Dehydration is a state where the extent of loss of water from the dog’s body exceeds the amount of water the dog can take in. This is a very rare occasion, and symptoms only start to appear when the volume of blood drops and the dog starts drawing water from the cells that also leads to the loss of electrolytes. Like all other mammals, the dog also relies on water to keep the overall functionality of its body in place.
Water plays an important role in several important functionalities of the body, like helping in digestion, offering cushion to internal organs, lubricating joints, and regulating the body’s overall temperature. Along with food, water is also an important ingredient that mainly makes the cells in the dog’s body absorb all the nutrients.
What Causes Dehydration?
Dehydration mainly occurs due to any illness that leads to diarrhea or vomiting. Some other results could be excessive urination in diabetes mellitus, bleeding, kidney disease, and dehydration. Puppies are more vulnerable to dehydration, and it is because they have less body mass compared to matured dogs.
In summer, overheating while playing also leads to excess water from the body. It is important to make sure that your puppy or dog has access to an adequate source of fresh water in a fresh bowl throughout the day in order to remain hydrated.
Symptoms of Dehydration
The symptoms of dehydration in dogs might start mildly, but it can quickly progress into severe illness. The most common sign is a loss of elasticity in the skin. Some other symptoms of dehydration in dogs are:
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- Panting
- Rapid weight loss
- Lack of appetite
- Dark urine
- Diarrhea
- Sunken eyes
- Weak pulse
- Dullness of changes in overall mental awareness
- Shock
- White gums
Be careful with all these symptoms and get in touch with a professional expert in order to seek the best medical advice for your pet.
Treatment of Puppy Dehydration
In case you feel that your puppy is dehydrated, you need to make sure that he drinks lots of fresh cool water. In most of the cases, it is seen that dehydrated dogs tend to lose their appetites, and this compels them to eat less. Thus, they also eliminate the overall water content from the body that they used to get from the food.
The dog or puppy also needs to have electrolytes replaced as his water will not get adequate water, and all the electrolytes are drawn out of the cell, creating an imbalance and affecting the organs. If the dog is not vomiting, you can give electrolyte-enhanced fluid such as Pedialyte. You must seek consultation from the veterinarian to have the best recommendations for the dosages.
Dehydration is also a symptom of a larger problem, and it is crucial to get it diagnosed on time and treat the underlying condition. This process will also depend on the other symptoms of the dogs, and the vet might need to do other tests as well as x-rays.
Preventing Dehydration
The best way to ensure that your dog does not get dehydrated is to prevent getting him into that condition. Make sure that your dog has a constant supply of clean and fresh water every time, even when you take him outside for a walk. You can also try flavouring water with bone broth or can also add ice cubes to chew on.
Install an invisible fence so that the dog or puppy does not cross the area’s secured area and intake dirty water full of impurities. Intake of such contaminated water will cause severe health issues to your pet.
Your dog or puppy might need more water based on the exercise and level of activity. Experts suggest that a puppy needs a minimum of one ounce of water every day for every pound of his body mass. You can seek advice from your veterinarian to know how you can ensure that your pet consumes a sufficient amount of fluids depending on the age, weight and condition.
Hope the discussion was fruitful enough, and you now know how to deal with puppy dehydration. You can also share your own experiences of how you have treated the dehydration of your pet below in the comment section.