July is one of the hottest months each year in Colorado, with daily highs reaching on average 87 degrees. Fittingly, July is National Pet Hydration Month, shedding light, for pet owners, on the symptoms and dangers of dehydration and overhydration. Common symptoms of pet dehydration include:
• Loss of appetite
• Reduced energy levels
• Lethargy
• Panting
• Sunken, dry-looking eyes
• Dry nose and gums
• Loss of skin elasticity
Kara Pappas
To check skin elasticity, gently pinch your pet’s skin between your thumb and forefinger. In well-hydrated animals, the skin will instantly spring back into position. It will take longer in dehydrated pets. It’s important to know that, just like dehydration, over hydration can become a severe issue for your four-legged family members. While water intoxication is rare, it can affect pets that ingest large quantities of water throughout the day.
Symptoms include:
• Loss of coordination
• Lethargy
• Bloating
• Vomiting
• Glazed eyes
• Excessive salivation
• Difficulty breathing
How much water should your pet consume? The general rule of thumb is one ounce of water per pound of body weight daily. If your pet is uninterested in drinking that much water, here are some ideas to make hydration more enticing:
• Always provide your pet with fresh water in a clean bowl.
• Avoid using a metal water bowl outside. The metal can heat up
quickly in the summer sun and affect the water’s flavor.
• Add ice cubes to your pet’s water bowl.
Our companions come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so their water needs vary, too. No one knows them better than you do, so keep an eye on them, especially in the warmer months.
Kara Pappas is interim CEO for Larimer Humane Society. Learn more at www. larimerhumane.org.