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By Judyvein Cheng, CPCN, BRNC
Certified pet nutritionist in Singapore
QUICK ANSWER
Dogs can get dehydrated quickly in Singapore's heat. Fresh water always comes first, but homemade frozen treats are an easy way to add extra hydration, cool your dog down and keep their mind busy on days when walks have to be short.
In Singapore, it's warm all year round. Walk your dog early in the morning or late in the evening, let them enjoy some water play, and keep a close eye on them on hot days. Like us, dogs can get dehydrated, and that can lead to serious health problems.
Why hydration matters
Body temperature
Dogs only sweat through their paw pads, so they cool down mainly by panting. Good hydration helps them regulate their temperature.
Digestion
Water helps break down food and absorb nutrients.
Joints
Hydration keeps joints lubricated for comfortable movement.
Detox
Water helps flush out toxins and supports the liver and kidneys.
Skin and coat
Well-hydrated dogs tend to have healthier skin, shinier coats and less shedding.
Signs of dehydration
✓ Excessive panting
✓ Dry nose and gums
✓ Lethargy
✓ Loss of appetite
✓ Sunken eyes
Always keep fresh water available, especially on hot days and after walks. Hydrating treats are an extra, not a replacement.
4 hydrating frozen treats
Choose organic fruit, vegetables and pumpkin whenever possible, and wash produce well. You'll need an ice cube tray or silicone moulds. Leave a little space at the top, as liquids expand when they freeze. Once frozen, pop them out and store them in a resealable container.
Bone broth and greens: fill the moulds with 1–2 cups of bone broth. Gently cook and purée green vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, green beans or spinach, and swirl a spoonful into each mould. Freeze until solid.
Pumpkin and berries: mix 1–2 cups of pure pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling) with ½ cup of blueberries, raspberries or chopped strawberries. Spoon into the moulds and freeze.
Goat milk and banana: pour 1–2 cups of goat milk into the moulds. Freeze-dried raw goat milk, reconstituted with water, works well. Press in small pieces of banana and freeze.
Watermelon and apple: blend 2 cups of seedless watermelon, adding a little water if it's too thick. Pour into the moulds, press in small pieces of apple (core and seeds removed), and freeze. Read more in can dogs eat watermelon?.
Storage and serving: they keep for several weeks in the freezer. Give 1–2 a day, in moderation.
FROM MY EXPERIENCE
Wangcai's favourite frozen treat was coconut oil blended with a purée of different berries. It was simple, cooling, and a nice way to give him his coconut oil.
Ice cubes: gulpers vs chewers
Some dogs chew ice cubes happily, while others try to swallow them whole. If your dog is a gulper, use cubes small enough that they can't become a choking hazard, or ones big enough that they have to be chewed.
Turn it into a brain game
On very hot days, when walks have to be short, mental enrichment helps tire your dog out. Drop a few frozen treats into a big bowl of water and let your dog "bob" for them. You can also freeze water with chopped vegetables into ice cubes. Your dog fishes them out, then settles down to chew to get the food inside.
On hot days, coconut water is another easy way to add hydration.
These treats are an easy way to keep your dog cool, hydrated and mentally busy through Singapore's hot days. Try the recipes, or swap in your dog's favourite flavours.
Frequently asked questions
Can puppies have frozen treats?
Yes, in small amounts. Keep them small and watch that they chew rather than gulp.
Can cats have these?
The bone broth and goat milk treats are great for cats too. Skip the fruit ones.
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This article is for educational purposes and isn't a substitute for veterinary care. If you're concerned about your pet's health, please seek professional advice.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Judyvein Cheng, CPCN, BRNC
Judyvein is a Certified Professional Canine Nutritionist and Certified Raw Nutrition Coach for Cats & Dogs, and the founder of JOOF Holistic Pet. Her journey began with her Frenchie, Wangcai, and today she helps pet parents in Singapore take a root-cause approach to their pets' health.
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