Healthy, Happy, And Hydrated: The Dangers Of Dehydration

Caring for your dog can be challenging at times. Not only will you need to feed, walk, and train this new family member, but your dog will also require periodic medical care to keep them healthy and happy for many years to come. Certain conditions will display noticeable signs, allowing you to seek out medical care quickly. However, other health concerns may not as noticeable. Although surprising, dehydration is a common problem that can become life threatening quickly, especially if your dog loses 12 percent or more of its body weight in water. Fortunately, your dog will show some early warning signs of dehydration. With this guide, you will understand the causes, signs, and treatment options for dehydration in dogs.

Dehydration 101

Water plays an imperative role in your body, but your dog and all other living things require it as well. From regulating the core body temperature and transferring nutrients to flushing out waste and toxins, the importance of water is easy to see. Unfortunately, the body's systems will not function properly without a sufficient amount of water.

Water is depleted from the body throughout the day. Running, playing, panting, and using the bathroom will all decrease the amount of water in your dog's body, so having a continuous supply is essential for preventing dehydration.

Certain diseases that cause vomiting and diarrhea can also increase your dog's risk of dehydration. If your dog has diabetes, kidney disease, or cancer, make sure they have a continuous supply of clean water.

Signs of Dehydration

You will most likely know when your body requires water and a family member will be able to tell you they are experiencing the signs of dehydration. Unfortunately, your dog will not be able to communicate their need for water, so it will be up to you to learn the signs of dehydration.

If your dog is showing the following signs, they are likely in need of water:

• Panting
• Loss of appetite
• Reduced energy
• Sunken eyes
• Dry eyes
• Dry, swollen gums

Check your dog's gums carefully if you believe they are dehydrated. Use your finger to press on the gum tissue. In hydrated dogs, the gums will appear white for a second before turning back to a normal pink color. If your dog is dehydrated, blood will not move back into the gum tissue until later, causing the gums to appear lighter in color for a longer period of time.

You can also test your dog's skin to determine if they are dehydrated. Pinch an area of their skin between your thumb and forefinger. Be very gentle. Once released, the skin should spring back to its original position. If the skin takes longer to spring back to position, your dog's skin is lacking elasticity due to dehydration.

Treating Dehydration

The first thing you should do if you feel your dog is dehydrated is to check their water bowl. If it is empty, fill it immediately with clean water. If the bowl is full, make sure they know where their water is located. If they are not drinking the water, contact the veterinarian because there could be an underlying medical issue to address.

If your dog stays outdoors, bring them inside when temperatures are high. The excessive heat can lead to heatstroke, which causes your dog to pant and drool, reducing their body's water content quickly.

Consult the veterinarian if your dog's dehydration is due to excessive vomiting, diarrhea, or other illnesses. The veterinarian may recommend intravenous fluids that contain electrolytes, which not only hydrate your dog, but also improve their energy level.

Understanding the importance of water will help you learn the dangers of dehydration. This guide and your veterinarian's help will ensure your dog is continuously hydrated, healthy, and happy. You can pop over to this website to learn more about veterinary services and help.