Hydration Hacks: Keeping Pets Cool All Day

Summer can be a great time to bond with our pets, but thanks to the high temperatures, both pets and parents need more hydration than usual to stay well. Keeping pets hydrated in summer usually involves increasing their water or moisture intake and managing their exposure to the heat. But there’s more you can do!




If you usually put one bowl of water out for your pet, the heat is a good reason to increase this. Think about how much space your pets have access to; if they spend a lot of time in the garden or balcony, add a bowl there as well. Or if your home has two floors, then one bowl on each floor. The idea is to ensure that your pet is never too far from a drink of water, especially for pups and senior pets. Pups are often too easily distracted by play to go all the way to their usual water bowl. Seniors may be reluctant to leave a warm spot of sunshine. Lend a helping hand to community animals by setting out a water bowl for them, too!


Cats are instinctively drawn to running water rather than still, flat water in a bowl. This is why water fountains are an excellent way to encourage your felines to up their water intake. Cats have a low thirst drive and are not frequent visitors to their water bowl. This is all the more reason to take extra care that they’re getting their hydration from other sources. Wet food has a stronger scent, and this makes it more enticing to pets, especially seniors who may have a weakened sense of smell.


Wet food for dogs and cats, as the name suggests, has more moisture content. Thanks to the variety of wet food options available, there’s plenty to keep mealtimes interesting. Add nourishing bone broths and tempting food toppers from Sara’s Wholesome Food to your dogs’ daily food bowls. Or choose an enticing gravy from the Hearty range. Mewosi offers nutrition-rich wet food for cats. Its line-up of pâtés, purées and mousses is ideal to serve your pet a diet that’s both hydrating and varied all through the summer! It’s always recommended that you alter your pet’s food gradually to give their tummies time to adjust. Feeding recommendations are listed on the pack.


If you’re not doing it already, keep your pets indoors and away from the heat during scorching daylight hours. Walk them early in the morning or late in the evening when the sun isn’t as harsh. Be aware of what your pets are trying to communicate. Many pets seek out cooler parts of the house to spend time in and may be resting more. Take care not to overexert them.


Matted and shed fur traps heat, so just grooming your pet regularly does a lot to keep them more comfortable in the summer. Cats may groom a bit more when temperatures are higher. When their saliva evaporates from their fur, it helps cool them down.



One of the most obvious signs of dehydration in dogs is excessive panting. When a dog becomes dehydrated, their body temperature rises, and panting is their way of trying to cool down. Additionally, dry and sticky gums, sunken eyes, loss of appetite, lethargy, and a decrease in skin elasticity are all indications that your pup may be dehydrated. Dehydration can lead to serious health issues for dogs, including organ failure, heatstroke, and even death in severe cases. This is why it’s absolutely crucial to take proactive steps to prevent it. And the skin of your cat should quickly return to its normal position. If there's a delay (longer than two to three seconds), your cat's skin tissue doesn't have enough water and they may be dehydrated. Older cats or cats who have recently lost weight may have a longer skin tent, and this can be normal. If you're concerned or unsure about your cat's skin tent, have them evaluated by a veterinarian.

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Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

1. How do I check if my pet is dehydrated at home?
   You can perform a skin pinch test—gently lift the skin; if it doesn’t return quickly, your pet may be dehydrated. Also check gum moisture.
2. When should I take my pet to the vet for dehydration?
   Visit a vet immediately if your pet shows persistent lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, or refuses to drink water for more than 24 hours.
3. Are there special tools to help pets stay hydrated?
   Yes, products like automatic water fountains, portable bottles, and cooling bowls can help maintain proper hydration.
4. Why is my pet not drinking enough water?
   Reasons may include stress, illness, dirty water bowls, changes in environment, or preference for running water (common in cats).