As temperatures are set to reach 32C over the weekend, dog owners will be finding ways to keep their furry friends cool in the heat.
There are many safe tricks to prevent your dog from developing heatstroke and becoming dehydrated, such as adding extra water to their dry food bowl.
But there are also popular hacks trending online that could pose potential harm to your pet.
Veterinary surgeon Dr Linda Simon at Pooch & Mutt is warning people of viral TikTok videos that should be avoided during the heatwave.
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Fruity broth water
Lots of people have been adding chicken broth to their dog's water bowl to encourage them to drink more in the heat.
However, you should make sure to read the ingredients of the broth you are using and avoid anything that has salt, garlic, onion or chives, especially the latter three which can be toxic.
Dr Simon advises avoiding broth altogether and instead just using water with some low sugar, non-toxic fruits and veggies, as these will be enough to entice your dog to drink more.
Feeding frozen fruits
Serving frozen fruit is a great way to keep your dog cool whilst providing them with beneficial vitamins and minerals, but just be careful which fruits you are choosing.
Make sure they are non-toxic and low in natural sugars.
You should be particularly cautious if trying this with puppies, as if they are not cut small enough they could become a choking hazard, especially if they contain large seeds or pips.
Freezing a dental stick
Dental sticks are for many dogs considered a high value treat, so freezing them in water is a nice way to keep them cool and occupied, all whilst keeping their teeth clean.
However, many people have been freezing dental sticks in an ice lolly wrapper.
Ingesting things such as card and paper can cause bowel obstructions which can be fatal if not treated quickly.
You should supervise your dog at all times to make sure they are not eating anything other than the dental stick and frozen water.
Ideally, take the frozen stick out of the packaging before giving it to your dog to avoid any unwanted vet trips.
Fruity ice lollies
Freezing fruit into water lollies for dogs will definitely keep them cool, but you should be wary on which fruit you use.
A lot of fruits have a naturally high sugar content and should therefore be fed in moderation to avoid weight gain.
You should also be very aware of fruit toxic to dogs, such as grapes, sultanas and raisins.
If you plan on making ice lollies for your dog, make sure you supervise them to avoid ingesting any of the wooden stick.
Do you have any heatwave warnings? Let fellow dog owners know in the comments.
