Hydration Station: Hot Days Call for Water Stations at Your Dog’s Door

Why is it Important for Dogs to Stay Hydrated in Hot Weather?

For dogs (and cats), water is essential for their well-being and to keep their bodies functioning properly. Dehydration causes reduced blood flow and oxygen delivery to tissues and organs, and severe dehydration can lead to organ failure. 

There are several ways in which a dog becomes dehydrated, such as perspiring, especially through their paws, and by panting, urinating, defecating, vomiting, and diarrhea. This is due to dry weather and/or exercise. In hot weather, water intake is especially vital for optimal dog health. Puppies, senior dogs, sick dogs, and pregnant or nursing pooches are especially at risk. You can help by having a dog water dispenser near their dog door.

What Are the Signs of Dehydration in Dogs?

These include panting, loss of appetite, reduced energy, loss of skin elasticity, dry gums and noses, dry sunken eyes, and vomiting. If your dog has any of these symptoms, immediately take them to see a vet.

How Much Water Does My Dog Need?

Most doggies need an ounce of water for each pound of body weight, every day. This means that if your dog weighs 10 pounds, they require 10 ounces of water daily. Puppies and older dogs need a little more. On a hot day, you should increase this amount to ensure that additional fluid leaving the body is replaced. 

What about cats? Felines also require water to stay healthy, although their daily water needs are a bit less than dogs—approximately 3.5 to 4.5 ounces of water per every five pounds of body weight.  

By taking care of your pets’ hydration needs and providing easy access to water through a dog door and accessible clean water bowls, you’ll help your furry friends stay healthy and vibrant.

The Easiest Ways to Keep Your Pet Hydrated

The most obvious way to keep your dog or cat hydrated is to keep a bowl filled with fresh, clean, cool water, both inside and outside of the dog door. 

For optimal dog hydration:

• Keep water bowls clean and change the water daily.
• Place multiple bowls throughout the house. 
• Have an outdoor water station.
• Keep indoor and outdoor water bowls at a distance from your dog door, so you don’t attract wild animals to your dog door. 
• Use a dog hydration station that automatically refills with fresh water when the level gets low. 
• Create a DIY hydration station for your pet. You can find “how to” videos on YouTube for making your own self-filling dog water dispenser.
• Invest in a drinking fountain to encourage your pets to drink more. Cats are especially fond of running water. 
• Use a bigger bowl to ensure there’s enough water. A 50-pound dog needs more than six cups of water per day!
• Use metal, glass or ceramic bowls since plastic bowls can develop bacteria. 
• Allow animals to drink from a faucet if that’s their preference.
• Hydrate beach-bound pooches with fresh, clean water, to discourage them from drinking ocean water. Salt water can make dogs thirstier, and too much can make them sick. 

The hydration station, bowl or fountain should contain enough water, so your pet has plenty to drink for the full day, especially if you’re away from home. Make sure that they have easy access to it. 

Other Ways to Keep Your Dog Cool and Comfortable in Hot Weather

In hot weather, other cooling solutions for dogs include finding them a cool place to rest, using a cold ice pack, hosing them down, going for a swim in a doggie pool, creating a cool breeze with a fan or misting them with cold water. Find them a freezable toy to play with, put ice cubes in a sealable plastic bag for them to lay on, cool them down with a damp towel, or offer them a yummy frozen treat. If they don’t drink enough water, you can add lukewarm water to dry kibble and let it soak for 15 minutes.

The Hale Difference: Keeping Pets Happy Since 1985

At Hale Pet Door, we don’t just sell the best dog door in the world. We also offer advice and tips on how to keep your pets safe, happy, and comfortable. Our pet doors are made with the highest quality materials and are available in different models, including door-model pet doors and wall-model pet doors. Discover the most durable, long-lasting, and best-made pet door on the market—shop dog doors today.