Hydration Challenges in Animals During Summer: Why Water Quality and Intake Matter More Than Ever

As temperatures climb in summer, maintaining proper hydration is critical for animal health. Dehydration can lead to complications including kidney strain, heat exhaustion, and electrolyte imbalances. But it’s not just about quantity; water quality and what goes into it can significantly affect wellness.

Why Hydration Is Important

• Thermoregulation: Water supports heat dissipation through panting, respiration, or sweating in species like horses. When temperatures rise, animals lose more water as they work to cool themselves.

• Circulatory Health: Adequate hydration maintains blood pressure, supports cardiovascular function, and helps circulate nutrients and oxygen.

• Digestive Function: Hydration supports smooth gastrointestinal motility, reducing the risk of constipation or impaction, which can be more common during heat waves.

Summer-Specific Risks

• Increased Water Loss: Panting, drooling, and faster respiration cause quicker dehydration in hot weather.

• Contaminated Water Sources: Warm temperatures encourage bacterial, algal, and parasitic growth in outdoor bowls, troughs, or puddles, which can affect water quality.

• Behavioral Changes: Heat stress or anxiety during storms, travel, or outdoor events may reduce drinking behavior, especially in cats or prey species that hide signs of weakness.

Signs of Dehydration

• Sunken or dull eyes

• Dry or sticky gums

• Lethargy or weakness

• Poor skin elasticity (slow return of pinched skin on the neck or shoulders)

Supporting Proper Hydration

• Offer fresh, cool water at all times, replacing it at least once daily or more often in hot or dusty environments.

• Clean bowls and troughs with pet-safe disinfectants regularly to prevent buildup of microorganisms.

• Place multiple water sources around the home or yard to encourage drinking, especially in multi-pet households or for animals with limited mobility.

• For picky drinkers, adding ice cubes or a small amount of low-sodium broth can encourage water intake.

Using Pure Clean Pets

Summer activities can increase animals’ exposure to dirt, dust, and other substances. Pure Clean Pets can be added to food or water as part of your pet’s routine to safely remove environmental toxins and heavy metals. It contains concentrated minerals, Vitamin C as ascorbic acid, and a proprietary blend of orthosilicic acid.

Bill and Coo's Pure Clean Pets

Dosage Guidelines:

• Add drops directly to food or water according to these recommendations:

  • Large animals: Start with 3 to 4 drops twice daily, building up to 10 drops twice daily.

  • Small animals: Start with 1 to 2 drops twice daily, building up to 5 drops twice daily.

• Always ensure pets have access to fresh water.

Providing clean water, encouraging consistent drinking, and maintaining a thoughtful routine can help pets stay hydrated and comfortable through the hottest months of the year. Authored By: Tyana Fenton