Providing your pet with a nutritious diet isn’t the only way to keep them healthy. In addition to being essential to your pet’s health, water is the primary building block of all healthy living cells. Unless you provide it, your pet’s body will not operate correctly, and he may even get dehydrated without it.
Symptoms of Dehydration in Pets
Pets are made up of as much water as humans. It makes appropriate pet hydration very essential. Among other things, water helps prevent infection and illness, raise energy levels, maintain stable body temperature and blood circulation, filter waste, digest food, and speed up recovery time after sickness, surgery or accident. Effects of dehydration in your pet include the following:
Very Pale or Bright Red Gums
If your pet has sticky gums, it may signify first-stage dehydration. Whether you’re concerned that your dog is dehydrated, look at its gums to see if they’re wet and sticky. Press your finger softly on your dog’s gums and then withdraw your finger.
In a well-hydrated dog, the region where you squeeze will look white for a second and then return to its regular pink hue nearly quickly. In dehydrated dogs, the capillary refill period is substantially longer. It is a great idea to take your pet to a vet dentist or find out here to know the best course of action you can take.
Dryness of the Nose
A hot, dry nose may be a sign of dehydration or even an eye condition like dryness. Suppose your dog’s dry nose is accompanied by other symptoms like lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, or a shift in activity level or appetite; you should seek advice from a veterinarian like Pico Rivera Veterinary. Alternatively, it might be a sign of something more serious.
Loss of Skin Elasticity
The suppleness of their skin is a common way to check for dehydration. Before releasing, gently squeeze the loose skin at your dog’s scruff (the back of their neck, before the shoulders). The skin of a well-hydrated dog will quickly return to its natural shape. Coat in a dehydrated dog is less elastic and takes longer to return to its original position. Your dog may be dehydrated if its skin takes longer than two seconds to return to its previous position after being stretched out.
Lethargy and Low Energy Levels
Pets who are even mildly dehydrated might get drowsy. Because of their dehydration, they may not feel like moving around much and may want to rest. It may lead to muscular cramping and joint discomfort in pets, which is why it is so important to keep pets hydrated. Keep cold, clean water on hand for your dog to drink at its own pace if it is somewhat dehydrated.
Treatment for Dehydrated Pets
If your dog shows any indications of heatstroke, shock, or dehydration, call your veterinarian right once. Small quantities of water or ice cubes may be given to your pet every few minutes if they are somewhat dehydrated. You can use electrolyte fluid to restore your pet’s lost minerals. If you give your pet too much water at once, it may vomit, further dehydrating them.
Even if a minor issue causes your dog’s dehydration, it’s always a good idea to see your veterinarian. Consult with your veterinarian or type in your browser, “veterinary orthopedic surgeon near me“, to prevent any injuries from occurring in the future.
Takeaway
Keeping your pet healthy is your priority as a pet owner. Make sure to always have enough fresh water available for your pet to drink. Your pet may need to drink extra water to cover fluids lost throughout an active day.
Pets typically consume one ounce of water per pound of body weight each day. Whenever you have doubts about the amount of water your dog is ingesting, consult your veterinarian for help.
