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Tips to Keep Your Pet Hydrated This Summer -

Post by: Kenzie on May 31st 2018

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Tips to Keep Your Pet Hydrated This Summer

With the summertime comes long days and hot weather, and while this means a lot more fun activities to do with your pet, it can also lead to dehydration if you're not careful. Here are some helpful tips to keep your pet hydrated this summer.

Always Have Clean Water Available

Dog Door Installation

There should never be a time that your pet is deprived of having access to fresh, clean water. If you leave for any period of time, make sure that your pet has enough water available so that they don't run out before you get back, especially if they are being left outside. Change and wash their bowls out regularly to prevent bacteria growth and any dirt or dust contamination that could lead to health issues.

Feed Them Wet Food

Pet Door Installation

Wet food is an often overlooked but very effective way to keep your pet hydrated. It contains a much higher water level than dry food, which can be a lifesaver for your pet in the hot summer days. This simple change in diet can replenish your pet in addition to drinking water. Just be sure to make the transition from dry to wet food gradually so that their digestive system can get used to the switch.

Bring Water with You

Sliding Glass Dog Door

Just as you would bring plenty for yourself whenever you go out on a hot day, remember to bring some water for your pet as well. They can get easily dehydrated in the heat and can't be expected to wait until you return home for a drink. There are many options for water on the go for pets, such as travel water bowls, water bottles specialized for pets, and collapsible fabric bowls. If you're feeling thirsty, it's likely that your pet will be too.

Give Icy Treats

Dog Door for Sliding Glass Door

Some dogs love receiving ice cubes as treats, and it's a great way to ensure they are getting a good water intake. They're quick to eat and you can give multiple as you go throughout your sunny day. You can also get creative and make some popsicles specifically for your pet. They can be made out of plain water, fruits, veggies, peanut butter, or any other foods that are pet friendly. Not only will they be fun to make, but your pet will have a great time eating them too!

Add Water to Dry Food

glass dog door

If you don't want to make the switch to wet food or don't think your pet will do well with it, an alternative is simply moistening the dry food to add that extra bit of hydration to their diet. This can be an especially good idea for cats who are picky about changes in their food. You can simply add a bit of water or pet friendly broth to the dry food and it will be instantly higher in water content.

Know the Signs of Dehydration

Dog Door for sliding glass

In the hot summer months it is incredibly important to know the signs of dehydration in pets. Common signs can include sunken eyes, loss of skin elasticity, dry mouth and sticky gums, lethargy, loss of energy and appetite, and vomiting and/or diarrhea. An easy way to check for dehydration in pets is the skin test, gently grabbing a fold of skin on the back of their neck and then releasing it. If the skin snaps back to place, you don't probably don't need to worry, but if the skin slowly returns into place, there's a good chance they're suffering from dehydration. Either way, if you are worried your pet is dehydrated contact a vet immediately.

Keep Them in the Shade

doggy door for glass door

Many of furry friends get much hotter much quicker than we do, and this can spell trouble in terms of their hydration. To keep them cooler, make sure they stay in the shade as much as possible whether they're just hanging out in your backyard or you're on a trip.

Know How Much Water Your Pet Needs

pet door for sliding glass door

To make sure your pet stays hydrated, know home much water your pet needs to be comfortable. They should drink one ounce of water for each pound of their body weight. This can of course be altered depending on their activity level and diet. It's difficult to keep track of exactly how much water they drink throughout the day, but knowing how much they should be drinking will help you to keep a closer eye on their hydration levels.

You want your pet to have just as much of a good time as you this summer, and they can't do that if they are severely dehydrated. Give them plenty of water, make sure they have shade when they are outside, and consider pet door installation from Glass Pet Doors for easy indoor access . Take advantage of these tips to keep a watchful eye on your pet's hydration level and you'll both have a fun-filled summer.

