What is it?
A dog's body is made up of around 70% water, and dehydration can occur when this percentage is out of balance. Essentially, a dog is losing (or has lost) more water than it is taking in. As a direct result of dehydration, a dog's total blood volume within the body will be reduced. While the body can compensate for a while by moving fluid into the blood from other parts of the body, eventually, the blood volume will fall. This, in turn, will decrease the amount of blood flow in the body, reducing the amount of oxygen delivered to the dog’s vital organs. Dehydration can be life-threatening, so seek veterinary attention as soon as possible if you think your dog is dehydrated.
Up to 5% dehydration is very difficult to detect, but once a dog is 15% or more dehydrated, death is relatively rapid in most cases.
What causes it?
Different contributing factors can cause dehydration in dogs; these can be physical and medical problems. Common causes include:
What animals are at risk?
All animals are at risk of dehydration, especially during hot periods of weather or due to poor care - for example, not being offered or left with enough water.
What are the clinical symptoms and signs?
There are several different signs and symptoms that can occur due to dehydration. However, these symptoms can be seen in various other illnesses and diseases, so always seek veterinary advice for a diagnosis.
Common signs include:
How can it be diagnosed?
Dehydration can be diagnosed using different methods. A clinical exam is often performed by your veterinary surgeon, where the mucous membranes are checked, a skin tent is performed and a blood sample can be taken. A blood sample allows for testing to be undertaken, where different values within your dog's blood can be measured and compared to normal levels, to assess the level of dehydration.
It is important to remember that dehydration may be a secondary condition and is usually caused by an initial problem or disease. Further investigation may be required to diagnose what has caused dehydration, including ultrasound, x-ray and sometimes surgery.
How can it be treated?
While mild dehydration can be managed with providing water, in mild-moderate cases oral electrolyte supplementation may also be offered including rehydration sachets and specialised diets.
Cases of moderate to severe dehydration are usually treated with intravenous fluid therapy (IVFT). A patch of fur is usually clipped from the dog's front leg and an intravenous catheter is placed. This provides access to the dog’s cephalic vein where a drip can be attached and fluid can be delivered directly into the dog's bloodstream. The fluid administered usually consists of a variety of electrolytes to help support the dog’s circulatory system and correct any imbalances.
The dog’s hydration levels should be routinely checked and the rehydration treatment can be changed accordingly.
Can it be prevented?
In most cases, dehydration can be prevented. Ensure that your dog has regular feeding schedules with controlled amounts. Water should always be available to your dog at all times during the day. If your dog has a condition that means that they lose water unusually rapidly, such as diabetes mellitus, diabetes insipidus, or kidney disease, then you must make sure that your dog never runs out of water.
Care should also be taken in hotter weather when walking your dog. It is best to take your dog out early in the morning or late in the evening, avoiding the midday sun.
If you notice any changes in your dog's food or water intake, notice that your dog needs to urinate less (or more) frequently or that your dog is excessively drinking water, then seek veterinary advice as soon as possible.