Dehydration is harmful to your dog's health. It can weaken your dog's vital organs and can lead to serious injury or even death without proper and timely treatment. Our Fairfield, NJ vets will teach you about dehydration in dogs in today's post to help you avoid it.
How do dogs get dehydrated?
When your dog perspires, urinates, or defecates, water is expelled from its body. If your pet does not drink enough water, it can lead to dehydration and cause a variety of health problems. Lack of fluid intake in your pet's body could restrict blood flow and lessen the amount of oxygen that reaches the organs and tissues.
Why does my dog get dehydrated?
The following is a list of some reasons why your dog might get dehydrated.
- Heatstroke or fever
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Pain
- Vomiting, diarrhea, or panting
- Frequent urination caused by kidney failure and diabetes
What are some symptoms of dehydration in dogs?
Here are some symptoms to watch for:
- Less elastic skin
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting with or without diarrhea
- Less energy
- Fatigue
- Panting
- Hollow and dry-looking eyes
- Dry nose
- Dry and moist gums
- Thick saliva
How much water should dogs drink?
Water accounts for more than 70% of a dog's body weight, so they must drink plenty of water every day. A good rule of thumb for dogs is one ounce of water for every pound of body weight. So a 25-pound dog requires 25 oz. (or 3 cups) of water per day, while a 75-pound dog requires nearly 2 liters. This is spread out over the course of their day, and there are other ways to supplement their hydration needs rather than offering them small amounts of water.
How long can dogs go without water?
Under normal conditions, a dog can go 6-10 hours without water without becoming dehydrated. So don't worry if you forget to refill his water bowl before leaving for work, or if he knocks his bowl over while you're gone.
The general rule of thumb is that a dog can go 72 hours without water, but the effects of dehydration become apparent after the first 24 hours. Though some have suggested withholding water to prevent dogs from urinating in the house or in their crate all day while their owner is at work, it is critical to never leave your dog alone without water for any reason.
What happens if my dog refuses to drink water?
Healthy dogs are generally good at controlling their water intake, but if they refuse to drink water, it could be due to an underlying issue such as a stomach upset or an intestinal or urinary blockage.
It is critical to take action to get a dog to drink water, especially if the dog has been vomiting or has had consistent diarrhea. This is especially dangerous because it rapidly loses moisture while not consuming enough water or food to compensate.