The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) advises that you provide plenty of cool water for animals that are outdoors on a summer day. When temperatures rise, animals need more water than usual to prevent dehydration and maintain proper body function. It can be challenging to keep water that’s kept outside cold, especially when outdoor temperatures spike. By following several strategies, you can provide cold water for your outside animals to help them stay comfortable and healthy.
Provide your animals with a clay or ceramic water bowl; it will keep water cooler than a steel, plastic or wooden water bowl. Ensure it is placed in a shady area away from sunlight.
Put your animal's steel, clay or ceramic water bowl in the refrigerator or freezer overnight. In the morning, fill it with cold water. An icy water dish keeps water cooler than a dish that hasn't been cooled.
Freeze an ice pack in your freezer overnight. Place the ice pack under your animal's water bowl during the day. If desired, use multiple ice packs, and place them around the sides of the bowl. Or make your own customized ice pack by filling a plastic, resealable freezer bag 1/4 full of water. Squeeze out all the air, seal it and tape it around the water bowl and freeze them both in the freezer overnight. In the morning, you will have a water bowl with its own ice pack that keeps your animal's water cold for hours.
Place ice cubes in your animal's water bowl when the water starts to get tepid. You might have to repeat this every hour or so because the ice will melt quickly in warm water, especially in very hot weather.
Purchase an insulated water bowl, water-dispensing system or recirculating fountain designed for keeping animals' water cold and fresh. Find these products at a pet supply store such as Petco or Petsmart. Depending on the product, however, the price can be quite expensive.
Warnings
Make sure outside animals have access to water and shelter at all times, but especially in extreme hot or cold temperatures.
Warnings
Make sure outside animals have access to water and shelter at all times, but especially in extreme hot or cold temperatures.
Items You Will Need
- Water bowl
- Ice packs
- Resealable freezer bag
- Ice
References
Resources
Warnings
- Make sure outside animals have access to water and shelter at all times, but especially in extreme hot or cold temperatures.
Writer Bio
Based in Royal Oak, Mich., Christine Wheatley has been writing professionally since 2009. She contributes to several websites, specializing in articles about fitness, diet and parenting. Wheatley has a Bachelor of Arts in art from Calvin College.