Dogs are among the most active pet animals. Sometimes, their desire to do things overruns their energy stocks, which obviously meant that they often require a lot of energy beyond what their bodies can naturally provide. As an owner you are required to be well aware of your dog’s food and water needs. Even after constant care, it is natural for your dog to suffer rare dehydration. This could happen if your pet has performed more activities than the usual, is feeling more tired, and/or is having trouble acclimatizing to the summer season. The question that arises then is, “Do you realize your dog is dehydrated?” Find out the answer to your question in.
What Causes Dehydration?
Before we learn about the symptoms, let us first learn about the causes of dehydration. Similar to the causes observed in human dehydration, dehydration in dogs occurs when the level of fluids crashes. If the amount of water intake is less than the amount of activity done, dehydration can be caused. It can also be caused if the body is overheated due to the hot weather. Other causes for dehydration can be excess vomiting and diarrhea.
What Are Its Effects?
You may wonder why your dog seems to be inactive some days. It is because dehydration takes a toll on your pet. There is an unusual decline your pet’s volume of blood circulation. This phenomenon creates an imbalance in the level of electrolytes present in the bodily fluids that are enclosed in the inside and outside of the cells. Thus, it affects the organs and system of the dog.
85% of dogs have been insured in America to provide for the expensive medical costs associated with treatments of severe dehydration, among other pet diseases. Refer to this pet insurance comparative chart to find the best insurance for your pet.
Look for the Warning Signs
Dehydration can be immediately detected in dogs by paying attention to the following 5 warning signs.
- Sunken Eyes.
Sunken eyes would indicate that your dog is struggling to stay awake. This is due to the chemical imbalance in its body. Your pet will experience lethargy and sleepiness. You will notice inactiveness in its body and weariness. You will also find your dog lying around depressed in the house more than it usually does.
- Loss In Appetite.
You will notice that your dog is experiencing a loss in appetite. Your dog will eat less than it normally does. In some cases, the dog may eat more than it normally does. Eating more can also be harmful for your dog’s health. This is the most common sign of dehydration in dogs.
- Repeated Thirst.
Your pet will feel thirsty, repeatedly. This is because it will have a dry mouth. Since dogs are depressed during dehydration, they experience a decrease in the level of fluids. The water level can be restored if water intake is increased during this time. Head over to this guide to know how much water your dog should be drinking.
- Loose Skin.
Dehydration causes loss of elasticity in the skin. Feel the skin of your dog and see whether it is loose or tight. You will notice your companion’s skin has loosened if it is dehydrated.
- Vomiting and Diarrhea.
Before dogs vomit, the abdominal muscles, quite strongly, get contracted. This happens several times before the food ejects your pet’s body. Loss of water causes indigestion of food and thus, vomiting as well as diarrhea.
Treatment Prescribed For Elimination.
Give your dog one tablespoon of electrolyte-restoring drinks like Gatorade or Pedialyte every one hour for each 10 of its pounds. If your dog is of 40 pounds, give it 4 tablespoons. If this does not restore the water level, visit a vet immediately.
About Author:
Susan Combs is a Pet Health and Safety expert. Her specialties include keeping up with important issues regarding pet health and pet care, working closely with pet parents to find answers concerning training, grooming and caring for specific breeds of dogs and cats.
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Dehydration is nothing to take lightly! Great post aND graphics.
Thank you for the info. This is a very important topic that pet parents need to pay attention to.
The boys stay indoors and still drink a lot of water during the day. We also carry bottled water on our walks just to be safe. Great information and infographics.
Great info! In Belgium, we have some very warm days, but on average it’s quite OK for dogs! But I heard that the temperatures are crazy in America!! Take care of your fur friends <3!!
I worry about it as small dogs tend to get dehydrated more easily. I check Mr. N’s gums a lot.
Thanks. The info-graphic is really helpful. We are pretty careful with Ruby, but this is a great reminder to be vigilant during the summer.
Dehydration can be a serious problem for people and animals. Thanks for sharing these tips!
This is a wonderful article. I had no idea how low the temps can be to cause harm. I never would of thought 75 degrees might now agree with my large doodle. Great info!
Having lived in Israel most of my life I am paranoid when it comes to dehydration so when out with Layla I always have water for her to make sure she does not dehydrate, thanks for this post
Thanks for sharing this info. Pet parents really need to know this.
People need to be up to speed on everything DOG don’t they. This is really important!
Important reminder. Dehydration and heatstroke can happen quickly on a hot day.
I love that more and more bloggers are sharing the word of the importance of water for pets. It is an epidemic and so many pets get dehydrated. I am glad you wrote this.
This is such an important PSA to share and your post includes so much information.
We take hydration very seriously, especially in the hot summer months in the south.
This is great information. I will definitely be sharing it because it is super important!
I have to be very careful with Kilo the Pug. I add water to meals and sometimes add chicken flavour or give smoothies or ices. We take all heat safety tips seriously.
Dehydration is such a scary thing! It doesn’t always have the obvious symptoms you think it is going to have – even in humans. Prevention is very important! I love the charts and graphs you used. They really make the problem easier to understand.
Pet parents are so busy these days, I think filling the water bowl or noticing the signs of dehydration could easily be overlooked. Thanks for this info and reminder.
Dehydration is a problem that many owners cannot detect. Great information here!
Great information, I should concern about this, Thanks for sharing