Dehydration is the result of an imbalance of electrolytes and water in an animal or human body. This often occurs during something as simple as a day of errand running with our pup, or after long periods of strenuous exercise out in the sun. It doesn’t often occur to us that pets suffer from dehydration, since we just assume they will take a drink when their bodily fluids are low. Because we are used to dogs and cats drinking water when they need to, pet owners rarely think of checking their pet to ensure that they have received the hydration needed. When you have been out for a long day, or aren’t sure the last time your pet was near their water bowl, stop what you are doing and find them some h2o. Dehydration is just as dangerous for pets as it is for humans. The moment you become aware of your dog or cat’s dehydration, immediate action is required to see that they replenish the fluids they need. Keep on the lookout for the below symptoms:
Symptoms of Dehydration
- Lethargy and exhaustion
- Loss of appetite, or interest in treats
- Dry mouth
- Sunken eyes
- No responses or reactions to any play, commands, etc.
Treatments for Dehydration
- Rebuild the balance by giving them a sports drink. If your pet is low on electrolytes, some owners like to give their dog or cat a sports drink, or electrolyte enhanced water. This will speed up the process of replenishing their hydration.
- Give them cubes. If your pet is very weak and in desperate need of water, sometimes they can gorge themselves on too much at once, and end up not being able to keep any of the water down. Putting ice cubes in the water bowl are a great way to rehydrate your pet slowly enough for them to be rehydrated in small increments.
- Check their mouths. Sometimes pets do not drink because there is a painful sore or infection in their mouth, or perhaps a briar, thorn or another pointy object. If they seem disinterested in the water, try checking their mouth for sores or sharp item that might be stuck inside.
- Avoid dehydration by bringing water with you. Many pet owners have found it helpful to bring a small bowl and bottle of water with them wherever they go, in case they find themselves away from home for too long. Portable water bottles are the most practical way to protect your pet from future dehydration.
Danger
Usually dehydration is easy enough to correct through the above suggestions. However, in some cases, animals will urgently need to see a vet when the symptoms are severe. One quick way to determine how serious the dehydration is, would be to gently pull up on the skin of your dog or cat’s back. In balanced conditions the skin will recede back to it’s normal place when you let go of it. If the skin stays in place when you have let the pulled skin up, then your pets may be dangerously dehydrated. Such a situation is serious enough to merit a trip to the vet. Don’t wait until it’s too late!
