Dehydration in dogs occurs much the same was as dehydration in humans does; insufficient water in the body. Dehydration can cause serious health complications for pets and humans alike.
Did you know that you need to ensure that man’s best friend has a proper daily fluid intake in order to maintain appropriate health? Water makes up approximately 80% of your dog’s body and aids in most of the biological processes, including dissolving natural and unnatural substances, digestion, circulation, and waste removal.
Dehydration in Dogs
When the fluid level in a dog drops below normal levels due to overheating from extreme temperatures, illness or an increase in physical exercise, a dog could become dehydrated. Dehydration is especially prevalent in puppies, either from too little water intake or increased fluid loss due to a bad bout of vomiting or diarrhoea.
A dog left in a hot car without fresh air or drinking water will get dehydrated very quickly, and this could lead to illness and even death, which is why it is NEVER a good idea to leave your dog locked up in your car, even for just a few minutes.
General Symptoms of Dehydration in Dogs
- Depression
- Dry mouth
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Sunken eyes
What To Do If I Your Dog Is Dehydrated
Lifting the skin on the back of your dog’s neck or between the shoulder blades could be an indication of dehydration; if the skin returns to its normal position immediately the dog is not dehydrated, if not it could be.
Diagnosing dehydration is not always that easy though, and could be an indication of an underlying problem, so the best is to take your dog to the vet for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Dogs Prone to Dehydration
Elderly dogs, pregnant or nursing dogs, diabetic dogs whose condition is not regularly monitored and dogs that suffer from various illnesses such as infectious disease, kidney disorders and cancer are all at risk of dehydration.
To prevent dehydration in dogs, always ensure that there is an accessible source of clean, fresh water from which they can drink, and remember to wash the bowl daily to prevent the formation of bacteria in their water.
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