Water is essential to pets as well as to humans. When your dog becomes ill, he may easily become dehydrated and lethargic. This is a serious health issue for your pup; it is essential that you keep Fido hydrated as you nurse him back to good health. The pawluxury blog offers some simple tips on how to care for a dehydrated sick dog to get him on the road to recovery:
3. Electrolytes Needed! Make your dog a 50/50 mixture of Gatorade & water. Gatorade contains sugar and electrolytes that help your dog’s body hydrate better.
1. Seek help of a certified vet. If your dog seems too ill or dehydrated, call your vet immediately for emergency assistance.
2. If Fido is not a big fan of ice cubes, then you can substitute frozen chicken stock ice cubes in place of water.
1. Ice is not only a nice cool, fun & delicious treat for your dog it is also a great way to hydrate your sick pup. So get out your ice trays!
What Are the Symptoms of Canine Dehydration?
So, how can you tell if your dog is dehydrated? Unfortunately, our dogs can’t tell us they’re thirsty, but knowing the signs of dehydration can help dog owners respond quickly and also catch potential serious medical conditions before they become life-and-death emergencies. According to Dr. Jerry Klein, the AKC’s chief veterinary officer and an expert in veterinary emergency and critical care, symptoms of canine dehydration include:
Loss of skin elasticity is the easiest signs to test for dehydration. To test for it, Dr. Klein suggests that you gently hold some of the dog’s skin near his shoulder blades, raise it up, and then let it go. Watch carefully as it falls back into place. In well-hydrated dogs, the skin instantly will spring back to its original position. The skin of dehydrated dogs, on the other hand, will take longer to fall back into place.
“It’s a good idea to first test your dog’s skin when you are sure he’s well hydrated, so that you have a base for what normal skin elasticity feels like. This is especially important for owners of wrinkly breeds, such as Bulldogs or Neapolitan Mastiffs, because their skin may not be as elastic, even under normal conditions,” says Dr. Klein.
Another test is to check your dog’s gums to feel whether they’re sticky and dry, and while you’re doing that, test for capillary refill time. Press your finger gently against your dog’s gums and then remove your finger. In a well-hydrated dog, the area where you pressed will appear white for a second, and then return to its normal pink color almost immediately. In dehydrated dogs, the capillary refill time takes much longer.
If you suspect your pet is dehydrated, first make sure he drinks plenty of fresh, cool water, especially in hot weather. In a vicious cycle, dehydrated dogs can lose their appetites, which causes them to eat less, and therefore eliminates the water content they would normally get from their food.
He also may need to have his electrolytes replaced because when his body isn’t getting enough water, fluids containing electrolytes are drawn out of the cells, causing an imbalance that affects his organs. If your dog is not vomiting, you can try giving him an electrolyte-enhanced fluid like Pedialyte. It’s best to check with your veterinarian for dosage recommendations.
“If your dog has any of the symptoms of dehydration listed above, persistent vomiting or you suspect heatstroke, take him to the vet immediately; this is considered a medical emergency,” says Dr. Klein. “The vet can administer subcutaneous or intravenous fluids to most quickly replace the fluids that were lost and prevent further loss.”
Since dehydration is often a symptom of a larger problem, your veterinarian will want to diagnose and treat the underlying condition. This process will depend on your dog’s other symptoms and could involve anything from blood work to x-rays or other tests.
Dog owners can determine if an animal is suffering from dehydration by performing a simple assessment. In dogs of normal, healthy weight, lift the skin by the scruff of the neck or between the shoulder blades. The tissues should immediately flatten back to normal. If the skin remains tented or falls slowly, the animal is likely suffering from dehydration. Dehydrated animals also typically act depressed and lethargic, have dry mouths, no appetite and sunken eyes.
• Clear, non-citrus juices are another alternative. In this way, the canine receives fluid and maintains blood sugar levels.
Like all living things, dogs need to drink daily in order to remain healthy. A dog should be getting at least an ounce of water for every pound of weight. Water makes up 80 percent of a dogs body and is required proper circulation, digestion, toxin and waste removal. However, when a canine becomes ill, suffers from fever, diarrhea or vomiting, they may lose the desire to eat and drink. They then may become seriously dehydrated in as little as 24 hours. There are a number of other ways to ensure that the animal receives daily fluid.
• Many dogs enjoy chewing on ice chips. Supply a continual amount of fresh ice chips during the day. Sick animals often tolerate ice better than water as they are getting hydrated in smaller increments.
Ensure that a dog has plenty of access to clean, fresh drinking water. Position multiple water containers around the interior of the home if necessary. Check each bowl or container during the day to monitor consumption and refill if needed. Wash the containers everyday with soap, water and rinse well to discourage bacterial growth. There are a number of recommended tricks that pet owners may use to entice a dog to hydrate.
4 Ways to Keep Your Dog Hydrated। Dog Dehydration Home Remedies। Symptoms of Dog Dehydration.
Like all living things, dogs need to drink daily in order to remain healthy. A dog should be getting at least an ounce of water for every pound of weight. Water makes up 80 percent of a dogs body and is required proper circulation, digestion, toxin and waste removal. However, when a canine becomes ill, suffers from fever, diarrhea or vomiting, they may lose the desire to eat and drink. They then may become seriously dehydrated in as little as 24 hours. There are a number of other ways to ensure that the animal receives daily fluid.
Ensure that a dog has plenty of access to clean, fresh drinking water. Position multiple water containers around the interior of the home if necessary. Check each bowl or container during the day to monitor consumption and refill if needed. Wash the containers everyday with soap, water and rinse well to discourage bacterial growth. There are a number of recommended tricks that pet owners may use to entice a dog to hydrate.
• When diarrhea and vomiting are problems, maintain the animals hydration and electrolyte levels with childrens Pedialyte. Combine equal amounts of water and electrolyte fluid in the dogs drinking bowl.
• Clear, non-citrus juices are another alternative. In this way, the canine receives fluid and maintains blood sugar levels.
• Offer the dog a cup of beef or chicken broth made with bouillon throughout the day. Dogs enjoy the flavor and aroma, which will also encourages thirst and helps retain fluid and provides nourishment.
• Many dogs enjoy chewing on ice chips. Supply a continual amount of fresh ice chips during the day. Sick animals often tolerate ice better than water as they are getting hydrated in smaller increments.
• If the dog is still consuming solid food, replace soft or hard kibble with wet canned food. The wet food offers seven times more fluid than dry food, which also helps hydration.
Dog owners can determine if an animal is suffering from dehydration by performing a simple assessment. In dogs of normal, healthy weight, lift the skin by the scruff of the neck or between the shoulder blades. The tissues should immediately flatten back to normal. If the skin remains tented or falls slowly, the animal is likely suffering from dehydration. Dehydrated animals also typically act depressed and lethargic, have dry mouths, no appetite and sunken eyes.
However, sometimes the symptoms are not immediately obvious. Whenever a canine refuses fluids for 18 to 24 hours, these are signs that something is seriously wrong. The animal should then see a veterinarian as soon as possible.