With summer upon us, pet owners need to be careful to keep Fido and Fluffy comfortable, and protect them from the heat. Hydration is also extremely important at this time of year. In fact, drinking water is one of the only things your furry friend can do to cope with high temperatures. A Aurora, CO vet offers some tips on this below.
Get Outdoor Stations
If Fluffy and Fido have a yard—or even a patio—to hang out in (or on), you’ll want to put water out there as well. Stay on top of cleaning and refilling these bowls. This is important for all water bowls, but it’s particularly crucial for outdoor ones, as they can get dirty or contaminated so fast. (Tip: you can put Fido’s bowls in plant urns to make them look nice and elevate them a little.)
Consider A Fountain
Many of our four-legged friends will instinctively go for running water over standing water. This is likely a survival mechanism, as standing water gets contaminated much more quickly. Fido and Fluffy may enjoy a pet fountain. If you have a dog, you can also look into getting your canine friend a play fountain. Some spray water into the air when a pup steps on them. (As you can probably guess, this is absolutely adorable to watch.)
Beware ‘Wild’ Water
Taking Fido to a dog park, or perhaps to a trail? Bring water along with you, even if you don’t expect to be gone long. Try not to let your furry buddy slurp water from puddles and ponds, as the water could be contaminated by chemicals, dead animals, algae, bacteria, or other substances. You also don’t want to let your pooch drink pool water. Chlorine is definitely not part of Fido’s recommended diet!
Offer Suitable Snacks
Keep moisture content in mind when picking out Fido and Fluffy’s snacks. You can find ice cream made for our canine and feline pals in many stores and grocery markets. There are also plenty of homemade options. For instance, you can offer a bowl of sodium-free broth. Or, freeze some with kibble in an ice cube tray. Just stick with safe foods and treats. Ask your vet for specific recommendations.
If you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s health or care, please contact us. As your local Aurora, CO veterinary hospital, we are always here for you!
