What you need to know about dehydration in dogs

All responsible dog parents should know the risks, signs, and treatment methods for dehydration, which can quickly turn serious without intervention.

Signs and symptoms of dehydration in dogs

Dehydration occurs when a dog's body loses more water than it takes in, resulting in an imbalance of electrolytes and vital nutrients. It's crucial for dog owners to be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of dehydration, as early detection can make a significant difference in the outcome.

Common signs of dehydration in dogs include:

Dry nose

An early sign that your dog is dehydrated is a persistent dry nose. While other conditions, such as fever or dry eye, can cause a dry nose as well, it never hurts to encourage your dog to have a drink of water if you notice their nose is dry.

Dry mouth and gums

Due to decreases in their body’s water supply, a more dehydrated dog’s mouth and gums can become dry and sticky, or their saliva becomes thick and hangs in ropey strands rather than dripping.

Loss of skin elasticity

Healthy, hydrated skin is elastic and bounces back quickly when stretched or pinched. Dehydrated dogs will have slower skin recoil, or their skin may even stay in a tented position after it’s gently pinched.

Sunken eyes

Dehydration can cause the eyes to appear sunken and dull, lacking their usual brightness and vitality. This is caused by the dog's body redistributing fluid from the eyes to other essential organs to keep them functioning.

Lethargy and weakness

Dehydrated dogs may exhibit reduced energy levels, appear lethargic, and reluctant to engage in usual activities. Lethargy and weakness can manifest in many ways including sleepiness, difficulty moving, lack of interest, and changes in posture.

Decreased urination

A decrease in urination frequency or volume can be a sign of dehydration as the body conserves water. Dogs may also have difficulty or strain when trying to urinate. The urine will also appear darker in color, ranging from dark yellow to brown.

Panting and rapid breathing

Rather than sweating, dogs regulate their body temperature by panting. Excessive panting where their sides are heaving or their tongue is lolling out of their mouth can indicate overheating, which can quickly lead to dehydration.

Loss of appetite

Dehydrated dogs may lose interest in food and refuse to eat or eat very little. They may also refuse water if they are very dehydrated, which can make rehydrating them difficult.

Causes of dehydration in dogs

Several factors can contribute to dehydration, ranging from environmental conditions to underlying health issues. Some common causes of dehydration in dogs can include:

Inadequate water intake

Insufficient access to clean, fresh water can lead to dehydration, especially in hot and humid environments or during periods of increased physical activity.

Heat exposure

Dogs are susceptible to heatstroke, particularly in hot weather or when left in confined spaces without adequate ventilation and shade. For more insights, check out our blog on the signs of heatstroke in your pet.

Illness or disease

Underlying health conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes, gastrointestinal issues, or fever can increase the risk of dehydration in dogs as the body needs more water to function in order to offset the losses caused by these diseases.

Excessive panting or salivation

Dogs may lose significant amounts of fluid through panting or drooling, especially during stressful situations, while exercising, or in hot, dry environments.

Diarrhea and vomiting

Gastrointestinal issues can result in fluid loss through diarrhea and vomiting, leading to dehydration if not promptly addressed.

Medications or treatments

Certain medications or medical treatments can cause increased thirst or fluid loss, potentially leading to dehydration as a side effect.

Age

Puppies in general require more water than an adult dog due to their rapid growth and high energy levels. A growing puppy’s stomach can also be sensitive, making them more susceptible to gastrointestinal issues which can lead to dehydration.

Senior dogs, on the other hand, may be more prone to dehydration due to age-related changes like reduced kidney function.

What to do if your dog is dehydrated

Don’t panic! If you suspect that your dog is dehydrated, it's essential to take immediate action to rehydrate them. While mild dehydration can often be managed at home, severe cases may require veterinary intervention. If you suspect dehydration in your dog, give your Lovet team a call so we can help determine the best course of action for your dog.

How to rehydrate your dog

Rehydrating a dehydrated dog involves more than just providing water. It’s important to take a strategic approach, so that your dog can replenish lost fluids and electrolytes naturally over time. Here are some tips on how to rehydrate your dog safely and effectively:

Offer small, frequent drinks

Encourage your dog to drink small amounts of water frequently throughout the day. Avoid forcing them to drink large volumes of water at once, which could cause them to vomit and further dehydrate themselves.

Monitor urination

Keep track of your dog's urination frequency and volume as they rehydrate. Increased urination is a positive sign that they are recovering, while a decrease may indicate ongoing dehydration.

Limit exercise and heat exposure

If you're trying to reverse dehydration in your dog, it’s crucial that they don’t lose any additional water while moving around or panting. Give your dog a cool, quiet place to rest indoors, and avoid exercise or strenuous activity until they’ve completely recovered.

