Pet Hydration and Why is It Important

With the summer season right around the corner, it’s time to store those thick jackets and break out some T-shirts. Rising temperatures bring with them the risk of dehydration and heatstroke, for both humans and their pets alike. 

While we can’t control the heat, we can take certain steps to ensure our pets stay safe. Understanding the effects of dehydration and heatstroke can help you adjust your pet’s routine and keep them healthy during the hot months.

Here’s Why Pet Hydration Is Crucial

Understanding Dehydration in Pets

Dehydration occurs when a pet’s body loses more fluids than it takes in. Water is essential for nearly every bodily function, such as digestion, organ function, and temperature regulation. Dogs, cats, rabbits, and other pets rely on consistent hydration for overall well-being. 

When dehydration sets in, blood circulation slows, reducing oxygen supply to organs, muscles, and tissues. It also leads to a loss of vital electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and chloride. These electrolytes are crucial for nerve and muscle function, and your pet’s health can deteriorate quickly without them. 

Dehydration is more than just thirst; it can affect every system in your pet’s body, which is why it is so important to keep an eye on your pet’s hydration habits during the scorching summer months India is famed for.  

What is Heatstroke in Pets? 

Heatstroke is a severe condition that occurs when a pet’s body can no longer regulate its temperature, causing it to rise dangerously. It typically results from prolonged exposure to high temperatures, excessive physical activity in hot conditions, a lack of shade, or insufficient hydration.

Unlike humans, who sweat to cool down, pets cannot sweat; house pets like pet dogs or cats primarily rely on panting for temperature control. Since this is not always effective in extreme heat, it puts them at a greater risk of overheating. Heatstroke can develop quickly and, if left untreated, may lead to organ failure or even fatality.

Symptoms of Heatstroke in Pets

Recognizing heatstroke early can save your pet’s life. Watch for these warning signs:

• Excessive panting and rapid breathing
• Excessive drooling
• Bright red tongue or gums
• Lethargy and weakness
• Vomiting
• Increased heart rate
• Diarrhea
• Seizures or confusion
• Loss of consciousness

If you notice these symptoms, act immediately by moving your pet to a cool area, offering water, and contacting a veterinarian.

How to Prevent Heatstroke and Dehydration in Pets

Indian summers can be harsh, so it’s important to take preventive measures to protect your pet. Here are some essential tips:

• Keep Your Pet Hydrated: Make sure your pet always has access to fresh and clean water. Keep their water bowls filled and consider placing multiple bowls around your home. For outdoor pets, ensure they always have access to shaded water sources and clean their bowl regularly. 
• Avoid Direct Sunlight: Keep your pet indoors during peak heat hours. Peak hours are typically between 10 AM and 4 PM, but these may vary depending on where you reside. Close curtains, use fans or air conditioning, and create cool, shaded areas where your pet can rest.
• Offer Moisture-Rich Foods: You can offer hydration through more than just a water bowl. Introduce water-rich foods and snacks into their diet. Adding water to dry kibble or offering hydration via treats like cucumbers, apples, and melons can help maintain hydration levels throughout the day. 
• Walk Pets During Cooler Hours: Exercise is important, but exercise in the burning heat will often do more harm than good for your pet. Avoid walking your pet in the scorching heat. The best times for walks are early morning and late evening when temperatures are lower. Hot pavements can burn paw pads, so always check the ground before heading out. If you cannot hold the back of your palm on the footpath or road for more than two or three seconds, chances are the surroundings are far too hot for your furry friend. 

Regular Grooming

Trimming excess fur can help keep your pet cool, but avoid shaving their coat entirely, as it protects against sunburn. Regular brushing removes excess undercoat and improves air circulation, so you could consider a groom before summer arrives. Before making major modifications to your pet’s coat 

Breed-Specific Care

Some breeds are more prone to heatstroke than others. Flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds like pugs and bulldogs have smaller airways, making it harder for them to regulate temperature. These pets require extra care and should be kept cool at all times. If you have a brachycephalic or snub-nosed pet, pay special attention to your pet’s hydration, breathing, and exercise. 

Pet Travel During the Hot Summer Months 

The high mercury also impacts pet travel and the movement of pets during summer. For example, the tarmac on a runway gets scorching hot, which is far from ideal for a pet waiting to board. An ordinary airline will load baggage sequentially, which means animals and pets are left on the tarmac for longer durations than ideal. 

The reality is, the warning about travelling with your pet during extreme temperatures is for the tarmac, not the cargo hold. Make sure to choose a pet-friendly airline for your pet travel, as this will help minimize the time your pet spends exposed to the elements and the heat. 

A pet-friendly airline prioritises the boarding of animals, so they are not exposed to the hard conditions that a runway is usually subject to. If you do plan your pet travel during the summer months, make sure to account for the weather and plan your journeys during cooler times of day. 

Final Thoughts

Hot weather requires extra precautions to keep your pet safe. Ensuring hydration, limiting sun exposure, adjusting exercise routines, and maintaining proper grooming can prevent serious heat-related health issues. Each pet is unique, so adapt your care routine accordingly. By staying proactive, you can enjoy a fun, safe summer with your furry friend.