It is hot here in Central California and when it is hot I worry that my floofy Great Pyrenees rescue may not be getting enough water. Great Pyrenees are supposed to remain cool as their coat is insulated but by the way she pants it is hard to believe she is cool at all and I want to make her feel better and stay hydrated.
Keeping Dogs Cool Importance of Hydration
One way to keep pets cool is with a cooling mat but something far simpler is just making sure they are hydrated.
Keeping a dog hydrated is easier with flavored water. Just like us, our dogs appreciate a little flavored dog water to make water taste more appealing.
Making dog flavored water is easy, simply add a small amount of dog bone broth or chicken stock to water for a nice refreshing treat.
Our hemp bone broth is packed with healing collagen that is great for dogs stomach, bone and skin health along with natural electrolytes.
Learn more about having fun in summer and keeping your dog fresh in our book Mother Puppin’ Adorable: What to do when you dog is better than everyone else’s. It contains tips for staying cool with slushies and pools.
The next time Ruby is panting away and seemingly losing more water through her drool than is likely used in her body she can lap up some refreshing water flavored with our bone broth.
Other options for making dog flavored water
Spray a little Calm or Relieve Plus CBD Hemp Spray in the dogs water. Calm and Relieve Plus are both chicken flavored and the hint of extra flavor will encourage your dog to drink and provide restorative wellness.
Try Nulo Rotisserie Chicken Flavored Water Enhancer. This water enhancer has Vitamin B, Electrolytes and amino acids and is concentrated so there is no need to pack around large containers.
Choose one of the Flavors Food Toppers. Their claim is that boring kibble is turned into a treat but these work with water as well.
Dehydration and Dogs
Dogs can quickly become dehydrated from not drinking enough especially when it is hot. They loose moisture throughout the day similar to humans. Dog’s can go without water for a limited amount of time but to maintain their consistent good health, dogs should have access to clean and fresh water at all times of the day.
Factors like extreme heat (or any heat), illnesses such as kidney disease, dog weight and size and activity will all affect how much water your dog needs. Learn more in our article with a handy infographic showing how much water our dogs really need here.
How to Tell If Your Dog Is Dehydrated
So, how can you tell if your dog is dehydrated?
Unfortunately, our dogs can’t tell us they’re thirsty, but according to Dr. Jerry Klein, the AKC’s chief veterinary office and knowing the signs of dehydration can help dog owners respond quickly and also catch potential serious medical conditions before they become life-and-death emergencies.
You can tell if your dog is dehydrated if they have any of these symptoms:
- Loss of skin elasticity
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting with or without diarrhea
- Reduced energy levels and lethargy
- Panting
- Sunken, dry-looking eyes
- Dry nose
- Dry, sticky gums
- Thick saliva
Be aware of these signs your dog may be dehydrated but before any of these signs of dehydration appear in your pup keep them dehydrated by making easy flavored dog water.
Top Tips for Fending off Dehydration in Dogs
-Provide access to fresh water all day which may take planning ahead.
-Take water on the go with a handy carrier.
-Be alert to the signs of dehydration and hydrate with flavored water if necessary.
-Provide plenty of access for a dip or shade on hot days and watch the temperature on hot hard surfaces.
-Dog can get overheated in any season but pay particular to dehydration in warmer seasons.
We hope your pup can stay cool as a pupsicle with these ideas on how to make flavored water for dog.
Learn more 11 Tips to Keep Your Dog Cool This Summer
Flavored Water FAQs
Flavoring your dogs water is easy by adding a bit of bone broth or canned food. There are also many mixes you can purchase to add to your dogs water to flavor it but we find natural is the best.
While strawberry flavored water may not be their favorite they can drink it if they enjoy it. Fruits and veggies are great added vitamins and minerals for dogs.
Dogs love any homemade dog drink drinks, a favorite is adding some bone broth to water but you can add fruit, meat juice from cooking, milk and more to enhance your dogs water and make a homemade dog drink.
