It’s that time of year again! While July is a great time to enjoy the beach, pool, barbeques, and more, it is also crucial for pet health awareness. The heat index, especially in warmer climates such as Florida, can be unbearably hot especially if your entire body is covered with fur. Here are some helpful tips our pet health experts at Bayside use to identify and avoid dehydration while still enjoying the outdoors.
The Signs of Dehydration
For starters, it is widespread for veterinarians to see dehydration cases because it can be so difficult to understand and identify. It’s essential to recognize the signs of dehydration early as they are progressive, meaning if you wait they could escalate into a bigger issue. Here are the most commonly known symptoms of canine dehydration;
- Loss of skin elasticity
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting with or without diarrhea
- Reduced energy levels and lethargy
- Panting
- Sunken, dry-looking eyes
- Dry, sticky gums
- Thick saliva
Our trusted veterinarian partners recommend performing a “skin tent” for your pup if you suspect they could be dehydrated. Simply give a gentle pull on the skin of your dog’s neck, the longer it takes your pet’s skin to snap back into place indicates their level of dehydration. A quick snap back indicates hydration while a slow return of their loose skin could mean your pet is severely dehydrated.
How Can I Protect My Pet From Dehydration?
The first step to a quick recovery is often prevention. Practice the skin tent method with your pet at home during normal activities to become familiar with how their skin reacts.
1. Always carry and offer water to your pet
Just like us, dogs may need a drink during unexpected times throughout the day varying due to activities. It’s best to come prepared and have a collapsible water bowl and bottle for your pet. Before you leave home, ensure they’ve had ample water.
Picky drinker? If your pet takes some coaxing to get their daily water intake in, try occasionally adding a couple of drops of sodium-free chicken broth to their bowl. You can also prompt them to drink water by adding it to their daily food bowl. If your pet loves ice cubes, try giving them some to play with! This activity is also a great mental stimulant and a perfect way to combat hot summer days.
2. No exercise in excessive heat
Similar to their human counterparts, a dog’s internal temperature cannot safely exceed 104 degrees Fahrenheit. We recommend taking utmost extreme caution when external temperatures reach 75 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
Be sure to limit your pet’s outdoor playtime during these periods of extreme heat. If your pet is enjoying some outside playtime, always provide them with plenty of water and a shaded area.
At Bayside Pet Resort, we are proud to offer luxury amenities and are dedicated to our safety procedures. Atop of daily 5-point health inspections for all guests, every member of our team is certified in Knowing Dogs. One preventative measure we take is that our daycare guests are on a strict indoor/outdoor rotation system to avoid overheating–but rest assured the outdoor play area has plenty of water, shade, cool-air misting fans, and an in-ground saltwater pool (which is great for their skin, by the way!).
Let your pet join us for a day of play or lodging in a fun, safe, and luxurious environment! Give us a call at one of our conveniently located Suncoast locations listed below;
Sarasota – (941) 351-0730
Osprey – (941) 244-4930
Lakewood Ranch – (941) 755-3047
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