Discovering YOU Magazine July 2017 | Page 40

ASK THE EXPERTS WITH CODY

A Happy Pet is a Hydrated Pet

Article by PetSafe.com Staff

(BPT) - It's a warm summer day - the sun is shining; the sky is blue and the scent of blooming flowers fills the air. As a pet owner, you're probably planning to take your dog on a walk, maybe even several. Meanwhile, your cat has found that sunny space underneath the windowsill.

Sound familiar? If so, then you already know how much cats and dogs enjoy basking in the sun, but just like people, over-exposure to heat can cause our furry friends to become varied versions of themselves. And too often signs of dehydration, which frequently appear in the form of lethargy, dry mouth and loss of appetite, are confused with run-of-the-mill exhaustion.

Considering all the things we do know about our pets, it's hard to believe that we wouldn't recognize the symptoms that accompany something as serious as

dehydration. But the truth is that unless you know which indicators to look for, it can be easy to misdiagnose. That's why the experts at PetSafe have compiled a list of tips and tricks for making sure your pet is experiencing healthy hydration all year long.

Keeping them hydrated. Water is without a doubt the single most important resource you can provide your animal, especially during hot summer months. Whether outside or inside, dogs and cats should consume around one ounce of water per pound each day. In other words, if you have a 20-pound terrier or a 20-pound tomcat, they should have access to at least 20 ounces of cool, clean drinking water every day.

It's also important to remember that liquid can evaporate quickly in high temperatures, so if your pet's water source is outside, its best to check on the