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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Nia Dalton

Pet expert shares vital ways to get your dog to drink more water during UK heatwave

The Met Office has predicted highs of 24C this weekend, which means humans and animals alike will need to drink far more water than usual to stay hydrated.

Making sure your dog always has access to water and shade is vital to regulate their body temperature and prevent them from dangerously overheating.

Pet expert and founder of Yappy.com, John Smith, is sharing his advice for keeping dogs cool and healthy in the heat - with one clever trick that all owners can easily follow.

"A lot of pets will have a set place in the home where they know their food is left for them," John explained. "But in the heat, pets will move around the house to find cooler spots to rest.

John advises scattering multiple bowls of water around the house instead of their usual one (stock photo) (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

"Make sure you leave some water in each room of the house so that, wherever they find some shade, there is water readily available, keeping them hydrated."

As well as scattering water bowls around the house, there are many other ways you can encourage your dog to drink more.

Secret and sweet additions

Hiding some enticing ingredients into water is a great method to encourage drinking more fluids.

Make sure to use dog-friendly flavourings, fruit or vegetables, such as watermelon, apples and carrots.

The aroma should lure them into drinking more water, even if they don't necessarily feel thirsty.

Feeding time

When feeding your pets in the heat, opt for wet food where possible rather than dry biscuits or treats.

If you are using dryer foods, try adding just a touch of water into the bowl but don't go overboard as you may find that they'll avoid eating it completely. A little goes a long way.

Dogs may be more enticed to drink if their water is flavoured with natural ingredients (stock photo) (Getty Images/RooM RF)

Tempting treats

Creating pet-safe smoothies, full of fruit and veg which have lots of water in them, will help to keep pets hydrated.

Check which ingredients are safe for which animals but generally celery, cucumber, strawberries, blueberries and watermelon are all good for dogs and cats. Remember to only use it in moderation.

Water, water, water

When the weather is hotter, your dogs will sweat more though their paws and lose more water while panting - which they do to keep cool.

So, make sure you increase their water intake and monitor how often you fill up their bowls.

Also take into consideration how active they are - pets that exercise or run more will need even more water.

Adding extra water into your dog's dry food bowl is an easy way to hydrate them (stock photo) (Getty Images)

Dehydration signs

The key symptoms to look out for with dogs and cats are vomiting, loss of energy, a dry nose, excessive panting, loss of appetite, sunken or dry eyes, sticky gums, or urinating less frequently.

Another, more unknown trick, is to pull up some of the skin near their shoulders and if they're hydrated it will spring back into shape, whereas dehydrated animals will remain upright for longer.

Check for these symptoms regularly throughout the day and always contact a vet if you're worried.

Do you have a hack for dog owners? Email nia.dalton@reachplc.com.

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