High temperatures – even dogs need to drink enough.
Summer can be a significant physiological strain on our dogs. High ambient temperatures pose a particular challenge to a dog's ability to regulate body temperature. Unlike humans, who can sweat through their skin, dogs have a different, less efficient cooling mechanism, making increased fluid intake essential.
Dogs primarily regulate their body temperature through panting and fluid balance. In warm weather, water loss increases significantly. Insufficient fluid intake can quickly lead to health problems. Adequate hydration is therefore essential for regulating body temperature. Water helps maintain a stable internal temperature when the dog pants and sweats. Organs such as the heart, kidneys, and intestines rely on a constant supply of fluids to function optimally. As a guideline, dogs should consume between 40 and 100 milliliters of water per kilogram of body weight daily.
It is essential to avoid dehydration, as a lack of fluids can quickly lead to circulatory problems, exhaustion, and, in extreme cases, life-threatening heatstroke. For particularly active dogs, hydrated joints and muscles improve mobility and stamina.
Signs of dehydration
- Dry mouth and sticky gums.
- Sunken eyes and a slowed pulse.
- Reduced urine output and darker, more concentrated urine.
- Fatigue, loss of appetite, and lethargy.
- Dizziness or coordination problems.
If several of these symptoms occur in the dog, it should be given fresh water immediately, and in severe cases, a veterinarian should be consulted.
Tips to encourage dogs to drink:
Sometimes it's quite simple to encourage your dog to drink water from your hand or a bottle. Some dogs prefer to drink from a water bottle or directly from your hand.
- Offer moving water: Drinking fountains or a slowly dripping pipe attract attention and encourage people to drink.
- To enhance the flavor, add a splash of natural chicken or beef broth (without onions, salt, or spices) to make the water more palatable. Or try herbal water (unsweetened) such as chamomile or fennel water.
- Variety through ice cubes: Frozen stock cubes or water with a few frozen pieces of dog snack cool and simultaneously encourage licking (→ Refreshing snacks for the dog ).
- Wet food and popsicles: Moist food contains a lot of water and cools from the inside. Special popsicles for dogs offer a welcome refreshment.
Alternative fluid sources
- Wet food sometimes contains up to 80 percent water. Use only high-quality, low-grain food.
- Dog ice cubes are refreshing, but do not add any sweet or indigestible ingredients (→ Homemade dog ice cream).
- Fruit and vegetable snacks contain natural moisture, vitamins, and minerals. Only use fruits that are suitable for dogs (→ Refreshing snacks for dogs ).
- Homemade broth is aromatic and appetite-stimulating. No onions, garlic, salt, or spices are used.
Drinking – playful and creative
- Drinking toys and lick mats: Fill special chew toys with a mixture of water and wet food or broth.
- Coating lick mats with diluted liverwurst or broth stimulates salivation and thirst.
- Ice licks: Larger blocks with embedded treats that the dog licks while simultaneously ingesting liquid (→ Homemade dog ice cream ).
- Water hike: Let the dog drink from a clean stream or spring.
Tip: Drinking through imitation: If you demonstratively drink yourself or are with another dog who likes to drink, this can increase the social incentive – dogs learn by observation!
Adequate water intake protects dogs from dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke. Ideally, at least two water bowls should be placed in the house and garden, and the water should be changed regularly with fresh water. With such simple tricks and sensible water options, you can motivate your dog to drink enough, even on hot days.