The dog days of summer are here, and it’s important to remember that our furry friends can be as vulnerable to heat stroke, dehydration, and sunburn as we are. A recent study in the Australian Veterinary Journal found that the risk of death in dogs shoots up 10% on extreme heat days, with a 1% increase for every degree over 77. This is particularly concerning as climate change continues to increase the frequency and intensity of heat waves.
If you want to bring more pet parents to your store during the hottest days of the year, consider setting up a cooling station for dogs at the entryway of your store or in the pet aisle. That might mean filling up a kiddie pool outside so that Fido can splash around, or setting up a play area with a misting sprinkler. You can also offer multiple water bowls at the entrance and in your pet aisle so Fido has easy access to fresh water.
Once pet parents are in your stores, retailers have an opportunity to educate customers on the specific health risks that heat poses to pets and direct them toward an array of products that offer cooling relief.
For instance, one concern that is often overlooked is irritated or burned paw pads from overheated asphalt or concrete. This can be very painful for pets. I recommend setting up an endcap with specific products to help soothe and heal inflamed paws. Stock up on natural topical ointments that feature soothing ingredients such as aloe vera gel and paw protective waxes. I also suggest offering protective booties that can be soaked in water for sale.
Hydration is another critical concern. Dogs regulate their body heat through panting rather than sweating. That means they don’t lose electrolytes at the same rate as humans. However, pets that are extremely active or going to be out for prolonged periods in extreme heat, or older pets who don’t drink enough water, may benefit from an electrolyte supplement. There is a growing number of pet electrolyte supplements on the market, often flavored with beef or bacon flavor. Retailers should vet these products for fillers and additives and stock products from trusted brands—just as you would any other human supplement. Dogs can be picky, so it may be worthwhile to offer in-store samples of electrolyte powders to ensure it meets Fido’s approval.
It’s worth noting that electrolyte supplements are not always necessary. Savvy pet parents know to mix broth or extra water in with their pets’ kibble or spike the water bowl with broth or other flavor boosters to encourage pets to drink more during high-heat days. You can also offer a wide range of wet food options for cats and dogs, which also help to increase hydration.
There’s also an ingredient that is gaining interest for hydration in pet food. Betaine, a natural compound found in beets, acts as an osmolyte, a molecule that helps cells hold onto water more effectively, especially during times of heat or stress. Some quality pet food brands such as Blue Buffalo have started including betaine in their formulas for this reason. On the ingredient manufacturer side, IFF just launched the betaine-based ingredient Betafin Pet to help support hydration, gut health, and overall wellness in dogs and cats.
In addition to supplements and hydrating foods, retailers may want to stock some cooling accessories for sale. Some high-margin options include collapsible water bowls for helping pets hydrate on the go, cooling neck bandanas or neck gaiters that can be soaked in cooling water, and puppy popsicle molds so pet parents can make cooling treats. WF
