Treating Your Dog for Dehydration

Dehydration in dogs can be a serious matter. Whether caused by illness, exposure to heat, or a simple lack of fluid intake, dehydration must be addressed immediately and, left untreated, can cause multiple health problems including organ failure and death. It is very easy for a dog to become dehydrated; easier than many pet owners realize. Fortunately it is also easy to prevent dehydration in dogs and it is very important to do so.

Dehydration is an excess loss of bodily fluids. It most often involves the loss of water and minerals such as sodium, chloride, and potassium; collectively called electrolytes. Dehydration in dogs can be caused by illness (especially if the dog has a fever), exposure to extreme heat, and a number of other factors. A dog’s natural act of panting causes a loss of fluids and can result in dehydration if they are not replaced. Remember that dogs lack sweat glands to keep them cool. They pant in an effort to regulate their body temperature. A panting dog is a hot dog.

Preventing Dog Dehydration

The best way to prevent dehydration is to make sure your dog has plenty of fresh water available. The dog should always have at least one full bowl of water available at all times and, if the dog has the run of the house, bowls in various locations may be appropriate. If you live in a dry climate dogs should be kept indoors as much as possible, especially in the hot summer months. When they are outdoors it is imperative that dogs have an available supply of fresh water. Moist foods also help maintain appropriate levels of bodily fluids in dogs. Dry foods are important for a dog’s dental health, but moist foods are a good idea as well.

Treating a Dehydrated Dog

If you suspect that your dog is dehydrated, get it some water immediately and then get it to the vet. Signs of dehydration can include a lack of elasticity to the skin, dry and sunken eyes, and a dry mouth and nose. Dehydrated dogs will also experience a delay in capillary refill time. To test for this, pull the dog’s lip away from its gum (gently) and press a finger against the gum until the area whitens. Release your finger and the color should return to the area almost immediately. A delay could be an indication of dehydration.

Lots of water is the best way to replace fluids, but a severely dehydrated dog should not be allowed to take in large amounts at once. This will result in vomiting and a further loss of fluids. Instead let the dog drink small amounts over a period of time. Electrolytes can be replaced with a hydrating solution. Pedialyte, a water and electrolyte product sold for infants is suitable for dogs as well. Of course any dog that seems dehydrated or refuses to drink should be seen by a vet to determine appropriate treatment and whether the dehydration is a symptom of some other ailment.

Summer Tips

As the heat and humidity climb, so does the chance at heat related injuries and illnesses. Below are some tips to keep your pets safe in the summer.

1. Water, water, water! Always keep fresh, cool water available for your pets, indoors and out. If you will be traveling with your pet, bring water along with a bowl.

2. NEVER leave your pet in the car. Even if it feels cool outside, the interior of a vehicle heats up quickly in the summer sun. If you have to run errands, it is safer to leave your pets at home.

3. Be cautious on high heat and humid days. Shorter snouted breeds such as pugs, bulldogs and boxers especially have a harder time when the temperature climbs. While all owners need to keep an eye on their pets during extreme weather, the above breeds can go downhill much more quickly than others. Avoid strenious exercise during the heat of the day.

4. Keep an eye out for heatstroke. If you suspect heatstroke, it is a medical emergency and you need to act quickly but calmly. Contact your vet immediately and start by cooling your pet down with cool wet towels, especially in the hairless areas of your pet. Signs of heatstroke can include panting, warm dry skin, rapid heart rate, vomiting and eventual collapse.

The Weather Channel has a web page devoted to your pets and their comfort in all sorts of weather. From telling you the best time of day to go for a walk to the comfort level for your individual pet, go to:
http://www.weather.com/activities/homeandgarden/pets/

Franklin County 500

This June, Citizens for Humane Action, Cat Welfare and The Capital Area Humane Society are coming together to make a difference for homeless cats in Central Ohio.
June 14th- June 21st is Franklin County 500 week at each of the shelters. The goal is to help 500 cats and kittens through adoption, spay/neuter and micro chipping.
For more information on the Franklin County 500, go to
http://www.chaanimalshelter.org/calendar/FC500.html