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Subcutaneous Fluid Administration in Dogs
Written By hannah hollinger
Published: 01/19/2017Updated: 09/16/2021
Veterinary reviewed by Michele K.
What is Subcutaneous Fluid Administration?
Subcutaneous fluid administration for dogs is the act of injecting a solution of sterile fluids directly underneath the canine’s skin. The medical term for underneath the skin is subcutaneous, with “sub” meaning underneath and “-cutaneous” referring to the skin. Subcutaneous fluid administration may be required for a number of circumstances in which the dog has inadequate body level fluids. The procedure is usually performed by a veterinarian, but some treatments have been performed by dog owners. Delivering subcutaneous fluids at home is not advised, as fluids overload, unsterile fluids, or improper needle placement can result in complications.
Subcutaneous Fluid Administration Procedure in Dogs
Subcutaneous fluid administration requires a fluid bag, fluid drip set, and needle. The amount of fluids to be administered to the dog are based on the dog’s physical state, health, and past conditions. A review of the canine’s medical history, a physical examination, urinalysis and blood analysis will likely take place before fluids administration begins.
The veterinarian or veterinary staff will begin by assembling the equipment, including the fluid bag and drip set.
- The fluid bag and drip set will be removed from the sterile packaging.
- The fluid line will be locked by rolling the lock gauge upward, preventing fluid from leaving the bag during assembly.
- The protective cap will be removed from the bag of fluids and the fluid set will be pushed into the fluid bag’s exit port.
- The bulb located at the top of the drip set will be squeezed to allow fluids from the fluid bag to collect in this small, flexible cylinder. The bulb will be approximately ½ full with sterile fluids.
- The protective cap at the end of the fluid set’s tubing will be removed and the rolling lock will be opened. Fluid will be allowed to freely flow through the tubing, removing air from the fluid line.
- Once all air bubbles are removed from the line, the fluid set will once again be closed and protective caps will be placed back on the line.
Once the fluids are assembled, the veterinarian or member of the staff will choose a location to administer the fluids underneath the dog’s skin. Common locations for subcutaneous fluid administration include the level of the shoulder blades, just left or right of the midline, or at the level of the back legs. A roll of skin will be pinched and pulled upward, then the needle will be inserted into the skin. The doctor will monitor the location after fluid administration begins.
The fluids are released from the bag at a drip rate per minute, delivered over a time of 5 to 15 minutes. The veterinarian will calculate this drip rate based on the dog’s weight and hydration needs.
Efficacy of Subcutaneous Fluid Administration in Dogs
Subcutaneous fluid administration is highly effective in restoring hydration to the canine patient in some situations.
Subcutaneous Fluid Administration Recovery in Dogs
Subcutaneous fluid administration is prescribed to patients for a number of conditions and the recovery time, as well as how long fluids are needed, depend on the specific circumstance.
Cost of Subcutaneous Fluid Administration in Dogs
Subcutaneous fluid administration costs about $80 in most veterinary clinics, but emergency care providers may charge higher than the average vet.
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Dog Subcutaneous Fluid Administration Considerations
Subcutaneous fluid administration for dogs should only be administered by a licensed veterinarian or member of the veterinary staff. This therapy is highly beneficial, but can affect the heart, lungs and kidneys if administer incorrectly. Older patients should be closely monitored during subcutaneous fluid administration, as older dogs are at a higher risk for adverse effects.
Subcutaneous Fluid Administration Prevention in Dogs
Dehydration is a common and easily preventable condition that is treated with subcutaneous fluid administration. Allowing a dog to drink freely and stay hydrated during warmer months of the year can easily prevent dehydration.
Subcutaneous Fluid Administration Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Shitzu poodle mix
Twelve Years
7 found this helpful
7 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Urinating In Home, Vomit, Diareeah, After Given Fluids From Emergency Clinic, She Peed Blood
Is it normal to have dark urine after receiving fluids for dehydration?
Aug. 5, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
7 Recommendations
Thank you for your question . Urine is typically more dilute after fluids, and I would be concerned if she is still vomiting. She may need further care, from your description, and it would be a good idea to call or visit your veterinarian to see if she needs any medications or treatment.