What Our Customers Say

  • Lisa Jensen
    Can't say enough good about working with Trevor at Utah Pet Access to have a dog door installed at my mother's home. Very knowledgeable and professional. Thank you!
  • Michael Riggs
    Installed a large pet door at my house. They did a great job, despite the fact that my back door's decoration made it complex. I am very satisfied. Thank you!
  • Amy Romney
    Utah Pet Access was great to work with. They were very responsive. The bid and install guys both showed up on time for their appointments. They both explained everything in detail and were very knowledgeable. Highly recommend!
  • Jake Buxton
    Easily the best in the biz! There's another rag tag outfit running around using inferior product and the finished product from Utah Pet Access is far better looking. Almost as if the door came from the factory this way! Impressed!
  • Brian Long
    UPA replaced a large, fixed arched window that is on the 3rd floor. They did encounter a problem with the thickness of the gap between the panes on the day of the install but caught it before fully removing the original window. They were out the next business day to finish the job. First day it was raining; second day the wind was rather bad. No complaints from them. Also had them replace the fixed glass in french doors with ones that have the built-in blinds. We will use UPA again if the need arises.
  • Nicole Stirling
    Great experience. Fast service, good communication, excellent product.
  • Lance Beech
    Great installer did a gray job fast I have nothing but good to say about the company and the people who work there
  • sandra bithell-hottel
    professional, timely and quality workmanship they’ve done three doors for me and they stand behind their workmanship!
  • Michael St Clair
    They have done 3 pet doors for me over the last 6 years and every time they have done an amazing job. They are very professional and cleanup everything when done. It always looks great and they have amazing solutions for every house I have put a dog door in.
  • Hunter Bigelow
    We love our glass door with the pet door! One of the best purchases we have made for both us and our pets. Utah Pet Access was great to work with and were professional and knowledgeable throughout the process. Would 100% recommend them to anybody.
  • John Skedros
    They are a great company to work with. We had a small problem with the door. It was still under warranty and they came by and fixed it without any hassle to us.
  • Amanda Marriott
    Brad and Utah Pet Access has been absolutely amazing! The door is not only beautiful, but is functional. From the time that we communicated with Brad to the time the door was installed…was seamless and smooth. Great communication. The installation was precise and quick. The installer was kind and professional. Good with my 3 German Shepherds and he did amazing work. I would highly recommend Utah Pet Access for any of your door and pet door needs! Thank you!!
  • Jenny D
    We absolutely love our pet door!! The employees are very kind and pleasant to work with! I highly recommended them.
  • R.D. Parsons
    Life changing as a pet owner after we were able to get a dog door installed. Happy pets and happy owners. Pet Access was fast, professional and friendly when it came to getting the project completed.
  • Darrell Poleviyaoma
    Utah Per Access had a wonderful and great customer service. Great installation and great product will totally recommend them to someone else and family.
  • Cristian Wood
    Trevor and his team are as professional as they come! They are always going above and beyond and providing an outstanding experience. I have and would still highly recommend them.
  • Jennifer Bellows
    Great company to work with! So responsive and reliable! My large Labrador loves his large Endura Flap door. Took less than a month from the initial phone call to install. I highly recommend this company.
  • Heather Bandiola
    We had a great experience with our pet door purchase, the customer service, and installation. We not only got the pet door installed but had the glass on the other side replaced also. We had it installed over a year ago and we're still happy with it. Thank you!
  • dbbedoya
    Did an amazing job and adapted to some last minute changes to make it even more accessible for my doggie! Thank you so much! Great company to work with!
  • Lindsay Flesch
    We just recently ordered and had a beautiful patio door with dog and blind insert installed. Utah Pet Access went above and beyond to ensure that we were happy with our finished product. I would strongly recommend this company for your pet door installation. Their customer service was excellent. Thank you Utah Pet Access!
  • William B
    Great work. The dogs love it and I’ve had zero issues with the door or installation.
  • Michelle Flesher
    I love, love, love my pet door from Utah Pets. I was very worried about getting the measurements right, but with Trevor's help it was a breeze. Thanks so much.
  • candace ashby
    These guys were awesome. Great service, friendly, my dog door looks awesome. I’ve sent them to a few of my neighbors. Highly recommend!
  • Steve Uragami
    Pet door works great!! Installation was fast and clean.
  • Mark Zambrzycki
    Had an excellent experience with Utah Pet Access getting a dog door installed in my glass patio slider. Trevor was extremely responsive and helpful. He worked with my glass company to get the order done right and shipped to them. It was then installed perfectly, with no issues. Please give them a call!!!
  • David Artica
    My wife and I have loved this product. Our dog goes in and out to our backyard at will. It’s nice to not have to worry about her being stuck inside all day. Best of all I never had to buy a sliding door, or drill any holes in ours
  • Chad Anderson
    Easy to work with. Great product.
  • Jenny Yergensen
    Super easy to work with, did a fantastic job and were less than one or two other competitors that I looked at! Would definitely recommend…having a doggie door for our 2 dogs has been a complete game changer!
  • Sarah Willardson
    I looked everywhere online to find a product to install in my home that would work for my dog's needs. They were the PERFECT solution. Could not be happier with the product and service!
  • Melanie Hall
    Worth every penny that I spent on the dog door, as it has made a huge difference for my elderly dog. Great service and workmanship.
  • Jason Rabbitt
    I absolutely recommend this place. Their price was the best I found in the area and they were very kind and helpful. They answered all my questions and went over all my options. I ended up being able to keep the original glass (safely stored in my home) which means if I ever sell my town house, and the buyers don't want a doggie door, Utah Pet Access will come back to my home and install the original glass (for a very reasonable install fee). The installation was quick and they helped me store the original glass safely. I've had my doggie door for over a year now, and it still works great, the magnetic latch still works very well, and my dachshund uses it every day.
  • David K
    They were professional and installed a great looking doggy door for us. 2 years later it still works like new.
  • Andy Nichols
    High quality door and professional guidance through selecting the right door for my house.
  • Tony Washington
    The company provided us with an excellent installation of our pet door at a very reasonable price.
  • Pete Gallegos
    Utah Pet Access did a great job putting a doggie door on my 8' tall French door with the blinds inside the glass. I have recommended them to many friends and family
  • Abby Jenkins
    Utah Pet Access was responsive, friendly, and prompt with their consultation and door installation. I've had my pet door for about a year now and have had zero issues. It is well insulated, quiet, and easy to use. The cat and dog love it!
  • Kevin Edwards
    Great product and very easy to install.