Expert urges dog owners to use simple trick to stop their dogs from dehydrating

This simple hack will help to keep your dog cool and stimulated. (Image: Getty)

An expert is urging dog owners to add one thing to their bowls to help protect them from the effects of the heat in the summer.

The weather in the UK over the last few weeks has been incredibly hot, meaning many dog owners will be using tricks to keep their dogs cool.

But it is also important to make sure your pet is drinking enough water to avoid them dehydrating.

Lisa Hannaby-Aird, a pet nutritionist from Forthglade, says dogs need around 50ml of water per kilogram of their bodyweight per day, but this amount will increase in hotter weather.

There are a couple of things you can add to your dogs bowl to get them to drink more.

(Image: Getty)

How to trick your dog into drinking more water

Lisa says you can encourage your dog to drink more water by trying water bobbing.

You simply add a few dog-safe treats like fruits including apples, strawberries, bananas, melon chunks, and oranges to your dog’s water bowl.

You could also try vegetables like sweet potato, green beans, cucumber, broccoli, cabbage, and pumpkin.

Treats can encourage them to drink more water while also providing mental stimulation.

You could also add water or bone broth to their meals, as an easy way to increase their water intake.

Bone broth can be frozen to make ice cubes, as a treat for your dog.

Other things like frozen treat toys or stuffable toys with water and kibble or chopped up treats are also great to keep your dog cool and stimulated throughout the summer.

You should also keep your dog's bowl in a place that is easy for them to reach.

Lisa said: "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."

Signs your dog is dehydrated

There are a few signs that you can look out for to check if your dog is dehydrated.

If your dog has tacky gums, is lethargic, and has reduced skin elasticity, it could mean they are dehydrated.

Persistent lethargy, a refusal to drink, and difficulty breathing can be signs that your dog is severely dehydrated or has heatstroke and requires immediate veterinary care.

How do you keep your dog cool throughout the summer? Let us know in the comments.