Summer Dog Care: What to do if Your Pet Gets Dehydrated in Summer

Caring for your pet becomes more vital as the mercury climbs in summer. Imagine your retriever rocketing around a festive backyard barbecue, then suddenly slowing down, tongue lolling and eyes distant with the water bowl seemingly out of reach.

Unlike humans, dogs and cats can't sweat efficiently. This can lead to dehydration, which can escalate in minutes. Dehydration threatens vital organs such as the kidneys, heart, and brain. So how do you help your dog or cat when they're dehydrated, and how can you help prevent it from happening in the first place?

This essential guide will help you keep your pet safe and happy during hot weather adventures. You'll learn what to do if your pet gets dehydrated in summer, how to spot symptoms, and a few of our favorite cooling products to help keep your pet comfortable.

What Dehydration Looks Like in Dogs and Cats

Dehydration is not just an outdoor issue. If your pet doesn't take in more water than he loses, he may become dehydrated, even if he's an indoor pet. This becomes more critical in summer when temps soar, even when you have the A/C cranked. A few signs of dehydration to watch out for in your dog or cat include:

• Face check: Dry, tacky gums, sunken eyes, and dry nose

• Movement check: Lethargy, weakness, or unsteady gait

• Skin check: Gently pinch the skin over the shoulder blades; if the skin stays tented or takes more than two seconds to snap back, your pet may be dehydrated

• Body check: Excessive panting, drooling, or vomiting in dogs; panting or refusing to eat in cats

If your dog or cat produces darker urine, this may also be a sign your furry buddy is dehydrated.

Why Dehydration Is Dangerous

Losing just 5 to 10% of body water impairs blood flow, blood pressure, and temperature regulation. Unlike people, dogs and cats cool off mainly by panting and have very limited sweat glands, so evaporative cooling is less effective, especially in humid conditions. And similar to facing heatstroke, brachycephalic breeds, seniors, kittens and puppies, and outdoor dogs and cats face a higher risk of dehydration, making rapid recognition and response vital.

If you think your pet is dehydrated:

1. Move your pet to a shady or air-conditioned area immediately.

2. Offer small sips of cool (never icy) water. Avoid forcing your pet to drink.

3. Apply damp (not cold) towels to the paws, groin, and belly for gentle cooling.

Seek veterinary care immediately if your pet is vomiting, collapses, refuses water, has very pale or discolored gums, or has a temperature above 103°F. Do NOT use ice baths or sports drinks, and do not delay professional help.

Tips to Prevent Dehydration from Happening in Your Pet

The first thing you can do to help your pet avoid dehydration is to focus on water consumption. Dogs need about 1 ounce of water per pound of weight, and cats need about 3.5 to 4.5 ounces of water for every 5 pounds they weigh. But you don't have to measure out the water. Just make sure your pet has plenty of access to cool, fresh water every day. You can also mix in wet food to their dry food or add water supplements to the drinking water to enhance hydration.

Help keep your dog or cat cool by changing up your exercise and playtime routines. Move walks to early mornings or late evenings and take water with you. To help keep time in the sun enjoyable, consider incorporating some of our favorite cooling products to help keep your pet cool and hydrated:

• K&H All-Weather Pet Cot: This elevated pet cot with an all-mesh cover ensures air circulates around your pet and helps keep your pup cool. Plus, the cot assembles and tears down quickly, making it easy to take with you.

• K&H Dog Pool and Pet Bath: If your pup loves the pool, but you don't like the chemicals in traditional swimming pools, this is a great option to give your pet the water play he craves. Easy to set up and tear down when not in use.

• K&H Coolin' Comfort Bed: This self-cooling bed uses no toxic gels or electricity to help your dog or cat beat the heat. Just add water and place it in a cool, shaded area if using outside.

• K&H Coolin' Bowl: Provide your pet with perfect-temp water. This special bowl can keep your pet's drinking water chilled for more than 15 hours with its innovative cooling core. Fill the inner core with water, freeze overnight, and your pet has chilled water for the whole day.

Help Prevent Dehydration from Happening

Spend your summer making fun memories with your pet — not hanging out in the veterinarian's office. By providing access to plenty of water, adjusting your normal routines to avoid the hottest parts of the day, and keeping an eye on the early signs of dehydration, you can help your pet beat the heat and make the most of what summer has to offer.

This is the final article in our Summer Dog Care series. To learn more about summer dog care, check out Are cooling dog beds toxic? and Essential Summer Gear and Tips to Prevent Heatstroke. Keep watching for more tips and tools from K&H Pet to help deepen your bond with your pet!