Stay Cool and Refreshed During Outdoor Excursions by Taking Water for the Dog
Humans and dogs are alike in many different ways. The need for water is a common thread between the species that cannot be overlooked. Pet owners grab a bottle of water for themselves as they take off on a walk or hike on a warm day. They can’t forget water for their pups, however.
Staying hydrated is critical to a dog’s well-being. With today’s marketplace flooded with clever resources, taking water along on a day trip is easier than ever before. Discover the facts behind water and a dog’s basic needs. Prioritizing their hydration makes any outdoor adventure a fun and memorable time.
Dehydration’s Effects
Dogs must drink continually throughout the day. This fact is even more apparent in warm weather. They’ll look for any source of refreshment, including puddles. However, many pups also become distracted by their surroundings. Dehydration can set in with very little warning.
Be aware of the signs of dehydration, including:
- Dry, mucous membranes
- Lethargy
- Skin-elasticity loss
- Panting
The panting action creates evaporation within the mouth. It cools the dog, but the moisture release is also dehydrating. Allowing the pup to drink water and relax for a few minutes is preferable.
Measuring Out Water Intake
When pet owners aren’t sure about their dog’s water intake, ask a dog daycare professional about current standards. Currently, the experts suggest one ounce of water for every pound of body weight each day. Find the pet’s accurate weight by visiting a Lakewood facility with a dog scale. Owners can use this information to pack the right amount of water for any excursion.
If it’s a particularly hot day, dogs will drink two or three times the recommended amount. Simply bring extra water wherever you may go. Every dog will have slightly different habits in the heat.
Finding Local Resources
If Golden pet owners find themselves without water during an outing, there are several options. Dog-friendly parks often have water fountains that are customized with a basin at a canine’s height. In a pinch, find a fountain and fill the hands with water. This strategy isn’t the most effective way to hydrate the pup, but it is useful with no other resources.
Pet owners must remind themselves that dogs drink differently than humans. Dog training professionals often advise their clients that canines need to drink small amounts over multiple visits to the water bowl. Drinking too much water all at once can create digestive issues.
Discovering Handy Bottles
One of the best inventions for dogs today is the collapsible bowl and water container. A seemingly average bottle meant for water storage comes with an attached bowl. Take a full bottle on a hike. Detach the bowl, and pour the cool water into it. The pup has a traveling bowl that goes everywhere with it.
Look for food-grade safe bottles designed for canine use. Dog daycare professionals keep a number of these bottles and bowls on hand at all times. If the bottle gets low on fluid, it’s easily filled at the next water fountain.
Wearing the Water
For those long days out on the trails, look for a backpack that the pup can wear. By shopping around, pet owners find several packs designed for specific breeds. The pack might include these items, including:
- Water reservoir
- Small bowl
- Pet-waste bags
- Treats
The dog is perfectly capable of carrying a small amount of weight. These packs free up space in the pet owner’s backpacks so that the adventure can continue. Be sure to adjust the pack accordingly. It shouldn’t be too loose or excessively tight. After the pup becomes accustomed to the pack, it won’t notice it for the rest of the day.
Returning to Fanny Packs
There’s always the option of wearing a fanny pack for the pup’s supplies. Dog training professionals often wear these packs so that treats are always near during learning sessions. For a short day out, fill up the fanny pack with water and a collapsible bowl. The weight is minimal, which allows everyone to enjoy the time outside. This strategy is perfect for breeds that are relatively small, such as dachshunds or chihuahuas.
Caring For Your Supplies
Treat the pet’s water supplies as carefully as a human’s supply. At the end of the outing, empty out the bottles. Wash the travel bowls with mild detergent. Store the items in a dry area until the next adventure.
Lakewood and Golden pet owners must be diligent about supply care because bacteria, mold and mildew can otherwise grow. These microbes can sicken a pup in some cases. Pet owners might opt for two sets of bottles and collapsible bowls. They can be swapped out as needed, which allows the unused items to be cleaned in due time.
Warm-Weather Tips From the Experts
Dogs are susceptible to heat exhaustion and other ailments during the summer. Keep these tips in mind for safety every day, such as:
- Never leaving the dog in a parked car
- Seeking out shade whenever possible
- Walking on grass instead of hot asphalt
Pets may have a lot of energy at home or in dog daycare, but try to moderate the exercise during the hottest parts of the summer. Although dogs can sweat through their paws, cooling themselves is mainly a panting strategy. Ask the pet to sit and stay so that cooling off becomes a priority.
A day might start out cool and cloudy, but it can quickly warm up into the afternoon. If pet owners are debating on whether or not to take extra water, always err on the side of caution. Any dog training professional takes water to every destination regardless of the current weather. At the end of the day, the dogs will be comfortable and healthy with a little bit of water left over for the ride home.
