As temperatures soar up to 38°C across parts of the UK, pets may refuse to drink from warm or stale water bowls, risking dehydration and heatstroke. A simple solution backed by canine nutritionist Gaia Musotti involves adding the water from tinned fish to their drinking bowl.
Why Hydration Matters for Pets in Hot Weather
Water is pets' primary tool for temperature regulation. When overheated, they lose water rapidly through panting or grooming. Without adequate fluid replacement, they cannot cool down, leading to potentially fatal heatstroke and organ failure. Cats, in particular, are instinctively put off by warm or stale water dishes, making hydration even more challenging during a heatwave.
The Tinned Fish Water Trick
Gaia Musotti, a UK-based canine nutritionist, shared her method on Instagram. She explained that her dog Rusty “simply doesn't drink enough,” especially in scorching weather. Her trick: “Adding about a teaspoon of the water from sardines canned in water to his bowl and giving it a good stir. The smell makes the water much more appealing and he usually drinks the whole bowl.”
In a similar video posted when UK temperatures first exceeded 30°C, she elaborated: “Take a tin of sardines, mackerel or salmon in spring water only. Not in tomato sauce, olive oil or added salt. Open the tin and pour just the liquid into their water bowl. That water now smells and tastes like fish, and most dogs will happily drink from it throughout the day, even when they’d normally turn their nose up at plain water.”
Important Precautions
Gaia warned that this is a “short-term solution only, and should not replace the usual access to clean and fresh drinking water throughout the year.” She recommends using it “just for use during the hottest part of the day to help your dog stay on top of their hydration.” She added: “It’s not something to leave out for hours or use as an everyday fix. I’d especially recommend not leaving it out for long periods of time in the heat, because it can attract bacteria.”
Where to Buy Suitable Tinned Fish
Pet owners can purchase the right kind of tinned fish from supermarkets. Options include Sainsbury's Sardines in Spring Water (60p), Aldi Tuna Chunks in Spring Water (65p), and M&S Danish Mackerel Fillets in Spring Water (£1.30). It is crucial to avoid tins with brine, as the high salt content can cause severe, life-threatening sodium poisoning in dogs and cats.