I hope that she is okay.
Aug. 5, 2020
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Poodle x Shih-Tzu
Twelve Years
13 found this helpful
13 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Fluid In Abdomen
My dog had subcutaneous fluid done by the vet today around 11:30 am. When i got home tonight from work, he was in so much pain he couldn’t move and there was a pocket of fluid under his right paw.
Aug. 4, 2020
Answered by Dr. Ellen M. DVM
13 Recommendations
Hello, thank you for your question. I am so sorry to hear that your dog is in so much discomfort!
Without examining your dog, it's very hard for me to know exactly what might be going on, but it's not unusual for subcutaneous fluids to travel down the body under the skin due to gravity. If this is causing swelling, it could be what is causing the discomfort. If your dog seems to be in extreme pain or if he is unable to get up and walk, I recommend calling an emergency veterinary clinic immediately. Otherwise, I recommend calling your vet in the morning if it has not improved.
I hope that your dog starts feeling better soon!
Aug. 4, 2020
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Anatolian Shepherd
Six Years
9 found this helpful
9 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Watery Diarrhea
My dog hasn’t eaten since Wednesday night and I took him to the emergency vet yesterday. They gave him fluids, as they thought he was dehydrated. Once we got home, a few hours later he had a giant diarrhea in the house and it was just watery and brown. He never has accidents so that was odd. Then through the night til early am he had a few more outside. They were powerful, fast, sudden wet diarrhea. The one this morning was yellow in color. Could this be from the fluids he was given? He still isn’t eating
July 19, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
9 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. It is not likely that the diarrhea was caused by the fluids, but likely that it was caused by whatever stopped your dog from eating in the first place. Things have a tendency to run through the GI tract and often what starts in the front end ends up in the back end. Since your dog was just seen at the emergency clinic, you may be able to call and let them know that your dog now has terrible diarrhea, and they may be able to prescribe medication to help with that so that it gets better more quickly. You can also try feeding a bland diet of boiled white chicken and boiled white rice, for a few days, and see if that helps. I hope that everything gets better for your dog soon.
July 19, 2020
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Miniature Pinscher
Eleven Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Anemia
I’m injecting my dog and i have a question.
1. Do I inject air into the bottle every time? Even though its still the same bottle?
2. can i draw medicine from different bottles into a one syringe? If i dont have enough medicine in one of the bottle?
3. how do i know if there is an air after insert the needle and pull back the plunger? Is it bad that if there is an air and i still inject it. Cant tell if there is an air.
Please help me this my first time injecting my dog. Any information would be appropriated so much.
July 14, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
1 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
This is a really difficult process to describe in text. There are many variables, I'm not sure what bottles you are drawing from, or which needles you are using. It is very simple to show you, which I would love to do but I can't, and it would probably be best if you call your Veterinary Clinic, tell them you need help, and ask them to show you how to do this. That is something that we do commonly with people that are giving fluids and medications as injections. There is a learning curve, and they will be able to help you.
I hope that all goes well with your dog, and this does get easier.
July 14, 2020
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Border Collie
Bella
14 Years
13 found this helpful
13 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Weakness
My 14 yr old 46lb dog has stage 3 kidney disease last creation was 3.1. A month ago we were giving her 200ml a day. We had to switch her food a couple times and last week I was feeding by hand. Vet said ok to increase to 400ml a day. Vet said nothing more can be done and she not in pain but feels like a bad flu. We give the 400ml in evening in one sitting. How does fluids make her feel immediately after? Meaning is there an immediate relief of hydration? Should we split it into 2 200ml doses instead of one? To help w feeding is there a better time to give the fluids? Thank you
Aug. 8, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
13 Recommendations
The fluids that you are giving Bella probably don't cause immediate relief, but are keeping her hydrated so that she doesn't feel sluggish and terrible otherwise. If she is doing well on 400 mLs once daily, that is less poking for her than twice daily. Maintaining appetite is an ongoing battle with kidney disease, and she may benefit from phosphate binders or appetite stimulants, which you can discuss with your veterinarian.
Aug. 8, 2018
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