Dehydration in dogs is a very common temporary condition that you can find . Just like humans, dogs tend to run out of energy due to lack of water content in the body. Dehydration occurs when his/ her body loses more fluids through profuse sweating or if he is not drinking enough water.
Especially during summers, it is essential to check if your puppy drinks adequate water to avoid the dangers of dehydration. Many experts say that keeping our pooches hydrated directly impacts their overall health. So, how does dehydration in dogs occur?
When dogs do not drink enough water, their blood volume drops, leading to a loss of electrolytes. Hence, they lose all of his energy. You can find your dog panting, their mouth dry, or vomiting. Sometimes, if we fail to provide water for very long hours, it could lead to death. So, you must keep track of his body water levels.
The other common symptoms of dehydration in dogs are diarrhoea, dark urine, lack of appetite, dry mouth and nose, sunken eyes or collapsing. Sometimes, they tend to slowly lose the elasticity of the skin.
Many reasons lead to dehydration in dogs. It could be lethargy from the dog parent’s side or due to the climatic conditions. To add more, dogs can feel dehydrated when their body is overheated and overexerted.
Also, dog’s bodies naturally lose water through panting, urinating, sweating and evaporation through paws. But they regenerate the required amount of water through their meals and drinks. If that is not properly monitored, your pooch could suffer from dehydration.
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Electrolytes like sodium, potassium and chlorine are necessary to balance the dog’s pH levels. So, make sure to include food rich in these nutrients and pave way for cleaner water access, all the times.
If you suspect your dog to be dehydrated, provide him with clean and cool water immediately. You can also provide medically prescribed electrolyte-enhanced fluids or powders to boost his energy levels. But again, we advise you to take him to the veterinarian soon because this could also lead to a medical emergency. The vet will administer intravenous fluids to strike a balance with the lost fluids. The vet might also take a blood test to clarify the seriousness of the condition.
To prevent dehydration in dogs, always place freshwater near your dog’s area, so that he can drink it whenever he wants. If the climate is too hot, do not push him for more workouts and walks. And when you are traveling, do not ever leave him alone inside a car.
The thumb rule is that everyday dogs should consume 50-60 ml of water per kilogram of their body weight. Check the bowl for refills and clean it to avoid the growth of bacteria. You can consult with a veterinarian for the water level requirements if he has any health conditions.
In the end, as pet parents, you have to stay hydrated as much as your pooches too. Water is purely beneficial so make sure to drink the required amount. Provide them with dog food that has rehydration elements. You can change the exercise routines according to the seasons to avoid dehydration in dogs. It does not occur only by lack of water intake so be careful and always be alert of their activities.