Owners '˜lack knowledge of pets hydration needs'

While 97 per cent of owners give their cats and dogs fresh water every day, but more than half (59 per cent) are unsure how much water is required to keep their animals cool and hydrated.

Nine in 10 of those surveyed said that despite the sporting summer ahead - with the Euros, Olympics and Wimbledon regularly on TV - their pets’ welfare would come first, vowing not to let distractions get in the way of meals, exercise and hydration.

However, the best way to achieve this was unclear in the minds of many, with almost a third admitting they couldn’t tell if an animal was dehydrated - 81 per cent thought that panting or sweating was a common symptom, and 30 per cent also believing that whining was a sign.

Symptoms of dehydration do include lethargy, sunken eyes, and loss of appetite and depression. Another telltale symptom is when pets’ gums lose moistness.