You may have read that Cali had to have emergency vet treatment for dehydration.
Dehydration occurs when the body loses more water than it’s taking in. Dogs and humans both need water for their bodies to function properly.
Water supports nearly every essential bodily function. It aids digestion, regulates body temperature, lubricates joints, cushions internal organs and allows cells to absorb nutrients.
Dehydration causes reduced blood flow which in turn reduces the amount of oxygen reaching the tissues. It also leads to loss of key electrolytes, such as sodium, calcium, magnesium and potassium. Severe dehydration can lead to kidney failure, other organ failure and even death.
What causes dehydration?
Several things: Lack of water, being left outside or over-exercising in hot weather, acute attacks of vomiting or diarrhoea, heat stroke, poisons, fever, bacterial or viral infections and obstructions in the bowel. Puppies, older dogs and toy dog breeds may have an increased risk. It can also be a symptom of an underlying problem, including kidney disease, diabetes or some forms of cancer.
So the quicker you spot any danger signs, the better.
What are the symptoms of dehydration?
They include:
– loss of appetite
– lethargy (tiredness) and reduced energy levels
– weight loss
– panting
– vomiting with or without diarrheoa
– sunken, dry-looking eyes
– dry nose
– dry, sticky gums
– thick saliva
– weakness and collapse
A good test is to pinch some of your dog’s skin between the shoulders and see how long it takes to drop back into place. In dehydration it may stay like a tent and take a long time to get back to normal– it should be almost instant in a healthy dog. You can also press a finger on your dog’s gums then see how quickly the blood returns (this is the capillary refill time) – it should happen within a second in a healthy dog, but may take much longer in a dehydrated dog.
Dehydration is a veterinary emergency so seek help as quickly as possible.
If you are sure the dehydration is only mild, and you know the likely cause, you can try treating it yourself by giving your dog an electrolyte replacement solution and offering easily absorbed food, such as a beef or chicken broth, several times a day. Keep the amounts offered small but frequent – too much at once can cause further vomiting.
But you are always best to seek veterinary advice if you suspect your dog is significantly dehydrated, especially if they are vomiting regularly or copiously, or have frequent watery diarrhoea. Your vet can treat the dehydration fairly easily by replacing fluids, but some detective work may be needed to find the underlying cause.
Check your dog regularly so you know what is normal – then you’ll pick up problems quickly, which could save your dog’s life.
Keep training and I hope you never need emergency vet treatment for your pooch,
Carol