““Is Your Dog Drinking Enough Water? A Summertime Reminder from Smeraglia””

Well, friends, summer has officially arrived.

Technically, summer begins June 20th, but if you live in the Deep South like I do, summer has already been knocking on the door for weeks. The humidity is climbing, the temperatures are rising, and if you’re anything like me, you’re carrying a water bottle everywhere you go.

But while we’re focused on staying hydrated ourselves, there’s someone else we need to keep an eye on…

Our dogs.

Water: The Most Overlooked Nutrient

When people ask me about keeping their dog healthy, they usually ask about food, supplements, training, exercise, grooming, or vitamins.

Rarely does anyone ask about water.

Yet water is arguably the most important nutrient your dog consumes every single day.

Just like us, dogs depend on proper hydration for nearly every function in their body. Water helps regulate body temperature, supports digestion, keeps the kidneys functioning properly, lubricates joints, transports nutrients, and helps maintain healthy energy levels.

In short:

No water = big problems.

How Much Water Does a Dog Need?

A good general rule is:

Dogs should drink approximately one ounce of water per pound of body weight every day.

That means:

10-pound dog = about 10 ounces
25-pound dog = about 25 ounces
50-pound dog = about 50 ounces
75-pound dog = about 75 ounces

Now before anyone starts chasing their doodle around with a measuring cup, remember that these are guidelines—not rigid rules.

Some dogs naturally drink more than others.

When Dogs Need More Water

There are several situations where your dog’s water needs increase dramatically.

Hot Weather

This one seems obvious, but many owners underestimate just how much additional water their dog needs during our Southern summers.

Dogs don’t sweat like humans do. They cool themselves primarily through panting, which means they’re losing moisture every time they’re trying to beat the heat.

Exercise and Play

That evening game of fetch?

The trip to the dog park?

The neighborhood walk?

All of those activities increase water requirements.

And let’s be honest—most doodles never met a game of fetch they didn’t think should last forever.

Dry Food Diets

Dogs eating kibble often need more water because their food contains very little moisture compared to fresh or canned diets.

Travel and Outdoor Adventures

Summer is vacation season, and many of our doodles are going right along with us.

Whether you’re heading to the beach, spending the day at the ball field, visiting family, or taking a road trip, travel can significantly increase your dog’s water needs.

Many owners remember the treats, toys, and leash but forget to bring water.

That’s a mistake that’s easy to fix.

My Favorite Summer Doodle Essential

One thing I never leave home without during the summer is a portable water bottle for my dog.

At Fletch & Lo Boutique, located right across the street from the fire department in Loxley, we carry a product that I absolutely love for summer adventures—the Dog Travel Water Bottle, 22oz Classic.

Whether you’re headed to the beach, a baseball game, the dog park, or simply taking a walk around the neighborhood, having fresh water available for your dog can make all the difference.

Shop the Dog Travel Water Bottle Here:

https://fletchandlo.com/products/dog-travel-water-bottle-22oz-classic

I keep one in my vehicle year-round because if I’m thirsty, chances are my doodle is too.

Let’s be honest—many of our dogs live better than most people.

We pack snacks.

We pack toys.

We pack poop bags.

But many owners forget to pack water.

A travel water bottle takes up almost no room and can make a huge difference on a hot Alabama afternoon.

My rule is simple:

If I need water, my dog probably does too.

A Quick Word About Standing Water

While we’re talking about hydration, let’s talk about something I try to keep our dogs away from whenever possible: standing water.

Puddles, ditches, stagnant ponds, and other standing water sources can contain bacteria, parasites, and contaminants that you don’t want your dog ingesting. One of the most common concerns is Giardia, a parasite frequently picked up from contaminated water and environments where dogs congregate.

The reality is that many active dogs are exposed to Giardia at some point in their lives, especially dogs that spend time outdoors, visit parks, go on adventures, or simply enjoy being dogs. Many dogs may never show symptoms at all, while others can develop diarrhea, loose stools, or digestive upset.

The best approach is prevention. Always provide fresh, clean water and try to discourage your dog from drinking out of puddles, roadside ditches, or stagnant water sources. Your dog may think that muddy puddle is a gourmet beverage, but trust me—it rarely ends well.

At Smeraglia, we’d much rather see a doodle drinking from a clean water bowl or a travel water bottle than sampling whatever Mother Nature left behind after yesterday’s rainstorm.

Signs Your Dog May Be Dehydrated

Watch for:

Excessive panting
Dry or sticky gums
Lethargy
Sunken-looking eyes
Loss of skin elasticity
Reduced appetite

If your dog seems “off” during hot weather, dehydration should always be on your list of possibilities.

My Simple Summer Rule

At Smeraglia, we always make sure our dogs have access to clean, fresh water.

Not yesterday’s water.

Not water that’s been sitting in the Alabama sun all day.

Fresh water.

Every day.

Actually, multiple times a day during the hottest months.

If you wouldn’t want to drink it, your dog probably doesn’t either.

A Quick Tip for Doodle Families

One of my favorite tricks is keeping multiple water stations available.

Have water inside.

Have water outside.

Have water available after exercise.

Have water available in the car when traveling.

The easier it is for your dog to drink, the more likely they are to stay properly hydrated.

The Bottom Line

Summer in the South is no joke.

We’re all feeling the heat, including our dogs.

A hydrated dog is generally a happier, healthier dog. So while you’re filling your Stanley cup, Yeti tumbler, or whatever oversized water container is currently trending, take a moment to make sure your four-legged family member has plenty of fresh water too.

Your doodle will thank you.

And if they could talk, they’d probably tell you they’d also like a little air conditioning and maybe a pup cup while you’re at it.

Stay cool, friends.

— Sherri