Dehydration in dogs: Symptoms, how to prevent it and what to do if your dog is dehydrated
WHAT YOU READ IN THE TEXT:
-What is dehydration and why does it occur?
-Why is dehydration in dogs a serious problem?
-What are the signs of dehydration in puppies and adult dogs?
-What should I do if my dog is dehydrated?
-Causes of dehydration in dogs
-Causes of dehydration in puppies
-How is dehydration treated in dogs?
-How can I prevent dehydration in my dog?
As with humans, water plays a crucial role in the life and health of our four-legged friends.
Water helps regulate body temperature, supports organ function, facilitates digestion and keeps our pets' bodies hydrated. Without enough water, a dog can quickly become dehydrated, which can have serious consequences and can even be fatal if not treated in time.
It is vital to recognise the signs of dehydration so you can provide the right care when needed. Below you can read everything you need to know about dehydration in dogs and how to prevent it from happening.
What is dehydration and why does it occur in dogs?
Dehydration occurs when a dog loses more fluid than it takes in. Water can be lost through breathing, urination, defecation, vomiting and even evaporation through the soles of the feet.
When a dog becomes dehydrated, it loses the ability to regulate its body temperature.
In addition, dehydration causes imbalances and electrolyte imbalances. Dehydrated dogs often have low levels of sodium, chloride and potassium in their blood. These electrolytes are essential for transporting nutrients to the cells and support muscle function and nerve activity.
Why is dehydration in dogs a serious problem?
Severe dehydration can be life-threatening as it can lead to organ failure, such as the heart, liver and kidneys.
If you own a puppy, you should know that they are more prone to dehydration because of their low body weight. Moreover, puppies have a lot of energy, which means they need enough water to stay hydrated throughout the day.
If you notice signs of dehydration in your dog, offer him a small amount of water and contact your vet immediately.
Read on to find out how to recognise when your pet is dehydrated.
What are the signs of dehydration in puppies and adult dogs?
Here are a few things you can check at home to determine if your dog is dehydrated:
Skin elasticity test
The elasticity of your pet's skin can tell you whether he or she is dehydrated or not.
Gently pull some of the loose skin on the back of your pet's neck or above the shoulder blades and then release.
In well-hydrated dogs, loose skin immediately returns to its original shape. The skin of dehydrated dogs takes longer to come back into place and is likely to look like a "tent" above the neck or shoulder blades.
Sticky, lifeless gums
If your pet allows it, look at the gums.
Healthy gums should be pink, shiny and moist. Try to touch your pet's gums - if your finger sticks to the gums, this could be a sign of dehydration.
Dry nose
The dog's nose should be moist. If your furry friend's nose is dry, it could be an indication of dehydration or another medical problem, such as a skin infection.
Thick, sticky saliva
Normal saliva in a dog's mouth should be watery and thin. When a dog is dehydrated, saliva is usually thick and sticky and sticks in the mouth.
Collapsed eyes
"Collapsed" and dry eyes in dogs are often a sign of severe dehydration, which occurs when the amount of moisture in the fat pads behind the eyes decreases, leading to the eyes being pulled into the eye socket.
Excessive panting
Dogs usually pant to cool down.
If your dog is panting more than usual, it could be a sign of dehydration, but it could also indicate pain, anxiety or a chronic medical condition, such as Cushing's syndrome.
If your dog is panting excessively and this persists for some time, contact your vet.
Lethargy
Dehydrated dogs become very weak and lethargic and usually just lie down. They are not interested in playing, running or jumping; instead, they try to conserve their energy to avoid further dehydration.
If you notice that your dog is lethargic, it is possible that it is due to dehydration, but remember that this behaviour could also indicate another medical cause.
What can I do if my dog dehydrates?
If your pet is only slightly dehydrated because he has sticky gums, but otherwise shows no other symptoms, offer him a small amount of cold drinking water. Do not give him a large amount of water at once, as he may drink too quickly and vomit.
If you have a small dog, give him 1 teaspoon of water every few hours. For a medium or large dog, you can offer 1 spoonful to ¼ cup of water every few hours.
If you suspect that your dog is moderately or severely dehydrated and shows other symptoms, such as drowsiness, decreased or increased urination, vomiting, diarrhoea or loss of appetite, call your local vet or an emergency veterinary clinic immediately.
It is very important to consult a vet immediately if you suspect dehydration. Also make sure you give the vet all the important information, such as whether your dog has been outside in the heat for some time and what symptoms he is showing.
Causes of dehydration in dogs
There are several causes of dehydration in dogs, and these are the most common:
Heat stroke
Heat stroke occurs when the dog's body temperature rises above 41°C due to exposure to intense heat. This can occur after heavy physical activity in high temperatures, when the dog is left in a vehicle or during uncontrolled and constant seizures, for example epileptic seizures.
