Dehydration in Dogs

Dehydration is a loss of water that is beyond what the body takes in, causing the water level in a dog’s body to drop below normal. There are many ways a dog can lose water from their body, such as panting, vomiting, fever, and a decreased intake of water or food. Often, an underlying condition or illness will cause the dog to lose their appetite, thirst, or energy level, which then leads to a state of dehydration.

When the water level in the body is insufficient, the body compensates by drawing water out of its cells. This results in a loss of electrolytes, such as potassium, chloride, and sodium, and can affect many of the body’s systems, including muscle function.

Severe dehydration can cause illness, and can eventually lead to death if left untreated. Treatment can be as simple as giving your dog access to clean water, or undergoing fluid therapy in a clinic, and is often successful if the condition is caught in time.

Symptoms that your dog may be dehydrated include:

• Panting excessively
• Fast breathing that is short and staccato-like
• Dry nose, mouth, and gums
• Sticky mucous membranes
• Tired and sluggish appearance
• Slowed activity level and responses
• Dulled mental activity
• Altered consciousness level
• Sunken or dry eyes
• Dull corneas
• Lack of skin elasticity and a prolonged skin tent
• Loss of balance
• Wobbly walk
• Weak rear end
• Loss of appetite
• Weak pulse
• Heart rate above 140
• Decrease in urine output
• Dark urine
• Increase in urine odor
• Hypovolemic shock, or shock occurring from fluid loss
• Hypotension

Dehydration is caused by a wide range of factors. These include:

• Decrease or lack of food intake
• Decrease or lack of water intake
• Excessive panting or breathing
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Perspiration through paws 
• Illness, such as kidney disease, diabetes and some cancers
• Injury, such as burns
• Heatstroke
  

Some dogs that are more prone to dehydration include:

• Puppies
• Small breeds, such as Chihuahuas
• Older dogs
• Nursing dogs

If you suspect that your dog is suffering from dehydration, use the skin test. Skin becomes less elastic when moisture levels are low. By lifting a small piece of skin on your dog’s back, you can test its elasticity. When released, if the skin falls back slowly into place, instead of snapping back within 1-2 seconds, then your dog may be dehydrated.

Another test is to press a finger to your dog’s gums. They should feel moist, just like ours. Tacky or sticky gums indicate dehydration.

At your veterinary clinic, a thorough exam may help to determine if your dog is truly dehydrated. Your veterinarian will also determine if there is an underlying condition causing your pet to avoid food or water intake, or causing the dehydration itself. Be sure to tell your vet of any symptoms that you have noticed, as well as any other odd or different behaviors.

Blood samples may be taken and tested. A urinalysis may be done to determine the effect of the dehydration on the kidneys. Other tests may be used that are specific to a suspected condition that may be at fault, and can range from imaging and stool analysis, to tissue and fluid samples.

The main treatment for dehydration is to give your dog the fluids they need. First, your veterinarian will calculate how much fluid your dog has lost in order to prescribe the appropriate amount of fluid therapy.

Mild dehydration can be treated with access to clean water, dog soups, rehydration solutions and/or wet dog food. But acute moderate to severe dehydration can debilitate your dog and they may not be able to easily drink on their own.

Fluid therapy is generally administered slowly through injection, either subcutaneously or intravenously. An IV is the most efficient method to re-hydrate. This will need to be done in a clinic with a catheter, and it's closely monitored as fluid taken in too quickly can have negative results.

Dehydration left untreated can cause shock, illness, and can even result in death. If an underlying condition or illness has been found that has contributed to the dehydration, your vet will put together an appropriate treatment plan.

Recovery from dehydration has a good prognosis if treated soon enough. If you notice signs of dehydration in your dog, slowly give them water with electrolytes to drink.  If they can’t hold any water down, give them some ice to lick. If they stop drinking altogether, contact your veterinarian right away.

To prevent dehydration in your dog, be sure that there is always available water for your dog to drink, and never allow them to overheat. Be aware of the signs of dehydration and and changes in your dog’s behavior.

Dehydration can be expensive to treat. If you suspect your dog is at risk of dehydration, start searching for pet insurance today. Wag!’s pet insurance comparison tool lets you compare plans from leading companies like PetPlan and Embrace. Find the “pawfect” plan for your pet in just a few clicks!