How to keep your pet hydrated

When the temperatures rise, it’s important to ensure your four-legged friends stay hydrated, which is important to help keep them cool and for general overall health.

However much they are drinking, they’ll need more in hot weather as they are more likely to become dehydrated. Cats and dogs both sweat through their paw pads and dogs also lose body water through panting. As they’ll do this more in hot weather, it’s important to ensure they are drinking plenty of water.

Dogs should be getting 1-2ml of water per KG if bodyweight per hour, so approximately 25-50ml of water per day. For example a 10kg dog would need between 250mls and 500mls per day.

How to tell if your dog is dehydrated

There are ways to check if your dog is dehydrated and signs to look out for. These include:

• Lethargy
• Dry, sticky and pale gums
• Loss of appetite
• Increased heart rate
• Dry nose
• Panting
• Sunken, dry looking eyes

Tips to help keep your pet hydrated

Keep their water bowl clean

Always make sure your pet’s water bowl is clean. A clean bowl can help prevent any bacteria or mould from growing which can make your pet poorly if they drink it. Keep a close eye on their bowl and refresh the water supply multiple times a day.

Plenty of bowls

Make sure you have plenty of bowls around the home, especially if you have multiple pets. Place them in new or unexpected areas can also encourage your pet to drink and place them in places with less animal or human traffic, as this will make your pet feel more secure about drinking.

Take water on walks

When on walks or exercising your dog, make sure they have access to clean water. You can use collapsible bowls or water bottle/bowl combos when on walks to help give easy access. If you leave your dog outside, make sure they have plenty of fresh, clean water and shade from the heat.

Water down dog food

If your dog is not drinking enough water from their bowl, you could try adding it to their food. Adding water to dry food can offer hydration and a new way for your pet to have their dinner.

Pet lollies

Freezing pet-friendly ice lollies are a fun way to provide your pet with extra hydration while cooling them down.

Little and often

Giving your pet smaller and more frequent meals can also encourage them to drink at regular points during the day, particularly if they have dry food.

Not all water is safe for your pooch

Be careful on walks as lakes, ponds and streams are a great place for your dog to cool down, but they can contain parasites so don’t let your dog drink from them.

If you think your dog is not drinking enough water and you are worried about them, especially in hot weather, contact your vet right away.