If a dog loses more fluid than it drinks, it will become dehydrated.A dog with an upset stomach that loses fluid through vomiting is at risk of becoming dehydrated very quickly.Dogs can become dehydrated for many other reasons.A hot day can lead to dehydration if you don't have access to water.Making sure the dog has enough to drink or seek veterinary help if needed is the first step in addressing dehydration.
Step 1: Pay attention to your dog.
A dehydrated dog will usually seek water to drink.If you notice that your dog is restless or pacing, it may be because he is thirsty.If your dog can't find enough water, it may lick its lips or have an anxious face.Dogs that are dehydrated will lie with their noses against their water bowl.
Step 2: Check the dog's hair.
The dehydration test that the vet does at the animal clinic is lifting the dog's scruff.The elastic recoil of the skin is what this test measures.Take the following steps to find the dog's scruff.The skin at the back of the dog's neck is loose.The scruff needs to be raised.The skin should be raised two to three inches above the dog's back.Release the scruff.The skin is fully hydrated.The skin is less elastic when there is dehydration.The dog is dehydrated if the skin takes more than two seconds to return to normal.
Step 3: The dog's teeth should be checked.
Gums are a good indicator of dehydration.Our own gums are shiny and moist.Dehydrated animals produce less saliva, which causes them to have dry or tacky feeling gums.Animals that are anxious or frightened may have dry gum.If you can be misled, make sure your dog is relaxed.
Step 4: You should check your dog's urine.
The dog's body will take steps to preserve fluid if it doesn't get enough water.In this situation, it will either not urinate or the urine will be very concentrated.The urine is a deep yellow color.The dog's kidneys are working hard to recycle water from the body.If your dog's urine is an unusual color or it seems to be urinating less than usual, take note.
Step 5: See a doctor.
If there is a simple explanation for your dog's condition, such as an empty water bowl, give the dog water and watch for signs of improvement.If the dog is sick or dehydrated, you should contact your vet.Animals that are dehydrated need to receive fluids through an IV in order to rehydrate.
Step 6: You should keep an eye on the water supply.
There are many circumstances that can cause a dog to become dehydrated, but the most obvious and easy to control is your dog's access to water.If a dog's water bowl is knocked over or it is left without a refill for a long period of time, it can result in dehydration.On hot days, make sure your dog has plenty of water.Depending on the temperature, dehydration can occur within an hour.
Step 7: The dog needs to drink regularly.
If your dog doesn't drink enough water, it will become dehydrated.Make sure your dog visits the water bowl frequently by keeping an eye on it.An older dog with arthritis that is too sore to drink when thirsty is at risk of becoming dehydrated.If the dog has other health problems, it will produce a lot of urine, making the problem worse.A dog with these problems will lose fluid at a faster rate than a healthy animal.This form of dehydration develops slowly over several days and is likely to reoccur.If a dog stops eating and drinking due to a lack of appetite, it is at risk of dehydration.
Step 8: It's a good idea to beware of scurvy.
Watery feces can have a lot of fluid, which can lead to rapid loss of water and an increased risk of dehydration.The risk of dehydration is reduced if the dog is drinking enough.If a dog has no desire to drink or have access to water, it can become dehydrated very quickly.
Step 9: You should watch for vomiting.
Vomiting is a serious problem because the dog can't drink water.If your dog vomits and you suspect he is dehydrated, contact the vet.