Drink up, it's free: tricks to keep your pet hydrated

Water is the simplest and most important thing you give your pet every day. And yet we sometimes forget that a dirty or badly placed water bowl can mean they drink less than they need. Let's go through it species by species.

Dogs: fresh water close at hand

Always keep clean water within reach, and change it at least once a day. If he's off on an outing or exercising, take a portable water bowl and offer him water often. Heavy bowls or ones with a non-slip base prevent the classic puddle on the kitchen floor.

Cats: fussy about water too

Many cats naturally drink very little, so it pays to make it easy for them.

• Put the water away from the food bowl and, needless to say, away from the litter tray.
• Try several water points spread around the house.
• Some cats prefer wide, shallow bowls that don't brush their whiskers.
• Fountains with moving water encourage many cats to drink.
• Wash the bowl often: they notice straight away if the water isn't fresh.

Small mammals, birds and fish

For hamsters, rabbits and guinea pigs, check every day that the bottle drinker is working: sometimes the spout gets blocked and it looks as if they have water when nothing comes out. Some animals drink better from a heavy bowl; you can offer both options.

Birds need clean water every day, because they foul it with seeds and droppings very quickly. Place the drinker away from the perches so dirt doesn't fall in, and every now and then give them a dish to bathe in, which many of them adore.

And for fish, water isn't just for drinking: it's their entire home. Do partial water changes regularly, treat tap water with a conditioner and keep an eye on temperature and water parameters with test kits.

Signs to watch for

If you notice your pet drinking far more than usual or, on the contrary, barely drinking at all, mention it to your vet. Changes in thirst can be a sign that something isn't right and are worth checking.

At Petuki you'll find drinkers, fountains, bowls and bottles for every species that shares your home.