Dog dehydration can have disastrous effects! Learn how to recognize dehydration in dogs and how to keep your pet healthy and hydrated.
What Is Dehydration In Dogs?
Dehydration happens when a dog loses more water than it takes in, leaving the body with insufficient water levels. Like most mammals, dogs need to drink regularly to stay hydrated. Your dog will continually lose body water throughout the day as a result of breathing and urinating, and this needs to be replaced.
Dogs can become dehydrated for a variety of reasons, such as extreme heat, illness, or a lack of access to water. If you are a dog owner, it is crucial to be able to quickly spot the signs of dehydration and act quickly if you suspect your dog may be suffering from excessive thirst. If left untreated, dehydration can cause life-threatening health issues including heatstroke and collapse.
How To Tell If Your Dog Is Dehydrated
The skin elasticity test is the simplest technique to determine whether your dog is dehydrated. Gently take hold of a skin fold between the shoulder blades and slowly pull it upward. If it doesn’t immediately return to position when you let go, your dog may be dehydrated.
Other signs of dehydration in dogs to look out for include:
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Excessive panting
- Sunken eyes
- Dry nose and gums.
If you suspect that your dog is dehydrated, offer water but do not force it to drink. Remember that dehydration can be fatal if left untreated, so contact your veterinarian for advice if you are concerned.
How To Keep Your Dog Hydrated In Hot Weather
In an effort to stay cool during hot weather, dogs lose a lot of bodily fluids through panting. Put water bowls in various shady areas of the home and yard, and fill them up with clean, fresh water on a regular basis.
Pet fountains are a great method to get your dog to drink more. You can also give your pooch hydrating treats made of water, like watermelon, to boost their water intake.
During spells of hot weather, ensure your dog has plenty of cool places to rest. Reduce the length of your daily walks to a quick stroll during cooler hours of the day.
If you’re worried that your dog isn’t drinking enough, Maven’s vet team is here to lend you a hand! However, if you notice any unusual or concerning symptoms that might indicate dehydration, it’s best to get them checked out straight away.
Maven Pet focuses on improving the quality of life of our pets with technology, using artificial intelligence (AI) to enable proactive pet care. By accurately collecting and monitoring pet data 24/7 and flagging any irregularities, Maven Pet empowers pet parents and veterinarians to stay ahead of potential health issues, ensuring the well-being and longevity of our beloved companions.
