Recognize warning signals, avoid risks: Does my dog ​​drink enough in summer?

Dr. med. Vet. Breiltgens, veterinarian at Agria, explains why sufficient fluid intake for dogs is not only so important in the heat and how holder can motivate their animals to drink.

Düsseldorf. Summer temperatures are a burden for many dogs: they move less, pant more – and lose vital liquid. But not every dog ​​compensates for this loss sufficiently. Agria animal insurance therefore wants to raise awareness of summer heat and drinking behavior in dogs: Why do dogs often drink too little in heat? What are the risk of risks? And how can dogs be gently and playfully motivated to drink?

Water requirements increase significantly in summer
While people usually drink more in summer, dogs are dependent on the attention of their owners. “With panting, dogs lose a lot of liquid – especially when moving or high temperatures. The water requirement can quickly double in the heat,” explains Dr. med. Vet. Tatjana Breiltgens, veterinarian at Agria Tierversicherung.

In normal weather, around 40 to 60 milliliters of water per kilogram of body weight per day are the guideline. From 20 degrees upwards or physical activity, it is advisable to double this amount to 80 to 120 milliliters – especially in large, young or very active dogs and dogs with dry feeding.

Signs of lack of fluid
The typical signs of the beginning dehydration are most common:

• Pige in peace or after a short movement.
• Dry mucous membranes and dry gums.
• Falled eyes.
• Lethargy, disinterest, a striking amount of sleep.
• Skin that does not immediately slide back after slightly pulling up.
• Little urine sales. The urine is dark and strongly concentrated.

“Especially in summer heat, it is crucial to actively support the water intake – because many dogs do not drink enough on their own,” said Dr. Breiltgens.

Liquid with game, cooling and taste –
Practical tips for hot days
In addition to fresh, clean water, creative ideas help to encourage the dog for fluid intake. These methods have proven themselves:

• Place the drinking fountain: Many dogs flowing water compared to the standing bowl. A drinking fountain in the house or on the terrace stimulates drinking.
• Offer dog ice cream: Small portions of salt-free chicken or beef broth as ice cubes are a delicious summer highlight for dogs- and at the same time a good fluid and electrolyte dispenser. It can also be made in different flavors such as water fruit ice cream (e.g. mix pureed blueberries with water and freeze). Depending on what the dog likes most ((→ tip: Homemade dog ice cream).
• Install water features: Play with the garden hose, races over the lawn sprinkler or plan in a small dog pool – many dogs absorb liquid while water features.
• Offer several drinking stations: Especially in summer it makes sense to set up several bowls inside and outside – in the shade, on different floors or on favorite places. Replace the water several times a day with cold tap water.
• Take water on the go: Dog drinking bottles with integrated bowl are ideal for walks. Regular drinking breaks should be planned, especially when traveling, car journeys or hikes.
• Offer dry food with water: If you feed dry food, you can enrich it with lukewarm water. The dog automatically absorbs additional liquid – without consciously noticing it.
• Use water to upgrade water: A splash of unalted broth, some cucumber or melon pieces in the water or ice cubes with chicken taste can promote interest. Melon pieces are also a suitable snack that many dogs love and the additional liquid delivers on hot days ((→ tip: Refreshing snacks for the dog).

When will it be dangerous? – When to the vet?
If a dog does not absorb water for more than 24 hours or shows significant signs of dehydration, going to the vet is urgently required. “A long time without sufficient water absorption can lead to circulatory failure – and must be treated immediately,” warns Dr. Breiltgens. Dogs with previous illnesses, older animals and puppies are particularly at risk.

Good through the summer – for a long, healthy dog ​​life
Whether as an ice cube with a taste or drinking break on the walk: If you pay attention to sufficient fluid in summer, you actively protect your dog from heat stress and secondary diseases. With empathy, attention and a little trick here and there, our four -legged friends remain fit and happy even in heat.

Also well protected in summer and on vacation
With Agria animal health insurance, dogs are well secured at home in summer emergencies and also on vacation. Via the AGRIA app, customers receive veterinary advice every day from 7 a.m. to midnight – conveniently and quickly, also at heat wave or on vacation. Further information at www .Agria tier uses .de.