Keep Your Dog Hydrated All Summer Long — Here’s Why It Matters 💧🐾

Just like us, dogs need water to function properly. Every single system in their body relies on it—from cooling themselves off to aiding digestion and maintaining joint and organ health. But while we’re quick to grab a water bottle during a heatwave, our pups depend on us to make sure they stay properly hydrated. 🌞

How Much Water Does Your Dog Really Need? 🐕

As a general rule, dogs should drink about 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight per day. So, for example:

• A 10 lb pup needs about 10 oz 💦
• A 50 lb dog should drink at least 50 oz 💧
• A 90 lb large breed may need up to 90 oz (or more) 💦

And that’s just the baseline. If your dog is especially active, spends a lot of time outdoors, or is a brachycephalic (short-nosed) breed, they’ll need even more to stay cool and comfortable.

Why Hydration Is Extra Important in Summer ☀️

Dogs don’t sweat like humans do. Instead, they regulate their body temperature by panting and through limited sweat glands in their paws. When temperatures rise, so does their risk for dehydration, heat exhaustion, or even heatstroke. 😰

Proper hydration helps your dog:

• Regulate body temperature 🌡️
• Maintain healthy organ function 🫀
• Keep joints lubricated 🦴
• Digest food and absorb nutrients 🍽️
• Flush toxins from their system 🚿

In short, water isn’t optional—it’s vital. 💪

Easy Ways to Keep Your Dog Hydrated 💧🐶

You don’t have to overcomplicate it. These simple strategies can make a big difference in keeping your dog hydrated and healthy all summer long:

1. Fresh, Clean Water—Everywhere
   Keep bowls of clean water available both indoors and outdoors. Change the water frequently, especially if it gets dirty or warm from sitting in the sun.
2. Portable Water for Walks
   Whether you’re going for a hike or just a stroll around the block, bring a collapsible bowl or dog-friendly water bottle so your pup can drink on the go. ‍
3. Hydrating Treats
   Try offering ice cubes, frozen dog-safe fruits (like blueberries or watermelon), or DIY frozen bone broth popsicles to keep things cool and tasty.
4. Multiple Water Stations
   If you have a larger home or yard, place several water bowls around to make it easy for your dog to find a drink wherever they roam.
5. Encourage Drinking
   Some dogs don’t naturally drink a lot of water. Try adding a splash of low-sodium broth or water from a tuna can to their bowl to tempt them.

Signs Your Dog Might Be Dehydrated ⚠️

Dogs can’t tell you they’re thirsty, so it’s important to watch for subtle signs that they may be running low on fluids:

• Lethargy or unusual tiredness 💤
• Dry nose or sticky gums 🤧
• Loss of skin elasticity (gently pinch their scruff—if it doesn’t bounce back, they may be dehydrated) 👃
• Sunken eyes or dry-looking eyes 👀
• Panting excessively without exertion 😤
• Reduced appetite or urination 🍽️

If you notice any of these symptoms, especially in combination, it’s best to offer water immediately—and in more severe cases, contact your veterinarian. 🏥

Training & Wellness Go Hand in Paw 🐾

At Alan’s K9 Academy, we believe hydration is just one piece of a balanced, healthy life for your dog. Good nutrition, plenty of exercise, mental stimulation, and effective training all work together to help your pup thrive.

As the summer heats up, now’s the perfect time to build better habits—not just for hydration, but for structure, behavior, and bonding. Whether you need help establishing a daily routine, managing leash manners in hot weather, or preparing your dog for outdoor adventures, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Ready to Raise a Happy, Healthy Dog? 🌟

Let’s build those summer routines together.

📞 Text or Call: (470) 648-6512
🌐 Visit: https://alansk9academy.com

Stay cool, stay hydrated, and keep those tails wagging! 🐕💦

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