July is Pet Hydration Awareness Month ｡˚○

July is Pet Hydration Awareness Month! With temperatures in the Seattle area climbing into the low 80s this week, it's a good time to make sure your pets are getting enough water. ｡˚○

Signs your dog may be dehydrated

Tacky or dry gums are one of the clearest indicators: a well-hydrated dog's gums should feel slippery and wet. Other signs include sunken eyes, a dry nose (especially paired with excessive panting), thick saliva, lethargy, and loss of appetite. Loss of skin elasticity is another telling sign: gently pinch the skin in between your dog's shoulder blades and release it. In a well-hydrated dog, it snaps back immediately. In a dehydrated dog it takes longer to return to place.

Simple ways to keep your dog hydrated

• Keep water bowls filled with fresh, clean water and refresh them throughout the day. Also make sure their water bowl is clean!

• Add water to their kibble or offer wet food during high-heat days, with your vet's OK

• Bring a portable water bowl on walks and hikes, and take breaks often

• Schedule exercise for cooler parts of the day

A note for cat owners

Cats are often mildly dehydrated at baseline, which makes them more susceptible to the effects of extreme heat. Watch for the same signs, dry gums, skin that doesn't snap back, lethargy, and consider switching dry-food cats to wet food during hot stretches.