Summer Feeding Guide for Pets: Keeping Cool and Hydrated!
As the summer sun blazes overhead, our furry friends look to us for not just love and cuddles but also the right nourishment to beat the heat! Tailoring their diets to the warmer weather is crucial, ensuring they stay hydrated and cool. Here’s your go-to guide to summer feeding that promises tail wags and purrs of approval!
Hydration is Key!
Indian summers can be pretty harsh for our lovelies! Not only is the heat detrimental for them, but the thermal winds cause a lot of distress to our pet family. It is important for their well-being that there is good water intake to maintain health. Make sure to change water every 2 hours so that fresher and cooler water is available for them. Refrain from giving ice-cold water as it can give a thermal shock and make your pet sick. You can also make ice-licks for your pets at home! Use their favourite interactive toy and fill it with water/curd/vanilla ice cream! Mix in some of your pet’s favourite fruits to make it even more interesting and freeze it. This will make an interesting cooling factor for your pet in hot weather and keep them entertained too!
Wet Food Wonders
Hot weather makes our pets want to avoid food. The heat can cause digestion issues or just make them want to avoid food altogether. But pets going hungry makes us pet parents sad! Here’s what you can do! First off avoid hot food. Store all my gravies and sachets/cans in the fridge during the summer. During mealtime allow the food to simmer down to a manageable temperature, it should be just cool to the touch but not ice cold. See how fast your pet gobbles up food! In case you feed kibbles then all you must do is pour some cool wet food over the kibbles and watch your furry family member gobble it up!
Seasonal Treats
Every season has its own wonder goodies in the form of fruits! During the hot months, one should focus on fruits with high water content and good fibre. Watermelons are nature’s miracles! Give watermelon cut-in cubes and seeds to your pet for a fun treat. You can even give it cold or frozen. Just make sure the cubes are cut into small cubes so that it doesn’t get stuck in their mouth. Other fruits to give are bananas and apples. Give only small portions of high-sugar fruits like mango, muskmelon or sapota. Freezable dog treats and pet ice-creams are also great treats to offer your loved furry ones!
Preventing Heat Stroke
As you focus on nutrition, remember overall safety. Heat stroke is a serious risk in pets during the summer. Ensure they have a cool, shaded spot to retreat to and avoid strenuous exercise during peak heat hours. Watch for signs of heatstroke, including excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, or uncoordinated movements. Immediate cooling with water and prompt veterinary care can be lifesaving. During the peak heat time once, a great tip is to lay down a damp towel or cloth under a running fan, the movement of the wind and evaporation of water will make the towel a cool area for your pet to lie down. Keep mist sprays handy to sprinkle on your pet if you see them panting excessively. One can also opt for cooling vests as they can keep the pets cool for longer.
Let’s make this summer not just bearable but enjoyable for our beloved pets. With the right diet and preventive care, the season can be a time of joy and vibrant health for your four-legged family members. Dive into these feeding techniques and watch your pet thrive in the heat, filling your days with joyful moments and wagging tails!