Avoid unsafe foods

Feel free to offer your dog small amounts of wet food, dog-safe foods like watermelon, pumpkin, or cucumber, or crushed ice cubes and other frozen treats to help them rehydrate — so long as you’ve given it to them without issue before.

Food-triggered conditions like allergies or pancreatitis can be complicated by the symptoms of dehydration. Plus, any “run-of-the-mill” vomiting or diarrhea from a new or unsafe food can quickly turn a mild dehydration case into a serious one.

In that same vein, don’t offer your dog drinks like Pedialyte or Gatorade unless directed by a vet, as their electrolyte and sugar contents may be too high for your dog to ingest safely. If you’re offering them chicken or beef broth, make sure it’s no salt added or specifically formulated for dog consumption, as traditional broths are very high in salt and can exacerbate dehydration.

Seek veterinary advice

If your dog's condition does not improve or if they show signs of severe dehydration, such as lethargy, weakness, or loss of appetite, consult your Lovet veterinarian for further evaluation and treatment.

What to do if your dog won’t drink

Encouraging a dehydrated dog to drink can be challenging, especially if they are feeling unwell or nauseous. However, it's essential to ensure that they are adequately hydrated to prevent further complications. Here are some tips to encourage your dog to drink:

Change the water

Offer fresh, clean water in a clean bowl to entice your dog to drink. Just like you wouldn’t drink water that is less than fresh, some dogs may be deterred by dirty or stagnant water.

Add flavor

Add a splash of dog-safe broth or bone broth to your dog's water to enhance the flavor and make it more enticing.

Offer crushed ice cubes or frozen treats

Crushed ice cubes and frozen treats are not only refreshing but also help cool down your dog and encourage them to consume fluids. You can make homemade frozen treats by mixing water or broth with their favorite treats or dog-safe foods and freezing them in ice cube trays or silicone molds.

Offer wet food

Wet or canned food contains higher moisture content than dry kibble and can help increase your dog's fluid intake and electrolytes. If they’re not already eating wet food at home, don’t run out and buy some! You can mix water or broth with their dry food to “fluff” it and make it both more appealing and hydrating for your dog.

Ways to keep your dog hydrated

Small actions can have a big impact when it comes to keeping your dog hydrated. Preventing dehydration is as simple as a few daily habits, like:

Always provide access to fresh water

Make sure your dog has multiple places to access clean, fresh water, both indoors and outdoors. Regularly check and refill their water bowl to ensure that it remains clean and inviting.

Use elevated bowls

Consider using elevated or raised water bowls to make it easier for your dog to drink, especially for larger breeds or senior dogs with mobility issues.

Bring a portable water container

When traveling or going on outdoor adventures with your dog, bring along a portable water container and offer regular water breaks to prevent dehydration.

Monitor water consumption

Keep track of your dog's water consumption and be alert for any changes or abnormalities that could signal underlying issues. A good rule of thumb is your dog should be drinking one ounce of water for every pound they weigh (i.e,. a 10-pound dog should be drinking about ten ounces per day), give or take their activity levels and health conditions.)

Use hydrating treats or toys

Hydrating treats or toys — such as crushed ice cubes, frozen fruits or water-filled chew toys — encourage your dog to drink and stay hydrated while providing mental stimulation and enrichment. Wondering what fruits are safe for your dogs to eat? Check out our blog on what fruits are safe for dogs.

When to take your dehydrated dog to the vet

While mild dehydration can often be managed at home with proper hydration and rest, severe cases may require veterinary intervention and fluids administered via IV. For that reason, it’s always important to call your vet as soon as you suspect dehydration in your dog so that we can advise you on your best options. Here are some signs that indicate your dog needs immediate medical attention:

• Severe lethargy 

• Loss of consciousness 

• Persistent or bloody vomiting or diarrhea 

• Rapid heart rate, pale gums, weak pulse, or shallow breathing 

• Symptoms not resolving or getting worse 

• Pre-existing health conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes, or gastrointestinal conditions 
  
  

Your partner in pet health and hydration

When it comes to dehydration in dogs, an ounce of prevention is worth a gallon of cure. By understanding its causes, symptoms, and effective at-home treatment for mild symptoms, you can recognize dehydration at its earliest signs and intervene before it affects your dog’s health. If you’re concerned about your dog’s risk factor for dehydration, or are looking for personalized tips to keep your pal healthy and hydrated, talk to your team at Lovet. Find your closest Lovet location and schedule an appointment today.



^{Disclaimer: Not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinarian advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding the medical condition of your pet. If you think your pet has a medical emergency, call or visit your veterinarian or your local veterinary emergency hospital immediately.}