Treating Your Dog For Dehydration
Author: Kirsten Hawkins

Dehydration in dogs can be a serious matter. Whether caused by
illness, exposure to heat, or a simple lack of fluid intake,
dehydration must be addressed immediately and, left untreated,
can cause multiple health problems including organ failure and
death. It is very easy for a dog to become dehydrated; easier
than many pet owners realize. Fortunately it is also easy to
prevent dehydration in dogs and it is very important to do so.


Dehydration is an excess loss of bodily fluids. It most often
involves the loss of water and minerals such as sodium,
chloride, and potassium; collectively called electrolytes.
Dehydration in dogs can be caused by illness (especially if the
dog has a fever), exposure to extreme heat, and a number of
other factors. A dog's natural act of panting causes a loss of
fluids and can result in dehydration if they are not replaced.
Remember that dogs lack sweat glands to keep them cool. They
pant in an effort to regulate their body temperature. A panting
dog is a hot dog.

Preventing Dog Dehydration:

The best way to prevent dehydration is to make sure your dog
has plenty of fresh water available. The dog should always have
at least one full bowl of water available at all times and, if
the dog has the run of the house, bowls in various locations
may be appropriate. If you live in a dry climate dogs should be
kept indoors as much as possible, especially in the hot summer
months. When they are outdoors it is imperative that dogs have
an available supply of fresh water. Moist foods also help
maintain appropriate levels of bodily fluids in dogs. Dry foods
are important for a dog's dental health, but moist foods are a
good idea as well.

Treating a Dehydrated Dog:

If you suspect that your dog is dehydrated, get it some water
immediately and then get it to the vet. Signs of dehydration
can include a lack of elasticity to the skin, dry and sunken
eyes, and a dry mouth and nose. Dehydrated dogs will also
experience a delay in capillary refill time. To test for this,
pull the dog's lip away from its gum (gently) and press a
finger against the gum until the area whitens. Release your
finger and the color should return to the area almost
immediately. A delay could be an indication of dehydration.

Lots of water is the best way to replace fluids, but a severely
dehydrated dog should not be allowed to take in large amounts at
once. This will result in vomiting and a further loss of fluids.
Instead let the dog drink small amounts over a period of time.
Electrolytes can be replaced with a hydrating solution.
Pedialyte, a water and electrolyte product sold for infants is
suitable for dogs as well. Of course any dog that seems
dehydrated or refuses to drink should be seen by a vet to
determine appropriate treatment and whether the dehydration is
a symptom of some other ailment.


About The Author: Kirsten Hawkins is a dog lover and animal
expert from Nashville, TN. Visit http://www.doghealth411.com/
for more information on dog health, the care of dogs, and dog
travel.