Cool ways to keep your dog hydrated this summer.

Keeping your dog hydrated in summer is extremly important. Like us, if your dog becomes dehydrated this can cause alot of health problem and even death.

The exact amount of water that your dog should have per day varies significantly based on size, activity level, and weather conditions. Some ways to keep your dog hydrated and happy during summer are:

- Provide a water fountain. These continuously circulate the water, keeping it fresh and appetizing.

- Make other dog-friendly ice cubes. You can also add some low sodium broth to make it tastier.

- Be sure to carry water with you whenever you and your dog go somewhere during warm weather. Offer water to your dog at regular intervals.

You can check your dog for dehydration by looking at his gums. They should be moist and pink, not dry, tacky, and pale. Also, you can gently lift the skin at the back of your dog's neck. A well-hydrated dog's skin will bounce back immediately while that of a dehydrated dog will be less elastic and return more slowly. Your dog's saliva should not be ropey or thick—if it is, he might be dehydrated.

Please remember NOT to leave your dog in a car when it is hot. Victoria has a law which states that no animal (or child) is to be left in a parked vehicle when the temperature is above 28 degrees celsius. Dogs can over heat even if the window is down and the car is parked in the shade. Your dog can die within a 10-20 min period of being locked in a car on a 29 degree day. Please be mindful of this and if you cant take the dog with you than leave them at home.