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6 Ways To Keep Your Dog Hydrated

June 1, 2019

Summer is here. Dogs love this time of year: they get to sniff all sorts of grass, enjoy the sunshine, and run and play outside. However, the heat can be dangerous for Man’s Best Friend. Making sure your canine pal stays hydrated is very important in summer. Here, a Washington DC vet discusses keeping Fido properly hydrated.

Water

First and foremost, make sure your furry friend always has plenty of fresh, clean water. If you have a yard for Fido to play in, put water stations outdoors as well. (Tip: put water bowls in plant urns to make them look nice.) Clean your dog’s bowls daily to prevent germs and dirt from building up.

Pet Fountain

Why not get Fido an automated waterer, or a pet fountain? You can also get outdoor fountains that attach to hoses. Some of these shoot water into the air when dogs step on them. This can be really fun for your canine buddy!

Ice Cubes

While you don’t want to give your pooch too much ice, he may enjoy chewing on one or two cubes. You can also freeze sodium-free broth in ice cube trays for Fido!

Suitable Snacks

When picking snacks for your pup, choose things that have a high moisture content. Doggy ice cream, which you can find in many pet stores, is one good option. You can also give your pooch some chilled sodium-free broth. Or, make pupsicles by pouring water over bits of kibble, chew sticks, or dog biscuits. Divide into small portions and freeze overnight. Voila!

Canned Food

One choice all dog owners must make is whether to offer their pups wet food, dry food, or both. There are pros and cons to each of these. However, one good thing about canned food is that it does have a higher moisture content than kibble. Ask your vet for advice.

Water On The Go

Summer is a great time for having fun with your canine companion. Whenever you take Fido off your property, bring water along for him. You may want to get collapsible plastic dishes, which you can fold up and put in your wallet. Another option is to get a doggy water bottle with an attached dispenser.

As your local Washington DC vet clinic, we are dedicated to offering great care. Please contact us if we can ever be of assistance.

Poison Prevention Week starts March 20th. This is a very important topic for anyone with pets. There are over 232,000 cases of pet poisonings in the US every year! Our furry friends don't know what is and isn't safe for them, so you'll need to take some precautions to keep your beloved pet safe. A Washington DC vet lists some ways to prevent pet poisoning in this article. Keep Cabinets Locked Many toxic chemicals and household products are stored in cabinets, often underneath sinks. Keeping these locked is a simple step that can prevent tragedy. Keep in mind that your four-legged friend doesn't have to actually eat or drink these substances. Because most animals lick themselves clean, they only need to walk through it or get it spilled on their fur to ingest it. Choose Non-Toxic Plants Plants are one of the most common culprits when it comes to pet poisoning. While there are many that are dangerous to all pets, others are more toxic to some animals than to others. For instance, lilies are extremely dangerous to cats, while Sago palms are a huge risk for dogs. Check the ASPCA site here for a list of safe and unsafe plants. Know The Warning Signs Although the signs of poison ingestion can vary, depending on the pet and the type and amount of substance involved, there are some common red flags to look for. These include vomiting, drooling, lethargy, agitation, restlessness, trembling, collapse, unusual vocalizations, and diarrhea. Pale gums are also a warning sign, as is a rapid heartbeat or shallow breathing. Cats may withdraw, while dogs may pace or whimper. It’s worth noting that while these things can be indicative of many medical issues, they should always constitute a call to the vet. Understand The Dangers It's also important to know what is and isn't poisonous. Some things, such as household chemicals, antifreeze, and rodenticides, are well-known. Others? Not so much. For instance, many people don’t know that a single grape or raisin can be extremely dangerous to dogs. Medication is also a common source of poisoning. Ask your vet for more information. Training This one applies more to dogs, of course. However, consider teaching Fido to Leave It. This simple command could help prevent tragedy! Do you have questions about your pet's health or safety? Contact us, your Washington DC animal clinic, today!

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