Dehydration in Dogs- Causes, Symptoms and Prevention

PCS_dehydration-in-dogsWater is not only the most important part of our life, but also of our pet’s life. Lack of water in the body is termed as dehydration and it can cause some serious health issues in a pet’s life. It is necessary to maintain the fluid levels in their body to sustain a health living. In fact the water level in a dog’s body is much more than it is in humans, which is 80%. Yes, water takes up 80% of your pooch’s body and this shows how dangerous the lack of water might be to the canines. However, to avoid this, it is important to know everything about dehydration in dogs.

Causes Of Dehydration- Let’s reach to the bottom of it!

The most common cause of dehydration is lack of fluid levels in the dog’s body. There may be two reasons of this, first is low water intake and the second is high fluids loss. Loss of water from the body can be due to excessive heating of the body or sickness like vomiting diarrhea, etc. Dogs that are suffering from cancer, kidney disorders, or other infectious diseases can get dehydrated easily. You also need to take care of elderly and pregnant dogs as they too are prone to dehydration.

Symptoms of Dehydration- What should you look for?

Apart from the general causes of dehydration like vomiting and diarrhea, there are symptom that could help you find out if your pup is dehydrated. Following are some of the most common symptoms of dehydration in canines:

• Dry mouth

• Depression

• Sunken eyes

• Loss of appetite

• Lethargy

Prevention of Dehydration- Of course better than cure!

There is nothing better than preventing a crises rather than finding cures for it later. The same applies in case of dehydration in canines. Here are some of the prevention measures that could help you keep your pooches safe from dehydration:

• Make sure your dog has access to water all the time. You may have to change the water frequently to ensure your pooch gets fresh water and maintain bowl hygiene by washing it every day.

• Observe your canine’s water intake and make sure that he has the adequate amount of water. It is necessary that your pooch consume one ounce of water per each pound of his body weight in one day.

• Water sufficiency is to be handled well especially when your pooch is suffering or recovering from diarrhea, vomiting or other illnesses.

• Water bowl should be heavy from the bottom so that your pup does not knock it over.

• If you feel that your pooch is denying drinking water and his water intake has decreased drastically, then surf for remedial medicines and supplements of dog or either consult a veterinarian without any delay.

These are some of the most important was to prevent dehydration in dogs. In all, it is important that you keep your pet hydrated all the time and consult a veterinarian if he does not drink as much water or observe any of the above symptoms of dehydration.