As temperatures climb, experts are urging dog owners to make one simple change to help protect their pets from the effects of summer heat. While keeping dogs cool is essential, it is also important to keep your dogs hydrated.
Dogs at Risk of Dehydration
A pet expert has warned owners that their furry friends are not drinking enough water and are at risk of dehydration. Lisa Hannaby-Aird, a pet nutritionist at Forthglade, commented: "Dogs need around 50ml of water per kilogram of bodyweight per day, but in hot weather, this can increase significantly."
If you are unsure whether your dog is drinking enough water, there are a few telltale signs of dehydration, including tacky gums, darker urine, lethargy, and reduced skin elasticity. Early dehydration can often be managed by moving your dog to a cool environment and providing fresh drinking water, says Lisa. However, persistent lethargy, refusal to drink, or difficulty breathing are warning signs of severe dehydration or heatstroke and require immediate veterinary care.
How to Trick Your Dog into Drinking More Water
Lisa recommends making drinking water more appealing by trying water bobbing – adding dog-safe treats, such as slices of fruit, to your dog's bowl. According to Nature's Menu, fruits such as strawberries, apples, bananas, berries, melon and oranges are all safe for your dog to eat. You can also add vegetables such as sweet potato, green beans, carrots, cabbage, pumpkin, cucumber, and broccoli.
Adding these treats can encourage them to drink more while providing extra mental stimulation. However, your dogs should always be supervised to reduce the risk of choking.
She also advises keeping water bowls in easy-to-reach places, especially for older dogs, who may find it more comfortable to drink from a slightly raised bowl. Lisa shared: "Water bowls can be left outside, but they should be kept in the shade and emptied, cleaned and refilled regularly. Warm, stagnant water can promote bacterial growth and may discourage dogs from drinking enough."
Other Methods to Increase Hydration
Lisa says that adding water or bone broth directly to meals as a topper is another easy way to increase your dog's water intake without completely overhauling their diet. You can even freeze bone broth to create ice cube treats.
According to the National Animal Welfare Trust, frozen treat toys are also a great way to help keep dogs cool, hydrated and mentally stimulated during hot weather. Stuffable toys, such as a Kong, can be filled with a mixture of water or low-sodium broth, a few pieces of kibble or chopped treats, and a spoonful of wet food or mashed banana, then frozen for a refreshing summer snack.
