Keeping both your dog and yourself hydrated is definitely super important, but especially so in the summertime when you're venturing out on daily walks in high heat and strong sunshine. While there is tons of fun to be had in the summertime weather, pet parents should know the dangers of dehydration in dogs.
We asked veterinarian Dr. Albert Ahn, DVM, to break down all you need to learn about what dog dehydration appears like and why keeping your pup hydrated is so important. And, because nobody wants to tote around a dull (and wasteful) plastic water bottle, we've got some stylish supplies for ensuring both you and your doggo have what you ought to stay hydrated.
Take Note, Pet Parents! Listed here are signs of Dehydration in Dogs
It's obvious, but we must express it: Thirst is one of the first signs of dehydration. It's essentially a “warning sign” from your body, urging you to definitely gulp down some H2O stat. It is easy for all of us humans to inform when we're thirsty, but recognizing that our dogs are feeling dehydrated requires paying a little more attention.
Some obvious signs that the dog is feeling thirsty or dehydrated, according to Dr. Ahn, include:
- Panting
- Lethargy (low energy)
- Sunken eyes
- Lack of appetite
- Dry nose
- Thick saliva
- Tacky gums
“If your pet is lethargic, be sure to look into the eyes to make sure that they aren't sunken in, that could indicate dehydration,” says Dr. Ahn who's a strategic advisor for MYOS, a senior pet healthcare company in Cedar Knolls, New Jersey.
“Also have a close look at your dog's nose,” he says. “If it's dry and your canine companion is panting-particularly in the absence of strenuous physical exercise-this could be an important sign pointing to the chance of dehydration.”
Dr. Ahn adds that checking the gums or saliva is yet another way to know if your pup is potentially dehydrated. If their saliva is thicker than usual, or maybe the gums feel and look tacky instead of slippery and wet, these are both signs that the dog could be significantly dehydrated. Canines may also experience gastrointestinal upset, for example diarrhea, constipation or vomiting, if they are not adequately hydrated.
Note that dog dehydration can also occur if your dog has ongoing diarrhea, because of the loss of fluids during the digestion process. In case your dog has diarrhea, call and/or arrange an appointment together with your veterinarian to get a diagnosis and plan for treatment.
Why Dehydration in Dogs Is really Dangerous
Leonardo Da Vinci once said, “Water is the driving force of all nature,” and that he couldn't have been nearer to the truth! Nothing about this earth can survive without water, and it is integral to the health and wellbeing. With that in mind, not getting enough water can take a significant toll on our bodies-dogs included!
“There are several systems in your body which require water to properly function. Probably the most important would be the kidneys, which could become damaged if a dog becomes dehydrated for a prolonged time period,” Dr. Ahn explains.
“The heart is yet another organ that is responsive to dehydration because, [without enough water], it has to work harder to circulate the blood,” he continues. “The digestive tract also requires water to effectively do its job of digesting and processing food. [And] a dog that doesn't get enough water may become constipated and could require veterinary treatment.”
In probably the most extreme cases, dehydration can lead to organ failure and even death, based on Dr. Ahn.
If all that doesn't cause you to want to get up and double check that the pup's water bowl is full, I don't know what's going to!
What to Do If You Suspect Your Dog Is Dehydrated (No. 1: Don't Panic!)
If you suspect that the dog is dehydrated, then give them water immediately. Be sure to introduce water slowly to avoid vomiting. In severe cases-which include your dog losing consciousness, not moving, refusing to eat or refusing to drink water-contact the vet or an emergency vet immediately.
How to Prevent Dehydration in Dogs
The the easy way prevent dehydration in dogs is to make sure your pet can access clean water at all times. Furthermore, you need to keep an eye on their actual liquid intake. In most cases, a dog's daily water needs are about one ounce of fluid for each pound of body weight, says Dr. Ahn. For example, a 32-pound dog requires 32 ounces (or a quarter gallon) water per day to meet their physiological needs.
“It is important to remember that heavy exercise, dry and hot environments, like the desert [landscape] of the southwestern United States, and hot summer weather may significantly boost the quantity of water that your dog requires in order to stay properly hydrated,” Dr. Ahn adds.
