Subcutaneous Fluid Administration in Dogs
Written By hannah hollinger
Published: 01/19/2017Updated: 09/16/2021
Veterinary reviewed by Michele K.
Subcutaneous Fluid Administration in Dogs - Conditions Treated, Procedure, Efficacy, Recovery, Cost, Considerations, Prevention
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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. 
  1. The fluid bag and drip set will be removed from the sterile packaging. 
  2. The fluid line will be locked by rolling the lock gauge upward, preventing fluid from leaving the bag during assembly. 
  3. 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. 
  4. 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. 
  5. 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. 
  6. 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
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German Shepherd
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Kent
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14 Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Weight Loss
Can subcutaneous fluid gives nausea to my dog? Also, he is now a 60 pound 14yo German Shepherd , how much should I give to him just to keep him hydrated? He is not eating and drinking as much now.
Aug. 8, 2018
0 Recommendations
The amount of fluids given isn’t based purely on weight, but also the percentage of dehydration; this is something which is evaluated by your Veterinarian. The article below covers the process of calculating fluid therapy but you should visit your Veterinarian to determine dehydrated, any underlying conditions and if any other treatment is required. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM http://veterinaryteam.dvm360.com/fluid-therapy-calculating-rate-and-choosing-correct-solution
Aug. 8, 2018
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mongrel
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J
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5 Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Vomiting
Hi J has kidney disease and got dehydrated from not being able to keep food or water down. I was advised to give him sub-q Nacl twice a day from once a day. 10 hours after he threw up a clear mucus-like fluid with white foam about 5 times. It contains food bits. Each time it's quite a large amount of fluid but he has not drunk that much water. What is he throwing up? Is this related to the subcutaneous fluid? We are keeping him off food for 24 hrs to rest his system. But keeping him on probiotics antacid and anti vomit meds as prescribed.
Aug. 3, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
The stomach produces fluid whether there is food or water in it or not, and the fluid he is producing isn't related to your SQ fluids. Those fluids are probably helping to replace that fluid loss. I hope that he does well.
Aug. 3, 2018
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Boxer
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Diesel
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10 Years
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1 found this helpful

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My pet has the following symptoms:
Darting Eyes Head Tilt Off Balance
Diesel was given sub q fluids for dehydration after being diaganosed with vestibular diesease due to a ruptured eat drum causing an inner ear infection. He was given the fluids around 5pm it is now 130 am and he still has not urinated. Is this cause for concern? The fluid "pockets" have since been absorbed or so it appears as they are no longer visible yet he still has not used the bathroom. I am growing more concerned but unsure as to whether it is a cause for concern or if that is normal and may take a while. The vet and her techs all said he should have to use the bathroom soon after getting the fluids. Please help!
June 29, 2018
1 Recommendations
Generally once fluids are given and absorbed, urination soon follows; however if he was very dehydrated and the fluids given were not enough to balance the fluid deficiency, then urination may not be so rapid. Keep an eye on Diesel, but if he hasn’t urinated by morning you should return to your Veterinarian for an examination. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
June 29, 2018
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Mastiff
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Eli
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8 Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Lethargy
I had my dog on sub Q fluids for dehydration from apneumonia caused by his condition megaesophagus. aspiration is what caused it. I was told I could inject the meds for the shots he needed into the IV port instead of poking him another 3 times but after I did that his condition worsened and he stopped breathing and died. Could giving the meds that way killed him?
April 29, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
I am sorry that that happened to Eli, that is very sad. Without knowing what medications were given, I don't have any way of knowing the effect, but if they were given subcutaneously through the line port vs subcutaneously into his skin, there should not have been any difference. He likely succumbed to his pneumonia, as that can be a very serious condition. I am sorry for your loss.
April 30, 2018
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