Sweet, sweet summertime – we all get to enjoy vacations, cookouts, and the beautiful sunshine! However, we (and our pets) know just how HOT it can get in North Carolina. There is no better way to fight back the blazing hot summer sun than by keeping our fur babies healthy, cool, and hydrated! The team at Randall Veterinary Hospital is using this month to provide some general knowledge and helpful tips for all of those paw-rents out there!
When Did This Become A Thing?
This awareness month was introduced by PetSafe, an electronic pet training product manufacturer, to help raise awareness about the proper water intake of domesticated animals as they brave one of the hottest months of the year! National Pet Hydration Awareness Month emphasizes the importance of hydration and lets pet parents know about the early warning signs of dehydration. The month also raises critical awareness about the dangers of water intoxication, which occurs due to constant exposure to water bodies such as pools or garden hoses.
What Happens If My Pet Is Dehydrated?
As responsible pet parents, we need to keep a close eye on our fur babies when they are exposed to the heat. You know your pet best – if they are not acting like themselves, it may be time to call for help! Here are some overall common indicators that our pets may be experiencing dehydration:
- Loss of appetite
- Dry mouth
- Sunken eyes
- Lethargy
- Excessive panting
- Diarrhea
- Seizures
- Elevated body temp
- Racing heart
If you suspect your fur baby is experiencing a heat stroke or heat exhaustion, move them somewhere cool, expose them to cool water or towels, situate them in front of a pleasant fan, and call your trusted veterinarian!
What Is Water Intoxication?
If you can believe it, there is such a thing as consuming TOO much water. Water intoxication, also known as hyponatremia, is a relatively rare but potentially fatal condition that is most commonly seen in dogs that love their water time! Water games that involve retrieving items or diving into pools to catch toys can cause them to ingest large quantities of water very quickly. It can also happen when they “catch” pressurized water from sprinklers or hoses. Excessive amounts of water cause the body to lose sodium and the cells begin to fill with water and swell. Here are some overall common indicators that our pets may be experiencing intoxication:
- Loss of coordination
- Glazed eyes
- Vomiting
- Bloating
- Lethargy
- Seizures
- Excessive salivation
- Difficulty breathing
Unfortunately, water intoxication progresses quickly. If you suspect your fur baby is experiencing water intoxication, call your trusted veterinarian immediately!
We hope you have learned a little bit more about pet hydration and awareness! We (and your fur baby) thank you for taking the time to read through this and stay tuned for our next monthly blog, making its appearance in early August!
