All pet professionals know that pooches can be picky when it comes to drinking their water, and it’s often difficult to make sure they are getting enough fluids to stay happy, healthy and hydrated, particularly if it is warm outside, they are unwell, or if you are providing end of life care.

Here, founder of Furr Boost and expert in dog health and wellbeing, Louise Toal, shares some simple but smart tips and tricks to help up your dog’s fluid intake this Pet Hydration Month…

Provide more water bowls

Placing several water bowls within the dog’s space is one of the easiest ways to encourage your four-legged friend to drink more. By simply making more water available your dog won’t have to go far for a drink, so even the most poorly (or laziest!) of pooches will be tempted to take a sip.

Choose an area free from distractions with little human traffic and consider placement of the bowl - senior or injured pooches might prefer their bowls elevated to avoid having to bend to take a drink.

Some fussy fur babies prefer drinking out of a certain type of container so try experimenting with different sizes and shapes, and test different materials like plastic, ceramic or stainless steel. Many dogs even prefer running water, so consider investing in a doggy drinking fountain for your patients if you can. As all animal enthusiasts know, bowls should be kept clean and water refreshed regularly – after all, you wouldn’t want to drink stale water from a dirty glass either!

Tempt them with tasty treats

Just like us humans, dogs can get bored of drinking plain water, too! Adding flavoured water or liquid treats to a dog’s diet is a great way to get them to drink more.

Try infusing water with low sodium chicken stock or dog-safe fruit, like blueberries, cucumber or oranges – just be sure to remove them from the water before serving to avoid a choking hazard!

For a treat with added health benefits, try a dog hydration smoothie drink like Furr Boost, which is made from 100% natural, human grade ingredients and packed with superfoods, vitamins and added oils from salmon, flaxseed and coconut.

A favourite among even the fussiest of our four-legged friends, it’s available in three delicious doggy flavours – beef, broccoli and blueberry; chicken, butternut squash and cranberry; and pork, sweet potato and apple – so dogs will lap it up!

Serve it chilled in the summer months as a refreshing supercharged smoothie or warm it up during winter for a hearty, wholesome drink, as the aromas released will entice dogs to take on the much-needed fluids.

It can also be added to dry food as a tasty topper, making it a great addition to encourage dogs who have lost their appetite to finish their meals or to ensure medication is consumed.

Make enrichment refreshing and fun

Making sure pets in your care are enriched and stimulated mentally is equally as important as their physical health and wellbeing. A visit to the vets can be extremely stressful for all pets, and whether they are staying with you for a while or heading home after their appointment, a healthy, fun reward is essential.

Pupsicles make the perfect refreshing treat, especially during the warm Summer months, and they’re really easy to make. Simply take an ice cube tray, pour on your pooches favourite Furr Boost drink or some flavoured water, freeze, and serve. Not only will a pupsicle provide hydration on a hot day or after exercise, it’s also a great form of enrichment and will keep any four-legged friend entertained. If you have a Kong, seal the base with a generous smear of peanut butter, top with their favourite flavour of Furr Boost, and freeze for hours of enrichment.

If your pooch needs some extra stimulation, freezing Furr Boost onto a lick mat is ideal. Unlike other treats which might be devoured within minutes, this will keep dogs entertained for at least an hour, and has the added benefit of health and hydration. What’s more, the motion of licking helps release endorphins in the animals’ brain that makes them feel calmer and more relaxed.

Furr Boost is suitable for dogs of all ages, including puppies, pregnant and whelping dogs, and for elderly dogs. It is suitable for dogs on dry, wet or dry combination diets, but may not be suitable for all dogs on raw diets.

Find out more about Furr Boost at www.furrboost.com

Written by: Furr Boost (Guest Author)