Hydration Matters: Keeping Your Pets Cool, Healthy & Hydrated

Hydration Matters: Keeping Your Pets Cool, Healthy & Hydrated
 

With the warm weather rolling in, it’s time for outdoor adventures, longer walks, and sunny window naps—but it also means keeping a close eye on your pet’s hydration. Dogs and cats rely on us to help them stay cool and hydrated, especially in the spring and summer months when the risk of dehydration rises.

At J-B Pet Supplies, we’ve got everything you need to support your pet’s hydration—whether you're lounging at home or exploring the outdoors. Let’s dive into why water matters, what dehydration looks like, and how to keep your furry friends refreshed all season long.

💦 Why Hydration Is So Important for Pets

Water is essential for every major system in your pet’s body. It helps:

✅ Regulate body temperature
✅ Support kidney and urinary health
✅ Aid in digestion and nutrient absorption
✅ Keep joints and muscles moving comfortably

Even mild dehydration can cause fatigue, overheating, and digestive problems—and in severe cases, it can lead to serious health emergencies.

🐾 Signs of Dehydration in Dogs and Cats

Pets can't tell us when they're thirsty, so it’s up to us to spot the signs:

⚠️ Dry or sticky gums
⚠️ Lethargy or weakness
⚠️ Sunken eyes
⚠️ Panting or rapid breathing (especially when not active)
⚠️ Loss of skin elasticity (a “skin tent” when you gently pull up on the back of the neck)
⚠️ Decreased appetite or vomiting

If you notice any of these symptoms, especially in hot weather, offer water immediately and contact your vet.

🧴 On-the-Go? Bring Potable Water for Your Pet

Whether you’re hitting the trail, going to the park, or even just walking around town, it’s crucial to bring clean, fresh water for your dog (and yes, even your adventure cat!). Never rely on natural sources like puddles or streams—they can contain parasites, bacteria, or algae that are harmful.

At J-B Pet Supplies, we carry a variety of travel-friendly hydration tools, including:

🥤 Collapsible travel bowls
💧 Portable pet water bottles with attached dispensers

Our staff can help you choose the right size and style based on your pet’s needs and activity level.

🚰 Make Water More Appealing with Pet Fountains

Some pets are picky drinkers—especially cats! If your pet doesn’t seem interested in still water, a pet fountain might be the solution.

💡 Running water mimics natural sources, stays cooler, and is often more enticing for pets to drink. It also helps keep the water oxygenated and filtered for better freshness.

We carry a variety of cat and dog water fountains that are quiet, stylish, and easy to clean. They’re a great way to encourage hydration—especially for indoor pets who might not be drinking enough.

🐱 A Special Note on Cat Hydration

Cats are notorious for being low-drinkers. That’s because, in the wild, they got most of their water from eating prey. Domestic cats often don’t drink enough water from bowls, which puts them at risk for kidney and urinary issues.

Here’s how to boost feline hydration:

🍽️ Feed wet or raw food to increase moisture intake
🚰 Use a fountain to encourage drinking
🚫 Keep food and water dishes in separate locations—cats often prefer their water source to be away from their food, and this small change can increase how much they drink

At J-B Pet Supplies, we carry a wide selection of moisture-rich cat foods, from raw and freeze-dried to premium wet formulas, plus all the gear you need to help your cat hydrate naturally.

🏪 Stay Hydrated with Help from J-B Pet Supplies

Whether you’re out on an adventure or chilling at home, hydration is key to keeping your pets happy and healthy.

Stop by J-B Pet Supplies in Oakland or Hawthorne, or visit us online at www.jbpet.com to shop our curated collection of pet fountains, travel bowls, water bottles, and moisture-rich foods for dogs and cats.

This summer, let’s raise a bowl to good hydration! 💧🐾