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<\/a><\/p>\nDehydration in dogs and cats is a common, potentially life-threatening condition. \u00a0It is the result of an excessive loss of fluid or inadequate intake of both water and electrolytes from your pet\u2019s body that is needed to perform basic metabolic functions.\u00a0 Dehydration causes a decrease in the volume of circulating blood, and this hinders the delivery of oxygen to critical organs and tissues.<\/p>\n
Problems associated with pet dehydration closely parallel the problems that humans experience when they are dehydrated.\u00a0 Even mild dehydration can cause serious health problems. Heat stroke, kidney and circulatory system problems are some of the life-threatening conditions that can occur when a pet is dehydrated.<\/p>\n
Important!<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0 Do not attempt to treat a pet\u2019s dehydration at home. If you suspect that your dog or cat is dehydrated, be safe and take him to your veterinarian as quickly as you can.<\/p>\n Symptoms<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Lethargy or listlessness Dogs – Dry mouth and sticky gums (If you press your finger against your dog\u2019s gums, there should be a \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0white mark or blanched area, but it should return to its normal color in a few seconds. If your dog is \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0dehydrated, it will take longer for that area to return to its normal pink color.)<\/p>\n Cats \u2013 Thick gel-like saliva (Touch your cat\u2019s gums. They should be wet and saliva should be liquid, not thick, \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0rope-like, or have a gel consistency, which would indicate dehydration.)<\/p>\n Loss of skin elasticity (Gently life the skin on the back of your pet\u2019s neck around the shoulder blades.\u00a0When you let go of the skin, it should spring right back into place immediately.\u00a0 If it doesn’t fall back into place or takes\u00a0a while to \u00a0 \u00a0 return to a normal position, your pet may be dehydrated. \u00a0Do not depend on this test\u00a0to determine if your\u00a0pet is dehydrated; if there are signs of illness, please take him to your vet as soon\u00a0as possible.)<\/p>\n Too much or too little urination<\/p>\n Constipation<\/p>\n Causes<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Lack of available water Treatment<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Again, do not attempt to treat dehydration at home. Your pet will not be able to drink enough water to correct the situation. \u00a0For your his safety and well-being, the best course of action is to have him treated by a veterinarian immediately if he is dehydrated.<\/p>\n Your veterinarian will examine your pet determine the level of his dehydration and possible causes<\/p>\n Cat receiving subcutaneous fluids for dehydration<\/p><\/div>\n Fluids will then most likely be administered either subcutaneously (just under the skin), or intravenously, which is the most efficient method.\u00a0 The IV method takes longer, and your pet may need to be hospitalized if this is the case.<\/p>\n Medications and\/or antibiotics may be prescribed to your pet, depending on the underlying cause of the problem.<\/p>\n After your pet is re-hydrated, your veterinarian should perform proper examinations and tests to determine the underlying cause of the problem and to ensure that there are no repeated issues with dehydration.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Prevention<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Make cool, fresh water available to your pet at all times, and change it frequently to ensure freshness. \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 Wash the water bowl daily to discourage bacteria from growing on the surface<\/p>\n Add liquid to your pet\u2019s food, or feed wet food along with or instead of dry food.\u00a0 Talk to your vet regarding the amount of fluids that your pet should have in his meals in order to avoid dehydration. Healthy vegetables added to your pet’s meals will also help in your pet’s hydration.<\/p>\n Keep a close eye on your pet when temperatures rise in the summer.\u00a0 Do not let him get overheated, and if he goes outside make sure that he has access to a cool place with plenty of fresh water at all times. \u00a0Never<\/span> leave your pet\u00a0in a car in warm weather<\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>! \u00a0 If you see a dog in a closed vehicle and it appears to be in distress from the heat, call 911 immediately!<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n **<\/strong><\/span> If your pet isn\u2019t a water drinker by habit, try this trick –\u00a0 I used it when my Betsy had kidney disease and needed to constantly be hydrated.\u00a0 In addition to her weekly subcutaneous fluids which were given by needle just under her skin, I made \u201cchicken water<\/em>\u201d for her.\u00a0 She could never resist it!\u00a0 Here\u2019s how:\u00a0 Boil frozen or fresh chicken breast portions (not breaded) in a covered pot with water until cooked through.\u00a0 No salt, no seasonings.\u00a0 Let it cool and serve\u00a0the broth with your pet\u2019s meals, or as a beverage treat throughout the day.\u00a0 I preferred this recipe instead of canned chicken broth because there so much sodium in canned broth.\u00a0 The chicken meat that you have boiled can be cut up and added to your pet\u2019s dinner, and it will add more liquid to their daily intake.<\/p>\n Pet owners (or as I like to refer to them, \u201cpet parents\u201d), should learn to recognize the signs of dehydration and how to respond to it with prompt veterinary attention.\u00a0 Your love and care will go a long way toward helping your pet feel better quickly so that he can live a long, healthy life with you.<\/p>\n
\nLoss of appetite
\nSunken eyes<\/p>\n
\nVomiting
\nDiarrhea
\nFever
\nTrauma or stress
\nHeatstroke or overexposure to heat
\nOvereating
\nGastrointestinal problems
\nDiabetes
\nKidney disease or problems<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n