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Excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, or warm-to-touch paws are all signals that your dog's body temperature is rising dangerously.
Functional Toppers Bone Broth Hydration

How to Keep Your Dog Hydrated and Healthy This Summer

Mariette du Plessis |

When UAE summer temperatures climb to extreme heights, your dog faces significant health risks that require special attention. Heat stroke in dogs isn't just uncomfortable—it can become life-threatening within minutes. As your dog's cooling system works overtime through panting and limited sweat glands, they become particularly vulnerable to dehydration and overheating when temperatures soar past 40°C.

Unlike humans who can verbalise discomfort, your dog relies on you to recognise the early warning signs of heat-related stress, especially during the intense summer heat in regions like the UAE. Dogs primarily regulate their body temperature through panting, and when this mechanism is overwhelmed, it can lead to heat exhaustion or even heatstroke.

Here are key indicators to watch for:

  1. Excessive Panting or Difficulty Breathing: An increase in panting, even when at rest, can signal that your dog is struggling to cool down. This is particularly concerning for brachycephalic breeds, such as Bulldogs and Pugs, which have shorter snouts and are more prone to overheating.​
  2. Bright Red or Pale Gums and Tongue: A change in the colour of your dog's gums or tongue can indicate abnormal blood circulation due to overheating. Bright red, pale, or even bluish hues are warning signs that should not be ignored.​
  3. Lethargy or Weakness: If your dog appears unusually tired, sluggish, or unwilling to move, it could be experiencing heat-related fatigue. This lethargy may progress to weakness, making it difficult for your dog to stand or walk.​
  4. Vomiting or Diarrhoea: Gastrointestinal distress, such as vomiting or diarrhoea, can occur as a result of heat stress. These symptoms may also be accompanied by drooling or signs of nausea.​
  5. Disorientation or Stumbling Heat stress can affect your dog's neurological functions, leading to signs like disorientation, unsteady gait, or even seizures in severe cases.​

Immediate Action To Take

  1. Move to a Cooler Environment: Bring your dog indoors or to a shaded area away from direct sunlight.
  2. Hydrate: Offer cool (not cold) water to drink.
  3. Cool Down: Use a damp cloth to gently wet your dog's body, focusing on the head, neck, and paws.
  4. Seek Veterinary Care: If symptoms persist or worsen, contact your veterinarian immediately.​

Prevention is always the best approach, which is why thoughtful management of hydration, activity, and nutrition becomes essential during these challenging months.

Proactive measures, such as providing ample shade, ensuring constant access to fresh water, and avoiding outdoor activities during peak heat hours, can help prevent heat-related stress. For additional support, consider incorporating hydration-focused nutrition into your dog's diet to aid in maintaining optimal hydration levels.

Complete Nutrition for Hot Weather

Living in the UAE, we understand first-hand how scorching summer months can be and that's why we've created the Summer Pack. Think of it as your go-to summer wellness kit, scientifically designed to keep your dog hydrated and nourished when temperatures soar.

We've combined three essential products that work together brilliantly: Hydrohund for proper hydration (rather like a natural sports drink, but specially crafted for dogs), Gentle Turkey for easy digestion, and Pure Broth for an extra boost of nutrients. We also know that many dogs have sensitivities, which is why all our functional toppers are free from common triggers like preservatives, grains, gluten, soy and corn.

The Summer Pack focuses on maintaining hydration, replenishing electrolytes, and providing light, easy-to-digest meals to support your dog’s health and well-being.

At the heart of our Summer Pack is premium camel bone broth - and yes, we're quite particular about using only hormone-free sources. Hydrohund's camel bone broth base, combined with high-moisture fruits and vegetables, ensures optimal hydration and supports kidney function, which is crucial in preventing dehydration-related issues. Watermelon and cucumber provide natural electrolytes, while blue spirulina and chia seeds deliver those all-important minerals your dog needs to maintain proper fluid balance.

When it's sweltering outside, the last thing your dog needs is a heavy meal. That's where Gentle Turkey comes in. Formulated with easily digestible ingredients like turkey and pumpkin, it provides gentle nutrition and soothes the digestive system, making it perfect for post-activity recovery. We've paired lean protein with cooling ingredients like pumpkin and cauliflower - perfect for keeping your dog comfortable and well-nourished, especially after exercise.

Pure Broth, made from nutrient-rich camel bone broth, provides essential amino acids and collagen to support joint health and overall vitality. This daily nutritional boost helps maintain your dog's energy levels and supports their system when the heat places extra demands on their body.

Practical Solutions for Summer Wellness

Helping your dog thrive in the heat shouldn't be complicated. With our resealable pouches you have multiple ways to keep your dog hydrated and nourished:

  • Serve Hydrohund as a refreshing drink,
  • drizzle the broth over meals for extra nutrition, or
  • offer Gentle Turkey as a light meal when the temperature soars.

We've backed every ingredient choice with solid science, focusing on what your dog truly needs during hot weather: natural hydration, digestive support, and balanced nutrition.

 

3 Tips for Your Dog's Health This Summer

  1. Schedule Smart Outdoor Time
    Limit walks to early morning or late evening when temperatures are lower. Avoid hot pavement that can burn paw pads—if it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for their paws. Consider cooling mats or vests for particularly heat-sensitive breeds.

  2. Create Hydration Opportunities
    Beyond keeping fresh water available at all times, add water stations throughout your home. Consider frozen treats made with dog-safe ingredients or ice cubes in water bowls. Monitor water intake closely, as decreased drinking can quickly lead to dehydration.

  3. Adjust Diet for Hot Weather
    Switch to moisture-rich, easily digestible foods that support hydration and don't overtax the digestive system. Lighter meals served more frequently can help maintain energy levels without creating excess body heat from digestion.

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