If recent years are anything to go by, Didim is about to start an oppressively hot summer, writes Chris Evans. It can become unpleasant for humans. For pets and stray animals, it can be deadly.
I have spoken to Expat Logistics, a specialist pet relocation company, and its sister company, Bayt Al Aleef, a pet shop in Saudi Arabia, to give a brief guide to keeping your pets hydrated over the summer months.

Don’t bury your head in the sand
Provide fresh, clean water at all times: Animals will stop using a water source when it has been left to stagnate for a length of time. Water bowls need to be replaced every few hours. It’s worth considering a pet water fountain. You can find various examples of these in local pet shops.
Use hydrating foods and treats: I was surprised to find that dogs and cats like watermelon. They are great for hydrating a pet or stray. If you can get them to eat cucumber too, it’s a bonus. Do not give them anything chilled or frozen as it damages their ability to control body temperature. Some pet treats aid hydration, so it’s worth a tour of the pet shop aisles.
Use cooling accessories: Humans use caps and clothing to keep cool. There are items you can buy, such as bandanas and cooling vests for pets. Beds and mats can also help keep an animal cool. It’s well worth the investment to keep your pet healthy. I’ve used beds, and even a tent, for the strays in the past.

Bandanas are a great idea to keep pets cool
Schedule outdoor activities wisely: Concrete and sand become incredibly hot during the summer. Most humans don’t enjoy walking on these surfaces and we wear shoes. Imagine how unpleasant it must be for animals with bare feet. The easiest solution is to go for walks early in the morning or late at night to avoid the hottest hours. Alternatively, you could take a lesson from the strays and sit in the sea all day.
Create a hydration friendly environment
One source of water is a great start, but if there are multiple sources dotted around, it will stay hydrated easily. Didim, and its surrounding villages, is wonderful for people and restaurants ensuring there are water bowls available in multiple locations. There’s even a chance to be creative with the water source, as I recently saw in a pub in Luton.
We all need to stay hydrated in the oppressively hot summers. The animals are no exception. It doesn’t take a lot of effort to ensure all the pets can stay comfortable.
Many thanks to Expat Logistics (www.expatlogistics.com) and Bayt Al Aleef (www.pethouseksa.com) for their help with this article.