Dehydration in Pets: What Pet Parents Need to Know
Dehydration [dee-hahy-drey-shuhn] noun: an abnormal loss of water from the body
On a regular day, your dog’s natural activities will make them lose fluids. Panting, breathing, urinating and evaporation from their paws will make your dog lose fluid throughout the day and this is completely normal. Sweat happens, but when your dog’s body loses more water than it takes in, dehydration begins to take effect on their body.
What is dehydration in dogs?
When a dog’s body gets to the point where normal fluid intake fails to make up for water loss, the blood flow and the volume of fluids are reduced. Dehydration also results in a loss of electrolytes in your dog’s body, which includes sodium, chloride and potassium. Electrolytes in the body become unbalanced and negatively impact the ability of the muscles and internal organs to function properly.
What are the symptoms of dehydration in dogs?
One of the classic ways to check for hydration in your dog is by doing the skin elasticity test. Gently pull up on your dog’s skin near their shoulder blades and let it go. A hydrated dog's skin will instantly fall back into its original position. If the skin stays tented up or flattens very slowly, dehydration may already be setting in.
Other signs that may point to dehydration in your dog include:
Loss of appetite
Vomiting
Reduced energy levels and lethargy
Panting excessively
Dry nose
Sunken, dry-looking eyes
Dry, sticky gums
Immediate veterinary care is needed if your dog is experiencing any of these symptoms:
Increased heart rate
Vomiting and diarrhea
Excessive tiredness
Wobbling when getting up or walking
Extremely dry, dark red or pale gums
Acting confused or disoriented
Collapse
What causes dehydration in dogs?
The main cause for dehydration is a lack of water intake, which can occur if a dog doesn’t have proper access to water or won’t drink enough. All dogs are at risk for dehydration if they do not eat or drink enough water. If you’re dog is struggling with their water intake, it could be due to these factors:
An underlying illness (such as heatstroke, nausea, diabetes or kidney disease)
Lethargy
Pain
Vomiting or diarrhea
Excessive panting
Increased urination
How is dehydration treated?
If your dog is experiencing mild dehydration, follow these guidelines to help hydrate them again:
Offer small amounts of water every few minutes on a spoon or in a syringe if your dog isn’t drinking on their own. If they are drinking on their own, let them be.
Avoid large gulps and don’t let your dog drink too quickly, as it can lead to vomiting.
Consider an electrolyte solution if your dog won’t drink plain water. You can try a low-sodium electrolyte mix or add broth to their drinking water to help replenish fluids, but always ask your vet before trying anything.
If your dog cannot keep any fluids down, is consistently vomiting or you suspect them to have heatstroke, you need to call your veterinarian immediately as this could be a medical emergency.
How can I help prevent dehydration in my dog?
Make sure they have a constant supply of clean, clear water at all times including when you take them outside. You may need to refresh their water more frequently while outside to keep it clear and fresh.
Some dogs drink more than others while some dogs are more picky about their water. You may need to cycle through a couple of different water bowls or placement of water bowls to find the sweet spot for your picky drinker.
You can try to flavor their water with bone broth or give your dog ice cubes to chew on to help with their water intake.
Depending on the weather, temperature, activity level and exercise that day, your dog may need more water than usual. If you are out and about, make sure you have extra water for everyone.
Offer your dog treats with higher water content such as watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew or strawberries. Remember to always remove any seeds before giving your dog any fruit.
By being aware of the signs, causes, and prevention methods for dehydration, you can take proactive steps to ensure your dog remains healthy and hydrated. If you ever suspect your dog is severely dehydrated, do not hesitate to contact your veterinarian immediately for professional guidance and treatment.
When it comes to those hot summer walks, Going Mutts Pet Services puts your pets' hydration as our first priority. We always make sure to carry extra water, monitor for signs of heat stress, adjust our pace and routes based on temperature and prioritize shade and rest breaks. Let us help take care of your pet care needs by contacting us through our website or sending us an email to info@goingmuttspetservices.com.
Sources:
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/warning-signs-dehydration-dogs/
https://www.hillspet.com/dog-care/healthcare/dehydration-in-dogs?lightboxfired=true#
https://www.zoetispetcare.com/blog/article/signs-dehydration-dogs
