Dehydration in Dogs and How to Avoid It

What exactly is dog dehydration?

Dehydration is a common and potentially fatal condition in dogs. It is caused by a lack of water and electrolytes, as well as a loss of fluid. It necessitates immediate veterinary care. Dehydration, if left untreated, can cause serious organ damage and even death.

If you suspect your dog is dehydrated, contact your veterinarian or, if it is after hours, your nearest Vets Now immediately for assistance.

What causes dog dehydration?

If dogs do not eat or drink enough, they are at risk of dehydration. Your dog may refuse to drink for a variety of reasons, including:

• Underlying diseases such as (heat stroke or a fever)
• Nausea, Lethargy, and Pain
• Fluid loss due to vomiting, diarrhea, or panting
• Urine passes more frequently and in larger volumes than usual (as a result of kidney failure, diabetes, and other internal problems, which often cause animals to drink more).

However, if they are suffering from the aforementioned internal problems, drinking more is usually insufficient to compensate for the large volume of fluid they are losing. If your dog's urination or drinking habits change, you must seek veterinary care immediately.

Is my dog dehydrated?

Dehydration symptoms in dogs include:

• Sunken pupils
• Parched gums
• Lethargy
• Weakness
• Skin elasticity loss

How to Check your dog for Dehydration?

To see if your dog is dehydrated, pinch a small area of skin on their back or the top of their head with your thumb and forefinger. When you release the skin, it should spring back if it is well hydrated. As the skin loses moisture, it returns to its original position more slowly. It does not recover at all in the most severe cases of dehydration.

A 'skin tent' is a reduction in the elasticity of your pet's skin. Emaciated or obese animals frequently have a mild 'skin tent'.  This does not always imply that they are dehydrated. This can be difficult to assess in older animals, those with thick or long-haired coats, or breeds with thick or long-haired coats.

How is canine dehydration treated?

If your vet suspects your dog is dehydrated, they will most likely perform a full head-to-toe examination. The goal is to determine the severity of the dehydration and the potential cause. The cause could be obvious, such as a stomach ache or heat stroke. In other cases, you may simply have the impression that your pet isn't quite right. Your veterinarian will almost certainly recommend some tests, such as blood tests, x-rays, and ultrasound scans.

Why would my veterinarian collect a blood sample to test for dehydration?

A blood sample is a quick and easy way to determine the severity of your pet's dehydration, as well as to determine the cause and the appropriate treatment. The blood is usually drawn from a vein in one of your pet's front legs or the jugular vein, a large vein in their neck.

A small patch of fur is commonly clipped to assist the vet in locating the vein. If the sample is taken from the leg, a small bandage is usually applied to prevent further bleeding. This bandage is usually removed within a few hours.

How do veterinarians rehydrate dogs?

The most effective way to treat dehydration in pets is to put them on a drip. This will replenish any lost fluids and prevent further dehydration.

A different method of rehydrating dogs is to inject fluid under their skin to form a "camel-shaped" hump. This fluid gets absorbed over several hours. However, it is less effective than a drip at correcting dehydration and is only appropriate for mild cases.

Oral rehydration solutions can also be used, but they are only beneficial if your pet is still thirsty and able to keep the fluid down. Depending on your pet's symptoms, antibiotics, anti-sickness medications, and pain relief may be required. You should talk about it to your vet for the best results.

How long can dogs go without drinking water?

It depends on the dog's size, breed, and condition, but even healthy dogs will struggle to go for more than a few days without water. Dogs with health issues, such as kidney disease, are more vulnerable.

Dogs should have access to fresh water throughout the day. They should drink 50 to 60ml of water per kilogram of body weight per day as a general rule.

You can always visit our shop which is amongst the best dog shop in Jaipur. We are also considered a reputed dog seller in Jaipur. You can even buy a dog online in Jaipur at your convenience by the service provided by us. 

Aside from keeping our dogs' vaccines up to date and providing them with healthy dog food, you can get them at our dog food shop in Jaipur. They also need exercise, and regular veterinarian examinations, we can't always keep our dogs from getting sick.

Put away items that can be eaten, such as socks and other inedible objects, as well as garbage, such as corn cobs, which can cause blockages, and close all garbage lids. However, understanding the importance of providing our dogs with easy access to fresh water and knowing the signs of dehydration can help us prevent and detect dehydration before it becomes dangerous.