Why is hydration so important for dogs and cats in summer? Summer brings high temperatures, long days and greater sun exposure. Just like humans, pets need to drink more and stay cool. Hydration isn’t a luxury—it’s a vital need. Dogs and cats regulate their body temperature differently from humans. Dogs pant to release heat, while cats look for cool spots to rest. Both rely heavily on water to stay thermally balanced. We’re not just talking about a water bowl—we’re talking about habits, routines and daily actions that can make the difference between a hot day and a veterinary emergency due to dehydration or heatstroke.
Is your pet well hydrated? Here are some simple methods you can use at home to check:
- Skin pinch test: Gently lift the skin between the shoulder blades. If it snaps back quickly, they’re hydrated. If not, it may signal dehydration.
- Moist gums: Healthy gums should be pink and moist. Dry or sticky gums are a warning.
- Behavior: A pet that’s lethargic, less playful or avoids movement may be dehydrated.
- Urination frequency: Less frequent urination or dark-colored urine may signal insufficient hydration.
Warning signs of dehydration
- Excessive panting or thick saliva
- Dry tongue or gums
- Sunken eyes or dull expression
- Loss of appetite
- Weakness or lethargy
- Mild fever (in some cases)
Practical tips to keep your pet hydrated
- Always offer fresh, clean water and replace it often
- Place multiple water stations around the house and garden
- Use large, accessible bowls so your pet drinks comfortably
- Add ice cubes—they’re refreshing and many pets enjoy licking them
- Mist gently with water to cool them down without a full bath
Fresh, accessible, and appealing water
- Avoid metallic bowls in direct sun—they heat up quickly
- Use ceramic or stainless steel bowls to keep water cooler
- Don’t place the bowl near dry food if the area gets too hot
- Bring a portable bowl when traveling—foldable options are ideal
How much water do they need?
- Dogs: 50–70 ml per kg of weight per day
- Cats: 40–60 ml per kg
Pets that eat dry food need even more water. Wet food can help, like Picart’s Select wet food range, but access to fresh water must always be available.
Preventing heatstroke Heatstroke is a serious emergency. Watch for:
- Rapid breathing
- Loss of coordination
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Pale or bluish gums
- Collapse
Prevent heatstroke with:
- No walks in peak sun hours
- Never leave pets in enclosed cars
- Provide real shade and airflow
- Use cooling mats or wet towels for resting
Tips for hot regions and travel
- Bring water for journeys—thermos bottles with bowls are ideal
- Shift outings to early morning or late evening
- Cool their paws and belly with water
- Take frequent breaks during long travel
- Avoid hot asphalt—it can burn their paw pads
Picart solutions to boost hydration in summer In addition to fresh water, high-quality food plays a key role. Picart Petcare offers wet food options to help maintain hydration during hot periods:
- 🐶 Select Dog Adult Wet – 400 g
- 🐱 Select Cat Wet Adult
- 🐱 Select Cat Wet Kitten
- 🐱 Select Cat Wet Sterilised
Hydration routine to protect their health Summer can be full of memorable moments—but it also brings responsibility. Hydration is about safety, not just comfort. Pay close attention to their needs, adjust routines, and take small steps that make a big difference. Keep water cool, offer it frequently, and adapt your home and habits to the heat. This summer, care for them like never before. They deserve it.