All dogs are at risk, but overweight and dogs with brachycephalic syndrome are at higher risk of heatstroke.
If you cannot offer your pet a cool space or access to drinking water, it is best to leave him at home, even if you are only going away for a short time.
IMPORTANT!
Never leave your pet in an enclosed vehicle, even if the temperature outside is 15°C. Dogs can develop heat stroke within 15-20 minutes in an enclosed vehicle, even if the windows are slightly open.
Insufficient water intake
Fresh water should always be available for your dog, especially when exposed to high temperatures.
If your pet does not get enough water to meet its daily needs, there is a high risk of dehydration.
Check your dog's food bowl regularly and make sure it is filled with fresh, clean water, both inside and outside.
Persistent vomiting or diarrhoea
When your pet vomits constantly and/or has diarrhoea for various reasons, it loses large amounts of body fluids, which can lead to dehydration.
Dogs that lose body fluids through vomiting or diarrhoea cannot drink enough water to compensate for the loss of fluid and, if not treated quickly, will become dehydrated.
If your dog vomits or has diarrhoea for 24 hours or more, be sure to take him for a check-up at the vet.
Chronic diseases
Dogs suffering from kidney disease, Cushing's disease or diabetes are prone to dehydration and often drink more water than normal.
Even with increased water intake, dogs with these chronic diseases are usually still dehydrated.
Besides making sure your pet always has access to drinking water, you can also give him wet food, as this helps to increase the amount of liquid the dog absorbs.
If you notice that your dog suddenly starts drinking and urinating more than usual, or has problems urinating in the house, make an appointment with the vet as soon as possible to find out the underlying causes of these symptoms.
Causes of dehydration in puppies
Besides the previously mentioned causes of dehydration that apply to dogs of all ages, there are also some common causes specific to puppies.
Parvovirus
Parvovirus is an extremely contagious intestinal infection virus that often leads to lethargy, decreased appetite and severe bloody diarrhoea and vomiting.
Puppies infected with parvovirus are often dehydrated due to the persistent vomiting and diarrhoea caused by this virus. To prevent this virus from attacking your pet, it is important to vaccinate your dog and keep him away from public places until he has received all the necessary vaccines.
Obstruction by foreign objects
Puppies are very curious and interested in everything around them. They instinctively do not know what they should and should not eat, and therefore they are more prone to eating things like stones, carpets, socks, and so on.
With obstruction caused by a foreign body, it is common for dogs to vomit food and water within 30 minutes of eating or drinking, which can lead to severe dehydration.
Intestinal parasites
Compared to adult dogs, puppies are more often diagnosed with intestinal parasites. This is because puppies often get parasites through breast milk during suckling.
Moreover, puppies are more susceptible to contracting parasites from the environment before they are old enough to take preventive medicine against heartworm, which protects against intestinal parasites.
Finally, puppies' immune system is weaker than that of adult dogs and they usually show symptoms of parasites faster than adult dogs. Therefore, it is important to strengthen your pet's immune system so that it can defend itself against unwanted invaders.
However, it is important to remember that dogs of all ages are susceptible to intestinal parasites. The most common intestinal parasites are worms, tapeworms, coccidia and giardia.
How is dehydration treated in dogs?
In most cases, dehydration in dogs requires veterinary intervention.
Your vet will determine the cause of dehydration based on the medical history, a detailed examination and the necessary diagnostic tests.
There are two ways vets treat dehydration:
- Subcutaneous injection of fluids
- Intravenous administration through an IV catheter
In this way, lost body fluids are replenished and electrolytes are balanced. The method of fluid administration depends on the severity of dehydration (mild or severe).
How can I prevent dehydration in my dog?
Here are some ways to make sure your four-legged friend is always well hydrated:
- Ensure access to fresh and clean water at all times. Make sure your dog always has drinking water available. Remember to check water intake daily to confirm he is drinking enough.
- Offer extra water during play or in high temperatures. Limit the time your dog is exposed to high temperatures and make sure he gets plenty of water in such situations.
- Stay up to date on vaccinations and parasite prevention.
- Pay attention to the food your dog eats. Make sure your dog does not eat inappropriate things such as fatty human food, objects, leftover plates, rubbish and various toxins such as chocolate, onions or grapes.
- Take your dog for regular vet checks. It is advisable to have an annual health check-up at the vet, and in older dogs it is best to go every six months.
Conclusion
Dehydration in dogs is a serious problem with potentially dangerous consequences for the health of our furry friends.
Therefore, it is important to learn to recognise the signs of dehydration so that you can react in time. The good news is that by taking certain steps and paying extra attention during the summer months, you can ensure that your pet is safe from dehydration.
If you notice any of the symptoms of dehydration, it is crucial to take your dog to the vet as soon as possible.