation. Water helps pets convert fat to energy. If a pet drinks enough water throughout the day, they will have the energy to play outside or go on a walk. Water intake also cools the body and helps them maintain a consistent and healthy body temperature.
- Speeding recovery time from sickness or surgery. Drinking water can help promote healthy kidney function and flush toxins from their bodies. This is important after a bout of sickness or during the recovery process after a major surgery.
Enjoy this video as the pet whisperer teaches pet parents to known when their pets are thirsty.
