The Dog Days of Summer: July is National Pet Hydration Month
As we reach the middle of summer and temperatures continue to rise, July has been established as National Pet Hydration Awareness Month. Keeping fresh water for your pets indoors and outdoors is a great step to prevent dehydration, but knowing the signs and symptoms can help all pet owners decrease the likelihood of their furry friend becoming dehydrated from the summer heat. We outlined the details you need to know to keep your pets safe when it comes to dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
DEHYDRATION
Q: What is Dehydration?
A: Dehydration in pets is the result of not drinking enough water and electrolytes or losing too much fluid. The summer time poses a higher risk of dehydration to pets due to high temperatures and long summer days, but pet owners should note that dehydration can happen inside as well if temperatures get too high or the air conditioning does not work properly.
Q: Why Does Dehydration Happen?
A: Dehydration can occur more quickly in pets because dog and cat bodies are made up of 75-80 percent of water compared to human bodies that are composed of up to 60 percent of water. Pets become more susceptible to dehydration and its effects due to their water composition. Since our pets don’t have the ability to ask for a cold glass of water when they’re hot, it’s important for pet owners to keep an eye on their pets a little more during the dog days of summer.
Q: Who is More at Risk?
A: Pets who are the most at risk for dehydration are the elderly, the very young and those with pre-existing conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes, respiratory disease and obesity.
Q: How Much Water Should my Pet Drink?
A: According to the Springbrook Animal Care Center, dogs should drink one ounce of water for each pound of body weight they have. For example, if your dog weighs 50 pounds, they should be drinking about 50 ounces of water per day. Typically cats need 3.5 - 4.5 ounces of water per 5 pounds of body weight per day. For example, if you have a 10 pound cat, they should be consuming between 7 and 9 ounces of water per day.
Q: What are the Signs and Symptoms of Dehydration?
A: The earliest symptoms will not occur until your pet is at least 5 percent dehydrated. Life threatening dehydration occurs at 10-12 percent. Common symptoms of dehydration across pets include:
Loss of appetite
Reduced energy levels
Lethargy
Panting
Sunken, dry-looking eyes
Dry nose and gums
Loss of skin elasticity
Q: How Can You Prevent Dehydration?
HEAT EXHAUSTION AND HEAT STROKE
Q: What is Heat Stroke vs. Heat Exhaustion?
A: Heat exhaustion occurs when the pet’s body temperature reaches over 103 degrees, usually when they have been spending too much time outdoors during the peak of the summer months, have been left in a car on a hot day or have gone without shade for too long. If the pet’s rectal temperature continues to rise and reaches 106 degrees or higher, they are at an immediate risk for heat stroke, which can cause the organs to shut down and the heart to stop altogether. Heat exhaustion is essentially a precursor to heat stroke.
Q: What Breeds Are More Susceptible?
A: Some dog breeds are more prone to heat stroke because they are brachycephalic breeds, which refers to dogs that have relatively short noses and a flat face. These dogs are more prone to heat stroke than other breeds because they are particularly sensitive to heat due to the shape of their skull which affects sinuses, therefore affecting the respiratory system as well. These breeds include:
Pugs
Bulldogs
Boston Terriers
Boxers
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
Shih Tzus
Some cat breeds are more susceptible to heat stroke due to their flat faces. This facial feature makes it difficult to pant well like other breeds and have a harder time naturally cooling down their bodies. These breeds include:
Persian
Himalayan
British Short hair
Scottish Fold
It is important to note that no matter what type of animal you own, pets that are overweight, older and have pre-existing medical conditions that cause difficulty breathing or heart problems are at a higher risk for heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Q: What are the Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke?
A: Keep an eye on your pets during overly hot days and watch out for these signs of heat exhaustion that can lead to heat stroke:
Panting which increases as heat stroke progresses
Drooling, salivating
Agitation, restlessness
Very red or pale gums
Bright red tongue
Increased heart rate
Breathing distress
Vomiting, diarrhea (possibly with blood)
Q: How Can You Prevent Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke?
The summer heat doesn’t have to mean that your furry companions are stuck in the house all day! Exercising and socialization are still important during the summer months and Going Mutts Pet Services is here to help you and all your furry friends out. We care for your pets like they are our own, so our dog walkers will have extra water for everyone and will find the best shaded spots in the neighborhood to walk! Contact us today for a free Meet ‘n Greet and more information on all of our pet services.
Sources:
https://www.hillspet.com/cat-care/healthcare/heat-exhaustion-in-cats