Dehydration is when the body becomes starved for water and begins to use up its internal resources of water. This can be as or more dangerous to our pets as it can be to us. Water is at the root of all biological activity and is used for such things as blood and oxygen circulation, digestion and elimination to mention only a few of the things a body uses it
for. Dehydration occurs quickest when an animal experiences over-heating in hot weather without relief, especially when there is no water to drink for the animal. Water loss accelerates in that situation and the need for intake of water increases greatly. Other causes of dehydration are a siege of vomiting or diarrhea, especially in younger pets. Their desire to drink may not be present
in those cases and thus unattended, it continues to worsen. Symptoms of dehydration are: - Loss of appetite
- Dry mouth
- Depression; laying around with no interest playing or their toys or owners.
- Lethargy; seemingly lazy, wishing not to move, letting you step around them instead of normally getting up to greet you as they might usually do. No interest in surroundings.
- Dull, lifeless eyes, open but not observing their surroundings.
Dehydration can occur at any time during hot weather, especially when there is no water readily available to the pet but a lack of water is not necessary for dehydration to set in. The ASPCA says “... detect dehydration at home by gently lifting the skin on the back of your dog’s neck or between the shoulder blades - unless your dog is seriously overweight
or very thin, it should immediately return to a normal position. If he is lacking in fluids, the lifted skin may not quickly return to normal. ... “ But, often only your vet can determine whether your pet’s problem is dehydration or some other problem. If you suspect your pet is dehydrated, get it to a veterinarian as soon as possible! It could be a very serious problem.
If your pet/s are elderly, you should watch them more closely for signs of dehydration and limit their access to areas where it could become a problem for them.
And ALWAYS have cool, fresh, water available to your pet 24/7! Check the supply often and keep it replenished and free of contamination or possible pollutants and germs.
You need to: - Provide clean, fresh and cool water at all times.
- Wash out the water bowl on a daily basis
- Monitor your pet’s water intake; the average is an ounce per pound of body weight daily.
- Ask your veterinarian about any sudden changes in water intake.
- Remember, playtime or exercising will increase the need for water so be sure plenty is available at all times.
- In this author’s opinion, never tie a
dog outside as they can easily get themselves wrapped up somehow in a way that the tie will no longer let them reach their waterbowl.
- Make sure that nothing can happen that would push the water bowl beyond reach of your pet, or spill it, leaving them without water.
- The ASPCA also says to
never let you dog drink from the toilet bowl due to the bacteria present there.
Dehydration in dogs, which occurs due to an excessive loss of body fluids, is a common and dangerous condition that needs to be immediately addressed. If left untreated, dehydration can lead to serious consequences, including organ failure and death. For this reason, pet parents should
learn to recognize the signs of dehydration and how to respond to it The information I’ve provided above comes from a combination of places, but in general each of the following links will provide more targeted, more inclusive information about dehydration.
N O T E : Never trust ANY source on the internet, regardless of the claimed credentials it may have. Before you try
ANYTHING suggested in the following links, be absolutely certain you first check with your own veterinarian about whether it is a safe and productive thing to do for your animal. NEVER expect ANY website to be the final word on anything, especially when it comes to your irreplaceable pets. http://dog-care.suite101.com/article.cfm/dogs_and_dehydration http://www.the-happy-dog-spot.com/dehydration-in-dogs.html http://www.doggienews.com/lib/health/dehydration-dogs.htm http://www.doctordog.com/dogbook/dogdehyd.html top
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