On a bright July morning, you hand over the leash, give a quick scratch under the chin, and try not to fuss. Your pet trots off to a cozy suite for a summer stay. You want one thing above all else. You want them safe, calm, and well hydrated. At Dogtown in Gloucester, MA, we think about that every single day. Heat can sneak up on the most playful dog, and even on a quiet cat. Water is the simple fix, though it is not always simple in practice.
Here is a clear plan, with a few personal notes and tiny habits that help. Some ideas might feel obvious. Others might surprise you a bit. Still, they all add up to steady hydration and a happy return home.
How much water is enough
Most dogs do well with about one ounce of water per pound of body weight each day. Cats need a little less, though they can be tricky since they hide thirst. Those ranges can shift when the weather is hot, play time runs long, or a pet is older. Guidance on daily intake and common signs of dehydration like dry gums and low energy is summarized in practical advice on hydration and summer cooling. I keep that rule of thumb in mind, then watch behavior. A dog that races in day camp might double their needs. A cat that sticks to shade might sip less, yet still be fine.
What changes the target:
- Size and breed. Short-nosed dogs can struggle with heat and drink more.
- Activity level. More running means more water and more breaks.
- Food type. Kibble fed pets often need extra water. Wet food adds moisture.
- Age and health. Seniors and pets on certain meds may need closer checks.
Water first, always.
Set them up before arrival
Hydration habits start at home, even a day or two before drop-off. A steady routine helps a lot during summer boarding.
- Offer a fresh bowl at breakfast and dinner, plus a midday refill.
- Add a spoon of water or low-sodium broth to meals to spark interest.
- Pack their familiar bowl or a small mat. The smell lowers stress.
- Plan travel. A quick stop for a drink and a short walk keeps things smooth.
If your pet is joining group play, a warm-up day can help too. Day camp sessions at Dogtown let us learn your pet’s pace and preferred rest times. It is a small thing. It matters.
What Dogtown does during summer stays
At Dogtown, our staff keeps water within easy reach during play and rest. Suites have clean bowls that are refreshed many times a day. During outdoor breaks, shaded areas and indoor cool rooms are ready for quick recoveries. Small group sizes help us notice the quiet signs, like a pet lingering at the bowl or licking their lips after a short run.
We start with a free pre-enrollment assessment, so we know your pet’s patterns before the heat rises. If your dog thrives on play, our team spaces out active periods with calm time. That rhythm keeps drinking steady. If your cat is staying with us, we place bowls in preferred corners, sometimes two options at once, since cats can be fussy about location. You can read more about our approach on our boarding page, as well as our busy and well-loved dog daycare program.
Simple tricks to encourage drinking
Some pets sip eagerly. Others need a nudge. I have seen both, often on the same day.
- Flavor light. A splash of low-sodium broth can make water tempting. Keep it mild to protect tummies.
- Offer several bowls. One in the suite, one near play, and one near meals.
- Ice cubes. A cube or two turns drinking into a game. Keep sizes safe and small.
- Water-rich treats. Cucumber or seedless watermelon are refreshing. Advice on hydrating treats shows up in tips for preventing pet dehydration in summer.
- Wet toppers. A spoon of wet food mixed into dinner adds moisture.
Water fountains can help some pets. The moving stream draws interest. Still, a few dogs ignore the hum and go straight for a simple bowl. Both can be right. We use what your pet likes best.
Watch the signs and act early
Heat sneaks in. Dehydration does not always shout. Keep an eye out for common flags such as tacky gums, very dark urine, long panting, and slow movement. Guidance on early signs like dry gums and lethargy is covered in summer hydration overviews. If we spot anything at Dogtown, we pause play, offer water in small sips, and move to a cooler area. If a pet resists drinking, we might try a different bowl or add a flavor hint. Small steps first, quick steps always.
More signals to know:
- Sticky saliva or thick drool.
- Sunken eyes or a slow skin tent when gently lifted at the neck.
- Vomiting or loose stool after play.
- For cats, reduced grooming or hiding more than usual.
If you see these at pickup or at home, offer cool water and rest. If signs stay, call your vet. Do not wait too long. I know, that sounds obvious, but we all hope it fixes itself.
Grooming helps cooling
A tidy coat supports natural cooling and clean drinking areas. Long, matted fur traps heat and dirt. A quick trim around the face and paws keeps water bowls cleaner and less scary for shy pets. Before a summer stay, consider a bath and brush with our experienced team. The options on our grooming services page include gentle shampoos, de-shedding, and nail care. For feline guests, our cat grooming page explains how we keep stress low with calm handling and quiet spaces.
Travel to and from boarding
The ride itself can dry pets out. Heat in the car, a little tension, or just excitement. Pack a small bottle, a collapsible bowl, and a towel. Offer a quick sip before check-in and again when you reach home. Try to avoid heavy meals right before the car. Light food, steady water, and a calm seat belt harness or carrier do the job.
Conclusion
Hydration in summer boarding is about small habits, repeated. Fresh bowls. Calm breaks. A little flavor when needed. At Dogtown, we weave those habits into every stay inside our 10,000-square-foot home in Gloucester. We keep groups small, match by size and temperament, and send daily notes so you know how your pet is drinking and resting. If you are planning a trip, book a free pre-enrollment assessment and let our team build a simple plan for your pet’s water needs. Check the details on our boarding and day camp pages. Then, when that bright July morning arrives, you can pass the leash with a lighter heart. Schedule today and give your pet a stay designed for comfort, care, and joy.
Frequently asked questions
How to keep pets hydrated in summer?
Offer fresh water in more than one spot, refresh bowls often, add a splash of low-sodium broth if needed, and space play with rest in shade. Wet food or a small topper also adds moisture. During boarding, ask staff to track intake and provide short, frequent water breaks.
What signs of dehydration should I watch?
Look for dry or tacky gums, darker urine, long panting, low energy, and slow skin snap-back at the neck. Guidance on common signs like dry gums and lethargy is summarized in practical summer hydration tips. If signs persist, contact your vet.
How often should water bowls be refilled?
In hot weather, check bowls every few hours and replace with cool, fresh water. During active days, refresh before and after play. Many pets drink more when the water looks and smells new, so frequent refills help.
Are water fountains better than bowls?
Some pets drink more from moving water, so fountains can help. Others prefer a quiet, wide bowl. The best choice is the one your pet uses often. Many homes and boarding suites offer both to cover preferences.
Can I add ice to my pet’s water?
Yes, a cube or two is fine for most pets and can make water more appealing. Keep the cubes small to avoid gulping. If your pet has sensitive teeth or avoids cold water, offer cool, not icy, water instead.
