Zigly Pet Care - Multi-Speciality Pet Hospital, Rohini, new delhi

Introduction

With temperatures soaring across India during summer, hydration is one of the most important, yet often overlooked, aspects of your pet's health.

Just like humans, dogs and cats can become dehydrated quickly in hot weather, and the consequences can be serious. Understanding your pet's hydration needs can help prevent heat-related illnesses and keep them comfortable throughout the season.

For pet parents in Rohini, new delhi, ensuring your furry companion stays hydrated is one of the simplest and most effective ways to support their overall wellbeing during summer.

Here's everything you need to know about summer hydration for pets.

Why Hydration Matters More Than You Think

Water makes up approximately 70 to 80% of your pet's body weight and plays a vital role in almost every bodily function, including:

• Digestion

• Nutrient absorption

• Joint lubrication

• Body temperature regulation

• Kidney function

During summer, dogs lose water much faster through:

• Panting

• Sweating through their paw pads

• Physical activity

If this lost water is not replaced, dehydration can develop quickly.

Dehydration doesn't simply make your pet thirsty. It may contribute to:

• Heatstroke

• Urinary tract issues

• Kidney problems

• Organ damage

• Serious medical emergencies in severe cases

How Much Water Does Your Dog Need?

As a general guideline, dogs require approximately 50 to 60 ml of water per kilogram of body weight each day.

For example:

• A 10 kg dog requires around 500 to 600 ml of water daily.

This requirement increases during:

• Hot summer weather

• Exercise

• Outdoor activities

• Diets consisting mainly of dry kibble

Cats naturally have a lower thirst drive and often obtain much of their moisture from food. During summer, incorporating wet food into their diet can significantly improve hydration.

Signs Your Pet May Be Dehydrated

Recognising the early signs of dehydration can help prevent more serious complications.

Watch for:

• Dry or sticky gums (healthy gums should be moist and pink)

• Skin tenting (gently pinch the skin between the shoulders; if it does not return quickly, dehydration may be present)

• Sunken or dull eyes

• Excessive panting

• Low energy levels

• Dark yellow or strong-smelling urine

• Reduced appetite

• Lethargy or reluctance to move

If your pet shows several of these symptoms together, seek veterinary attention as soon as possible.

Zigly's veterinary teams are available across Experience Centres and through online consultations for urgent guidance.

8 Practical Tips to Keep Your Pet Hydrated This Summer

1. Always Provide Fresh Drinking Water

Fresh water should always be available.

During summer, water warms up quickly, and many pets are reluctant to drink warm water.

Refresh your pet's water bowl two to three times daily and keep it in a cool, shaded area.

2. Place Multiple Water Bowls Around the House

Adding water stations in different rooms encourages pets to drink more frequently throughout the day.

This is especially useful for larger homes or multi-level spaces.

3. Consider a Pet Water Fountain

Many dogs and cats naturally prefer moving water.

A pet water fountain helps:

• Encourage frequent drinking

• Keep water circulating

• Maintain fresher water for longer

4. Add Wet Food to Their Meals

Dry kibble contains approximately 10% moisture, while wet food contains up to 75 to 80% moisture.

Mixing wet food into at least one daily meal is an easy way to increase overall water intake.

5. Avoid Walks During Peak Heat

Plan walks:

• Before 8 AM

• After sunset

Avoid outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, as excessive heat increases the risk of dehydration, paw burns, and heatstroke.

Always carry drinking water during walks.

6. Keep Indoor Spaces Cool

Ensure your pet has access to:

• Well-ventilated rooms

• Fans

• Cooling mats

• Shaded resting areas

Keeping curtains closed during the afternoon can also help maintain cooler indoor temperatures.

7. Offer Frozen Hydrating Treats

Frozen treats can provide both hydration and enrichment.

Try freezing:

• Low-sodium bone broth

• Watermelon (seedless)

• Cucumber

• Other dog-safe fruits

These make refreshing summer snacks while increasing fluid intake.

8. Monitor Urine Colour

A well-hydrated dog typically produces pale yellow urine.

Dark urine or noticeable changes in urination frequency may indicate dehydration and should not be ignored.

The Hydration Hack Many Pet Parents Overlook

If your dog isn't interested in drinking plain water, bone broth can be an excellent alternative.

Bone broth naturally contains:

• Rich flavour

• Collagen

• Amino acids

• Electrolytes

Because it is highly palatable, many dogs willingly consume bone broth even when they refuse plain water.

Applod Chicken & Lamb Bone Broth is specially formulated for dogs and cats and contains:

• No harmful additives

• No onion or garlic

• Natural ingredients suitable for pets

It can be served:

• As a standalone drink

• Mixed with dry kibble

• Frozen into refreshing treats

Adding bone broth to your pet's routine can be a simple way to improve hydration during the hottest days of summer.

Your Summer Hydration Checklist

✅ Refill fresh drinking water two to three times daily

✅ Keep multiple water bowls around the home

✅ Include wet food in at least one meal

✅ Avoid walks between 10 AM and 6 PM

✅ Offer bone broth as a hydrating meal topper or treat

✅ Regularly check gums and skin for signs of dehydration

✅ Contact a veterinarian if appetite decreases or lethargy develops

When Should You Visit a Vet?

Seek immediate veterinary care if your pet:

• Stops drinking completely

• Vomits repeatedly

• Has sunken eyes

• Appears extremely lethargic

• Shows signs of heatstroke

These symptoms require prompt medical attention.

Zigly's veterinary services are available to help when urgent care is needed.

Conclusion

Summer can be challenging for pets, but maintaining proper hydration goes a long way toward keeping them healthy and comfortable.

For pet parents in Rohini, new delhi, simple habits like refreshing water regularly, feeding moisture-rich foods, avoiding peak heat hours, and offering hydrating options like bone broth can significantly reduce the risk of dehydration.

Make hydration part of your pet's daily routine and help them enjoy a safer, happier summer.

Shop pet hydration essentials on Zigly.com, or visit your nearest Zigly Pet Care Centre for expert guidance on keeping your furry companion healthy throughout the season.