Dogs are incredibly active creatures. But all that running around and panting can lead to much water loss. And if you aren't careful, your dog could get dehydrated, leading to various health concerns and even death.
That's why it's vital for owners to be able to recognize when their dogs are thirsty. So, exactly what are the signs of dehydration in dogs? And how do you prevent it from happening in the future?
If you want to discover some answers to these questions and more, you're in the right spot. In this guide, we'll teach you everything you need to know about dehydration regarding your furry friend. Let's get started!
Why Do Dogs Get Dehydrated?
As you can probably imagine, dogs get dehydrated when they don't have access to the clean, fresh water needed to survive. However, it can also occur when they have a medical condition that prevents them from drinking the amount of water that they need.
If your dog is vomiting or having diarrhea, there's a good chance they're losing a lot of the fluids they need to survive. As such, you should give them extra water when these things occur.
The same goes for if they're suffering from heat stroke or one of the many other diseases that dogs can face.
Signs of Dehydration in Dogs
Sadly, dogs don't have the ability to tell us when they're thirsty. However, the fantastic news is that there are other ways of knowing. Look for the physical signs of dehydration in your pup. These can include symptoms like:
Loss of appetite
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Lethargy or lower energy levels than normal
Dry nose
Thick, smelly saliva
Dry gums
Lack of skin elasticity
Sunken eyes
You must memorize these symptoms because things can quickly turn life-threatening when it comes to dehydration in canines. One way to test is by paying attention to your dog's skin elasticity. Pinch a fold in your dog's skin, then let it go.
When a dog is well-hydrated, it will quickly spring into its place. However, when they're dehydrated, it will take a lot longer before returning to their original position. This should be especially noticeable if you have a breed with wrinkly skin.
How to Treat Dehydration in Dogs
First, make sure your dog has access to water. Sadly, more is needed. Sometimes dehydration can affect your dog's appetite. This is bad because it means they'll eat less food and get even less water since some water comes from the food they eat.
It's a vicious positive feedback loop. One solution is to give your dogs specialized water that contains electrolytes. This will help them retain their moisture better.
If nothing you've tried is working, then take them to an emergency vet. The vet can provide them with intravenous hydration, which can help them recover if they can't drink the water themselves.
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How Long Can Dogs Go Without Water?
Dogs are a lot like humans in that they can't survive long without drinking water. Like us, after around seventy-two hours or three days, they will die from dehydration. However, it's important not to let it go on that long if you notice your animal not drinking.
Take your animal to the vet immediately if they haven't drunk water in twenty-four hours. Don't wait for days to pass before doing it.
How Much Water Should Your Dog Drink?
There's no one-size-fits-all answer to this question because the specific amount of water your dog should drink depends on various factors. Some of these include things like:
The breed of your dog
The amount of physical activity they get each day
The weather during the middle of the day
However, experts agree that a good rule of thumb is one ounce of water per pound of body weight each day. So if you have a dog that weighs thirty pounds, then it should be drinking roughly thirty ounces of water each day.
However, if your dog goes a little over or under this, it's not a big deal. It's just a rough guideline to go off of.
How to Prevent Dehydration in Dogs
The best and easiest way to prevent dehydration in your dog is to ensure they constantly have access to clean, fresh water. And remember that this doesn't just apply when you're at home.
You should also take some water and a portable dog bowl with you whenever you go out on a hot day. Next, make sure you only take them to dog parks that offer a good supply of water. And, on days when it's hotter, make sure you provide your dog with more water than they usually drink.
The odds are that they'll need it. Lastly, you can't prevent your dog from getting sick, which is another major cause of dehydration. But you can minimize their chances by making sure they eat a healthy diet while catching them up on all of the vaccines they need.
What is the best way to prevent your dog from getting dehydrated?
Grab your Park FreshWater™ supply order enhanced with electrolytes and minerals that keep your dog hydrated during every adventure.
The Importance of Hydration in Dogs
Everyone deserves clean, fresh water, and our dogs are no different. It's not likely that your dog will die from dehydration unless you neglect them. But forgetting to provide them with water can make them sick and give them lasting health conditions.
So make sure you prioritize your dog's hydration today.
That way, they live a long and healthy life.