Dehydration in dogs can lead to a number of health problems and even become life-threatening if untreated.
But what causes dehydration in dogs?
Insufficient Drinking
Illness Or Injury
Excessive Heat Or Exercise
How can you tell if you dog is dehydrated?
Lethargy And Weakness
One thing to look out for is a lack of energy. A dehydrated dog can appear weak and have little energy. So if your dog seems to be sluggish or uninterested in play, it’s time to investigate further.
Loss Of Appetite
Another warning sign is if your dog starts to refuse meals. This could mean they are not feeling well and might be experiencing dehydration. If your dog loses interest in even his favourite treats, it’s a pretty sure sign that he’s not feeling his best and could be dehydrated.
Thick Saliva
Dehydration can also cause your dog’s saliva to become thicker than usual. When dogs don’t get enough fluids, their bodies can’t produce enough saliva to keep their mouths moist. The result? Thick, sticky drool. So if you notice your dogs saliva becoming unusually thick, it’s time to offer them plenty of fresh water.
There’s are a couple of simple tests you can do yourself to see if your dog’s dehydrated.
- Pinch together the loose skin on the back of his neck. If the skin doesn’t immediately pop back into place but seems to stick together a bit, your dog is showing signs of dehydration.
- Check your dog’s gums. If they seem sticky or tacky, your dog is probably dehydrated. You can also press your finger against the gums. When you remove your finger, watch the little white patch your finger leaves to see how quickly it turns pink again. That’s called the capillary refill rate. In a healthy dog, it will go back to pink almost immediately, but it’ll take longer if your dog’s dehydrated.
Keep Fresh Water Available
It may sound obvious, but we’ve all been guilty of forgetting to refresh our dogs’ water bowl from time to time… Making sure your dog has access to fresh, clean water at all times will make them much more likely to stay hydrated. Changing the water and washing the bowl out frequently to keep your dog’s water supply clean and fresh can also entice your dog to drink more water. You could try filtered water if your dog is reluctant to drink tap water.
Encourage Water Drinking
If you notice that your dog isn’t drinking enough water, there are a few things you can do to encourage him to stay hydrated. One simple trick is to add a small amount of bone broth to the water bowl, or liquid from a can of tuna. (make sure its the spring water variety, not brine) The savoury flavour can entice even the pickiest of drinkers, and the added electrolytes can help keep your dog hydrated.
You can also try adding goats milk powder or using products like Furr boost a flavoured water drink for dogs
Adding water to their daily food is also a great way to get fluid into your dog with little fuss.
Provide Shade
Exposure to direct sunlight and high temperatures can lead to dehydration and overheating. So it’s important to make sure your dog has access to shade and a cool place to lay.
Limit Exercise On Hot Days
Opt for early morning or late evening walks at cooler temperatures.
Its better for a dog to miss a walk than to walk in the hot sunshine.
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