Pet dehydration occurs when your pet loses an excessive amount of water from their body or an excessive intake of water into the body. Dehydration can make your pet feel lethargic and can potentially cause severe problems with the kidneys and other internal organs if untreated.
Dehydration often accompanies symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, hypothermia (low body temperature), fever, no access to water, and other conditions. It can be detected by several tests:
Mouth: If the mouth, tongue, or gums are dry, your pet is suffering from dehydration. Also be sure to check on the mucus, if it’s thick and stringy, it’s another indication of dehydration.
Eyes: Sunken and/or dry eyes may indicate dehydration and warrant veterinary attention.
Skin: Perform the skin turgor test to check on pet dehydration symptoms. Pull the skin on your pet’s neck back, if the skin is slow to return to position, your pet may be moderately to severely dehydrated. If the skin does not return fully to its position, your pet may be severely dehydrated and may be in critical condition. Seek veterinary attention immediately.
What to Do
If your pet is suffering from moderate to severe pet dehydration, seek veterinary attention immediately.
If pet dehydration is mild and there is no vomiting, give frequent, small amounts of water by mouth.
If your pet is lethargic, in pain, or has not eaten for 24 hours, seek veterinary attention immediately.
What NOT to Do
Do not allow your pet to have immediate free access to large amounts of water or other liquid.
Do not feed your pet any dry food until directed to do so by a veterinary professional.
If you have any additional questions or have a pet dehydration situation on your hands, please contact us immediately. Our team is here to help you in your moment of need. Your pet can’t wait to feel better.