At all times, keep in mind your dog's water bowl; make sure that it is always brimming full of fresh, clean water.
“It is easy to miss a water bowl that's somewhat low,” says Dr. Ahn. “In the summer, an energetic dog may drink a lot more water and may easily drain a bowl. For this reason you should frequently check on the status from the bowl to make certain that it is full or near to full.”
What to Remember
- Dehydration in dogs can be extremely dangerous, leading to organ failure as well as death.
- Ensure that your dog has use of water that is clean. Generally speaking, a dog's daily water needs are about one ounce of fluid for every pound of bodyweight.
- Some signs that the dog is feeling thirsty or dehydrated include panting, low energy and appetite, sunken eyes, dry nose, thick saliva and tacky gums.
- If you suspect that your dog is dehydrated, give them water immediately. Make sure to introduce water slowly to prevent vomiting and phone the vet.
Some other ways you are able to prevent dog dehydration would be to avoid strenuous physical activities during midday (once the sun reaches its peak and the temperatures outside are in their highest outside) and to limit time spent outside in the sunshine.
With your veterinarian's OK, you can even offer your pet healthy and hydrating treats, for example celery or carrots, suggests Dr. Ahn, that have a lot of water. You may even be thinking about adding water to their kibble or providing them with food wet food during high-heat months/days. (Be sure that you discuss any dietary changes with your vet and to always introduce new foods gradually.)
Carefully monitor your dog for just about any signs of dehydration and offer them water immediately if you notice the worrisome symptoms. And as always, talk to your veterinarian for those who have any questions about the hydration status or health of the dog.
Why Your Hydration Matters, Too
As the fur parent in this dog/human relationship, it is important that you should be in tip-top health, as well. That means staying hydrated, too! A common recommendation would be to drink eight, 8-ounce portions of water daily, although Mayo Clinic sites The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine's guidelines of approximately 124 fluid ounces of fluids (for males) and 92 ounces (for ladies) each day.
When in doubt, listen to your body and gulp some H2O anytime you feel thirsty.
As is the case with dogs, you're more likely to get thirsty in hot and dry scenarios, such as those summertime dog walks, verifies the Cdc and Prevention.
One the best way to ensure you as well as your pup stay well-hydrated throughout the summer months (and year-round, really) is to carry a reusable water bottle and transportable pet bowl.
For your pet, consider something like the Prima Pets Collapsible Travel Bowl that is simple to take on-the-go because it collapses down to a slim disc, or the Dexas Popware for Pets BottlePocket, which provides both a bottle carrier in addition to a collapsible bowl in three coordinating color options. An alternative choice is the KONG H2O Stainless Steel Dog Water Bottle, a two-in-one bottle with both a water container and a detachable bowl. Additionally, it is available in six colors, so you can make sure to snag your favorite.
Prima Pets Collapsible Travel Bowl
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Dexas Popware for Pets BottlePocket
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KONG H2O Stainless Dog Water Bottle
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As for you, there are several impressively chic reusable water bottles out there that'll have you hydrating in fashion. Think about the Corkcicle Color Block Canteen. It features triple-layer insulation made to keep cold beverages cool for up Twenty four hours and hot drinks warm for 12. Plus, you will naturally love that trendy color-blocking pattern!
If collapsible capability is the jam, the Que Bottle using its spiral design is legit; it comes in many different color options and shrinks right down to half its size.
Those who have a problem with getting enough water everyday might feel more asked to up their daily intake with HydroMate's One Liter Glass Bottle. We like the clean, minimalist look of glass water bottles, and this you have motivational blurbs that behave as goals throughout the day.
Finally, in scenarios where you have to carry lots of water easily for both you and your pup (just like a hike, for example), we advise a backpack with a bladder. The CamelBak Women's L.U.X.E 100 OZ Hydration Pack can transport 10 liters water and boasts both a slim shape as well as an icy blue hue. It might be pricey, but adventurous types will definitely obtain a large amount of use out of this hands-free hydration option.
Corkcicle Color Block Canteen
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Collapsible Que Bottle
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HydroMate One Liter Glass Bottle
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Now both you and your pooch are all set to hydrate in serious style! Just be sure that you simply two are staying safe by watching out for that indications of dehydration in dogs.
