Dog Dehydration Signs, 5 Warning Signs of Dog Dehydration

Do you know how to tell if your dog is dehydrated? 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. Knowing the dog dehydration signs is crucial. Hence why we bring you these 5 warning signs of dog dehydration. 

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.

Dog Dehydration Signs

Dehydration can be immediately detected in dogs by paying attention to the following 5 warning signs of dog dehydration for how to tell if a dog is dehydrated.

• 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.

Looking for other summer related articles? Check out our Natural Flea and Tick Control article. 

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.