July is National Pet Hydration Awareness Month. It’s the perfect time to highlight the crucial role hydration plays in maintaining the health of both humans and their furry companions, especially in West Houston, where summer temperatures can reach dangerously high levels. Staying mindful about water intake and finding creative ways to keep dogs engaged indoors are essential for their safety and well-being this time of year. Let’s discuss keeping your West Houston dog engaged indoors—and hydrated!
Why Pet Hydration Matters
Just like people, dogs rely on water for nearly every bodily function. Hydration helps regulate body temperature, supports the nervous system, and ensures that nutrients and oxygen are efficiently delivered to cells. Dehydration in pets can lead to serious health issues, including heatstroke, kidney problems, and even organ failure. Signs of dehydration in dogs include lethargy, dry gums, excessive panting, and sunken eyes. During the hottest months, ensuring your dog has constant access to fresh, cool water is key!
Keeping Your West Houston Dog Hydrated
- Provide multiple water stations around your home, especially in rooms where your dog spends the most time
- Use pet fountains to encourage drinking—many dogs find moving water more appealing
- Offer ice cubes as treats
- Monitor water bowls and refill with cool, clean water throughout the day, particularly after periods of play or rest.
- Add a splash of low-sodium chicken broth to their food bowls for extra flavor and hydration
Indoor Engagement Ideas for Hot Houston Days
When the mercury rises and outdoor activities become risky, keeping your dog entertained indoors is key to their happiness and health. Here are some expert-approved strategies:
1. Puzzle and Treat-Dispensing Toys
Interactive toys challenge your dog’s mind and reward them for problem-solving, providing much-needed mental stimulation. Because you pair these toys with yummy treats, they are always a canine favorite!
2. Lick Mats & Kongs
Licking is a deeply natural behavior for dogs, rooted in grooming, bonding, and self-soothing. Lick mats and Kong toys tap into this instinct, offering a calming, rewarding activity. Spread a thin layer of dog-safe peanut butter, spray cheese, yogurt, or even frozen broth on the mat or inside your Kong. The repetitive licking action releases endorphins, helping reduce stress and anxiety while also promoting dental health and slowing down eating.
Lick mats and Kongs are especially helpful for dogs with limited exercise during extreme heat, providing both mental stimulation and comfort.
3. Hide-and-Seek and Scent Games
Hide treats or favorite toys around the house and encourage your dog to sniff them out. This taps into their natural foraging instincts and keeps them active indoors. And, you don’t have to be involved. You can do this before you head out for the day and let your dog sniff around while you’re away!
4. Teach New Tricks
Use the extra time inside to teach commands like “roll over,” “spin,” or even advanced tricks. Positive reinforcement with treats makes learning fun and engaging. And, your enthusiastic praise will keep your dog coming back for more!
For this, I recommend checking out dog training videos on YouTube for inspiration!
5. Indoor Exercise
If you have stairs, toss a soft toy up for your dog to retrieve, or consider gentle treadmill training if your pup is comfortable with it. Always supervise and avoid strenuous activity for breeds prone to joint or heart issues.
6. Rotate Toys
Keep things fresh by rotating your dog’s toys weekly, introducing new ones during periods of extreme heat to maintain their interest.
Keeping Your West Houston Dog Engaged Indoors
Hydration Awareness Month is more than just a reminder to drink water—it’s a call to action for pet owners to prioritize their dogs’ health during Houston’s relentless summer heat. By ensuring your dog stays hydrated and mentally stimulated indoors, you’ll help them thrive safely, no matter how high the temperature climbs.
At Animal Admiration, we take pet hydration very seriously. We are dedicated to ensuring the pets in our care thrive. By prioritizing pet hydration, we keep dogs healty, happy, and enriched while meeting their biological needs.
The Best Care for West Houston Pets
Animal Admiration Pet Care offers customizable dog sitting, cat sitting, dog walking, and, of course, chicken care, in Katy, Fulshear, Richmond, Energy Corridor, Memorial, West Houston, and Cypress. For new clients, please contact us at info@animaladmiration.com or (281) 391-1015 to learn about our in-home pet care services. Existing clients, schedule your pet care visits here.
Please contact us to discuss your backyard flock because chicken care is customized to your flock’s size, needs, age, etc.
If you are outside our above-listed areas, please visit Pet Sitters International or the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters to find a professional pet care provider near you.
Brooke Rozell began her professional pet sitting career in 2003. In 2011, she established Animal Admiration to bring trusted, professional pet care to the Katy, Cypress, Fulshear, and West Houston areas while elevating the pet sitting industry as a whole. Brooke is an active member of Pet Sitters International, the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters, the Texas Pet Sitters Association, and the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce. Learn more about Brooke.
