With summers on their way, a major concern for most pet owners is keeping their pets hydrated. This is especially important in the Middle East, specifically in Saudi Arabia, because of the scorching summer temperatures. For pets, this heat can be unbearable, and if pets are not properly taken care of, it can lead to life-threatening conditions, such as dehydration and heat stroke. Whether you have a dog, cat, or any other pet, keeping them hydrated in the hot summer is absolutely crucial.

Here are a few pet hydration tips for Saudi Arabia that will keep your pets happy and hydrated this summer.

30 Seconds Summary

• Keep an eye out for the signs of dehydration; some of the most common signs include Excessive panting or drooling, Dry gums and nose, lethargy or unresponsiveness, Loss of skin elasticity, and Reduced appetite.
• You should keep your pets cool and hydrated by using ice cube treats, cooling vests, shaded water bowls, portable water bottles during walks, and pet-friendly water fountains.
• You can also incorporate wet food, bone broth, goat milk, and water-rich fruits like watermelon and cucumber into your pet’s diet to supplement their hydration.
• Never leave pets in parked cars, set up shaded outdoor areas, place multiple water bowls inside your home, and use humidifiers to counteract the drying effects of air conditioning.

The Dangers of Dehydration in Pets

In order to prevent pet dehydration in a hot climate, you need to be able to recognize dehydration symptoms. Recognizing dehydration symptoms early will save your pet’s life. Here are a few warning signs that you need to watch out for:

• Excessive panting or drooling
• Dry gums and nose
• Lethargy or unresponsiveness
• Loss of skin elasticity (if you pinch the skin, it should return to normal quickly)
• Reduced appetite

If your pet shows any of these signs, you need to act immediately. If your pet is dehydrated, offer fresh water and move it to a cooler environment. Severe cases often need urgent veterinary attention.

Best Cooling Methods for Dogs and Cats

To keep your pets hydrated and cool during a hot summer day, here are a few practical tips:

Ice Cube Treats

Consider adding ice cubes to your pet’s water bowl. This will encourage them to drink more water. Moreover, you can also make frozen treats using water, healthy pet foods, or bone broth. Such treats are tasty and refreshing and will also keep your pet hydrated.

Shaded Spots & Proper Bowl Placement

Keeping water bowls in various locations in your home is important, as this will encourage your pet to drink more. However, the bowls should not be placed where they might get direct sunlight, as heat can warm up the water quickly.

Portable Water Bottles for Walks

You should also carry a portable, pet-friendly water bottle during outdoor activities. It is just as necessary to keep your pets hydrated during a walk as it is to keep them hydrated inside your home.

Cooling Vests and Mats

To keep your pets cool, consider investing in cooling vests, mats, and bandanas. These accessories can help regulate your pet’s body temperature and prevent overheating. You can even use a damp towel to help your pet cool down.

Water Fountains

Many cats and dogs prefer running water; if you have a pet like that, consider investing in a water fountain. It keeps the water fresh and appealing for your pets and encourages them to drink more.

Get Nutrition and Hydration from High-Moisture Foods

Hydration isn’t just about water. Wet food, raw diets, and moisture-rich treats can supplement your pet’s fluid intake.

• Wet food contains up to 80% moisture, compared to 10% in dry kibble.
• Healthy pet foods like watermelon, cucumber, and bone broth can be excellent for hydration.
• Adding water, bone broth, or goat milk to dry food can also help to keep your pets hydrated.

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The Benefits of High-Moisture Food for Your Pet

Many pet owners feed their pets dry kibble only, but high-moisture foods like wet, canned, or fresh-cooked meals can help you keep your pet hydrated and have many health benefits. Here are some of the benefits of high-moisture food:

1. Keeps Your Pet Hydrated

High-moisture foods contain 70-80% water, while dry kibble only contains 10%. The extra water in high-moisture foods not only keeps your pets hydrated but also supports their kidneys and digestion, which can be especially important during Saudi Arabia’s hot weather.

2. Helps Picky Eaters Enjoy Mealtime

If your pet is a picky eater and refuses to eat kibble, wet food is probably the best solution. Its rich aroma and soft texture make it even more appealing, and it provides your pet with the nutrients it needs.

3. Easier to Eat for Pets with Dental Issues

High-moisture food is good for senior pets and for those with missing teeth and gum problems, as it is easy to chew and does not cause any discomfort while eating.

4. Aids Digestion & Reduces Stomach Issues

Wet food is easier to digest if your pet has a sensitive stomach. The extra moisture also supports their gut health.

5. Supports Healthy Weight Management

Wet food also has lower calories per ounce than kibble. This means that your pet would feel fuller even when he consumes fewer calories. This will help prevent overeating and weight gain, keeping them fit and active.

6. Adds Variety to Your Pet’s Diet

Switching between kibble and wet food will add variety to your pet’s meal time, making it more exciting and giving them a more balanced intake of nutrients.

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Routine Adjustments for Hot Weather

It is really important to adjust your pet’s routine during hot weather. Here is how to keep dogs and cats cool in KSA:

1. Schedule Walks During Cooler Hours

Change the walk timings. During hotter months, you can walk your dogs early in the morning or late at night to avoid peak heat hours. The sun will dehydrate your pet, and the hot pavements in the middle of a scorching hot day can also burn your pet’s paws.

2. Limit Outdoor Playtime

Pets love to play, but letting them play outside for longer hours during hot weather can be dangerous. If your pet loves playing outside, make sure that you have a shaded area where they can play. Also, make sure to have clean, fresh water available to keep them hydrated.

3. Air-Conditioned Spaces

Consider having cool, air-conditioned spaces available for your pet. If you don’t have A/C, fans and cooling mats can help to keep the environment comfortable for them.

Summer Pet Care in the Middle East

Undoubtedly, the weather in the Middle East is really hot, and caring for your pet becomes absolutely necessary. Here is how you can care for your pet in summer in the Middle East:

1. Limited Outdoor Shading

In urban areas, there are often limited shaded areas. In order to have outdoor spaces where your pets can enjoy, you can set up covered pet-friendly zones in your yard or balcony, these covered areas will provide necessary relief from the sun.

2. Transporting Pets Safely

Whenever you are traveling with your pets, don’t leave them alone in parked cars, even for a few seconds. The temperatures inside a vehicle can rise quickly, which can often be the cause of fatal heatstrokes. If you have to leave your pet alone in the car, be sure that your car is properly ventilated.

3. Reliance on A/C and Indoor Hydration

Because of the extreme heat, Saudi homes rely heavily on air conditioning, which can often dry out the air. You can encourage your pets to stay hydrated by placing water stations in different rooms and using a humidifier if necessary.

Over to You

To keep your pets hydrated in the extreme heat of Saudi Arabia, you need to be proactive. You can make use of various pet hydration tips, as well as other smart hydration hacks, such as ice treats, cooling vests, and high-moisture diets. These tips and tricks will kep your pets safe, comfortable, and hydrated.

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FAQs

Q: How can I tell if my pet is dehydrated?

A: If your pet is dehydrated it would be lethargic, its skin would have lost its elasticity, and its gums would be dry.

Q: What are the best water alternatives for pets?

A: Bone broth, goat milk, and moisture-rich wet food are the best alternatives.

Q: Can I give my pet fruits to help with hydration?

A: Yes, water-rich fruits like watermelon and cucumber are great natural hydration boosters. Always remove seeds and avoid toxic fruits like grapes.

Q: What’s the best way to hydrate pets when outside?

A: You can use portable water dispensers and take water breaks regularly.