Help! My dog seems dehydrated

QHow will I know if my pet is getting dehydrated?

AThe simplest test is to pinch the skin at the back of your pet’s neck. In well-hydrated animals it should spring back almost immediately upon release. A better test, though, is to inspect your animal’s gums. These should be salmon pink, not too red. Press on the gum with your fingertip firmly and it will turn white. When you remove your finger the gum should go back to pink in less than two seconds. Any longer than that and the pet may be dehydrated. To avoid dehydration, provide plenty of clean, cool water, both at home and on walks. You can consider feeding pets wet food in hot weather too, though I’d avoid this outside in the summertime as it isn’t great for their teeth.

✱ Woman vet Emma has worked in several small-animal practices in the south-east. Much of her time is spent looking after her two young children, but she also teaches veterinary students and plans to return to being a full-time vet when her kids start school.