Boppard. Summer can be a significant physiological burden for our dog. High ambient temperatures are particularly challenging the body's temperature regulation of dogs. In contrast to people who can sweat over the skin, dogs have a different, less efficient cooling mechanism that makes increased fluid intake essential.
Dogs regulate their body temperature primarily via panting and fluid balance. In warm weather, the water loss increases significantly. Inadequate amounts of drinking can quickly lead to health problems. Sufficient fluid intake is therefore important to regulate the body temperature. The water helps keep the inner temperature stable when the dog pants and sweats. Organs such as heart, kidney and intestine are dependent on a constant hydration in order to work optimally. Dogs should consume between 40 and 100 milliliters of water per kilogram of body weight as a directive.
It is absolutely important to avoid dehydration, because a lack of fluid can quickly lead to circulatory problems, exhaustion and, in extreme cases, a life -threatening heat stroke. With particularly active dogs, moistened joints and muscles improve mobility and endurance.
Signs of dehydration
- Dry mole and sticky gums.
- Fare eyes and slow pulse.
- Less urine excretion and darker, concentrated urine.
- Mattiness, loss of appetite and lethargy.
- Dizziness or coordination problems.
If several of these symptoms occur in the dog, it should get fresh water immediately and immediately visit a veterinarian in severe cases.
Tips to encourage dogs to drink
Sometimes it is very easy to encourage your dog to drink: water from your hand or bottle. Some dogs prefer to drink from a drinking bottle or directly from their hand.
- Offer moving water: Drinking fountains or a slowly dripping line awaken the attention and invite you to drink.
- Refine taste: A splash of natural chicken or beef broth (without onions, salt and spices) Makes the water more tasty. Or herbal water (unsweetened) Like chamomile or fennel water.
- Variety from ice cubes: Frozen brown cubes or water with a few frozen pieces of dog snack cool and stimulate to lick at the same time (→ refreshing snacks for the dog).
- Wet food and water ice: Moist food contains a lot of water and cools from the inside. Special water ice for dogs offers a welcome refreshment.
Alternative fluid sources
- Wet food partly has up to 80 percent water content. Use only high -quality, grain -armed feed.
- Dog ice cubes are refreshing, but not sweet or incompatible additives for the dog (→ homemade dog ice cream).
- Fruit and vegetable snacks contain natural moisture, vitamins and minerals. Use only fruits that are compatible for the dog (→ refreshing snacks for the dog).
- Homemade broth Is aromatic and appetizing. Without onion, garlic, salt or spices.
Drink – playful and creative
- Drinking toys and losing mats: Filling special cubes with a mixture of water and wet food or broth.
- Lick mat Brush with diluted liver sausage or broth – stimulates saliva and thirst.
- Ice culinary stones: Larger blocks with embedded treats on which the dog licks and at the same time absorbs liquid (→ homemade dog ice cream).
- Water hike: Let the dog drink from a clean stream or a source.
Tip: Drinking through imitation: If you drink yourself demonstratively or with another dog who likes to drink, this can increase social incentive – dogs learning through observation!
Sufficient water supply protects the dog from dehydration, heat creation and heat stroke. It is best to set up at least two water bowls in the apartment and in the garden and regularly replace the water with fresh. With such simple tricks and sensible water offers, you can motivate your dog to drink enough even on hot days. (Stefan Richter)