Dehydration in Dogs
During the dog days of summer, it is relatively easy for your pup to become dehydrated. This can easily happen when dogs lose more fluids than they drink. Having enough water is critical for your dog’s body to function properly. A few of water’s many functions in the body including keeping body temperature in check, lubricating joints, and helping dogs to digest their food. Without water, it would be impossible for its cells to absorb nutrients.
What Happens in Your Dog’s Body Due to Dehydration
If a dog’s fluid intake is not great enough to make up for how much water is being lost, the amount of blood that is being produced by the body becomes diminished. This means that less oxygen is being delivered to their tissue and organs.
Another consequence of dehydration in dogs is that their electrolyte levels go down. Potassium, sodium, and chloride are needed by your dog’s body for several reasons. They help to balance the body’s pH, help their muscles function properly, transport nutrients, and regulate their nervous system.
If a dog becomes too dehydrated, the severity of the case may cause kidney failure or even death.
Dehydration Causes
Logically, the most common cause of dehydration in dogs happens when a dog doesn’t drink enough water. This could be happening either because he isn’t being given enough access to drinking water, or the dog could be refusing to drink water. Always make sure to leave enough clean and fresh water out for your dog, whether you are going to be home or not.
Your pup may also become dehydrated as a result of vomiting and diarrhea. If your dog has suffered from heat stroke or some other illness and has had a fever, dehydration may accompany their condition.
There are also specific dogs who are at an increased risk of becoming dehydrated. According to the AKC, toy breeds have an increased risk. Nursing females, senior dogs, and puppies also need extra attention to make sure they don’t become dehydrated.
Symptoms of Dehydration in Dogs
It would certainly be nice if dogs could tell us how they are feeling, such as the fact that they are thirsty. Since that isn’t possible, as a responsible dog owner, it is critical to look for signs that your dog may be dehydrated. The following are symptoms of dehydration in dogs:
- Lethargic and doesn’t want to eat
- Skin is no longer elastic
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Panting
- Dry, sunken-in eyes
- Dry gums
- Thick saliva
- Dry nose
One of the best ways to test for dehydration is to do a skin elasticity test. Simply hold a patch of your dog’s skin, near its shoulders. Raise it upward, and then release it. Your dog’s skin should fall naturally back into place. If the skin takes some time to go into its original position, your dog is likely dehydrated.
Preventing Dehydration in Dogs
The only way to protect your dog from becoming dehydrated is to make sure he or she is getting plenty of fresh, cool water at all times. Do whatever it takes to make sure that your dog is drinking its water. Some dogs like ice cubes in their water, and others enjoy a little chicken broth for taste.
If you aren’t sure how much water to give to your dog, ask your veterinarian. However, in general, your dog may require one ounce of water per day for every pound of their body weight.