Is My Dog Dehydrated? Here's how to tell - and how to prevent it from happening
It can be a real problem - particularly now that heatwaves in the UK are becoming more common.
The Met Office has declared that the UK could be set for another heatwave next week, and experts continue to warn that the hot weather can cause pets to develop light-threatening dehydration and heatstroke.
What’s more, with July being National Pet Hydration Awareness Month, owners are urged about the importance of keeping their four-legged friend well and hydrated.
To help out Michael Sheils, Brand Ambassador at Christie’s Direct, has advised on how pets become dehydrated, how owners can help prevent it, the early signs to look out for, and when it’s time to contact a vet.
Here’s everything you need to know this summer.
What are the signs of dehydration in dogs?
Spotting dehydration early can help prevent more serious health issues. Watch out for:
- A dry or sticky nose.
- Dry, tacky, or pale gums.
- Reduced skin elasticity – gently pinch the skin at the back of the neck. If it takes longer than normal to return to its original position, your pet may be dehydrated.
- Excessive tiredness or low energy levels.
- Sunken-looking eyes.
- Panting a lot
How do dogs become dehydrated and how can I prevent it?
Dehydration can happen surprisingly quickly, particularly during warm weather when pets lose more fluids through panting and activity. Taking a few simple precautions can help keep them hydrated and healthy.
Make sure your pet always have access to water
Always make sure your pet has access to plenty of fresh, clean water, both at home and when you're out and about. Water bowls should be topped up regularly, especially on hot days, as water can warm up quickly or evaporate.
Remember to offer your pet water regularly throughout the day, particularly after exercise or playtime, when they've lost more fluids.
Take a water bottle or portable bowl
If you're heading out for a walk or day trip, take a water bottle and a portable bowl with you so your pet can have regular drinks. Offering water little and often is much better than waiting until they seem thirsty.
Add sodium-free bone broth to water
Some pets can be reluctant to drink enough water. Adding a small amount of sodium-free bone broth to their water can make it more appealing and encourage them to stay hydrated.
Be mindful of walking times
During periods of hot weather, try to walk your dog early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler. This helps reduce the risk of dehydration and heat-related illnesses while making walks much more comfortable for your pet.
When should I contact my vet?
If you notice signs of severe dehydration or your pet's condition doesn't improve, it's important to seek veterinary advice as soon as possible.
Contact your vet immediately if your pet faints, collapses or appears unusually weak, as these can be signs of heatstroke or severe dehydration.
Persistently dry gums, ongoing lethargy or other signs of significant dehydration should also be assessed by a vet.
If your pet is panting excessively but refuses to drink water, this could indicate a more serious underlying issue and should be treated as urgent.
Vomiting or diarrhoea can cause pets to lose fluids very quickly, increasing the risk of dehydration, so it's important to contact your vet if these symptoms occur.
Finally, if your pet's symptoms continue to worsen or fail to improve despite offering fresh water and moving them somewhere cool, seek veterinary attention right away.
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