High temperatures – the dog also needs to drink enough

Boppard. Summer can place a significant physiological strain on our dog. High ambient temperatures pose a particular challenge to dogs' body temperature regulation. Unlike humans, who can sweat through their skin, dogs have a different, less efficient cooling mechanism that makes increased fluid intake essential.

Dogs regulate their body temperature primarily through panting and fluid balance. In warm weather, water loss increases significantly. Drinking insufficient amounts can quickly lead to health problems. Adequate fluid intake is therefore important to regulate body temperature. The water helps keep the internal temperature stable when the dog is panting and sweating. Organs such as the heart, kidneys and intestines rely on a constant supply of fluid to function optimally. As a guide, dogs should consume between 40 and 100 milliliters of water per kilogram of body weight daily.

It is absolutely important to avoid dehydration, as a lack of fluids can quickly lead to circulatory problems, exhaustion and, in extreme cases, life-threatening heat stroke. In particularly active dogs, moistened joints and muscles improve mobility and endurance.

Signs of dehydration

• Dry mouth and sticky gums.
• Sunken eyes and slow pulse.
• Less urine output and dark, concentrated urine.
• Weariness, loss of appetite and lethargy.
• Dizziness or problems with coordination.

If the dog experiences several of these symptoms, it should be given fresh water immediately, and in severe cases, a veterinarian should be consulted immediately.

Tips for encouraging dogs to drink
Sometimes it's very easy to encourage your dog to drink: water from your hand or bottle. Some dogs prefer to drink from a water bottle or directly from their hand.

• Offer moving water: Drinking fountains or a slowly dripping pipe attract attention and invite you to drink.
• Refine taste: A splash of natural chicken or beef broth (without onions, salt and spices) makes the water tastier. Or herbal water (unsweetened) like chamomile or fennel water.
• Variety with ice cubes: Frozen bouillon cubes or water with a few frozen pieces of dog snack cool and encourage licking at the same time (→ Refreshing snacks for dogs).
• Wet food and water ice: Moist food contains a lot of water and cools from the inside. Special water ice for dogs offers welcome refreshment.

Alternative sources of fluids

• Wet food Some have up to 80 percent water content. Only use high-quality, low-grain food.
• Dog ice cubes are refreshing, but do not contain any sweet additives or additives that are intolerable to the dog (→ Homemade dog ice cream).
• Fruit and vegetable snacks contain natural moisture, vitamins and minerals. Only use fruits that are tolerated by the dog (→ Refreshing snacks for dogs).
• Homemade broth is aromatic and appetizing. Without onion, garlic, salt or spices.

Drinking – playful and creative

• Drinking toys and licking mats: Fill special chew toys with a mixture of water and wet food or broth.
• Slick mats Spread with diluted liver sausage or broth – stimulates salivation and thirst.
• Ice licks: Larger blocks with embedded treats that the dog licks and absorbs liquid at the same time (→ Homemade dog ice cream).
• Water hike: Let the dog drink from a clean stream or spring.

Tip: Drinking by imitation: Drinking demonstratively yourself or being with another dog who likes to drink can increase social incentive – dogs learn through observation!

Sufficient water intake protects the dog from dehydration, heat exhaustion 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 water. With such simple tricks and sensible water offers you can motivate your dog to drink enough even on hot days. (Stefan Richter)