DEHYDRATION ALERT! Signs Every Dog and Cat Owner Should Know
Staying hydrated is a hot topic among health and fitness buffs. But drinking enough water is just as essential to your pet’s health as it is to yours. Hydration is vital to pets’ ability to regulate their body temperature, support digestion, deliver oxygen to organs and tissues, and keep joints moving smoothly. A wide range of conditions can cause a dog or cat to become dehydrated, including hot weather, dry air, traumatic injury, chronic disease, or vomiting or diarrhea resulting from an illness. Puppies, kittens, and older pets are especially vulnerable. Dehydration can easily go unnoticed until your pet is at serious risk. So, here are three ways to monitor whether your pet is getting enough water. Wellness Check A dehydrated pet generally will not feel well and show it by becoming lethargic, fatigued, or weak, and their eyes may appear sunken. Dogs may pant more than usual, even if they’re not exercising. In cats, dehydration can also cause labored breathing or panting. Skin-Tent Test In young, healthy animals, a loss of skin elasticity can signal dehydration. Gently pinch and pull up a thin fold of loose skin on the
back of your pet’s neck or over the shoulders, then release it. In
well-hydrated pets, the skin returns to its normal position immediately. But if the skin forms a tent for a few seconds before falling back into place, your pet may be dehydrated. One caution: This test may not be reliable in older pets, whose skin can be less pliable due to their age. Gum Check Your pet’s gums should be pink, moist, and shiny. If they’re tacky, causing your finger to stick to the gum when you touch it, your pet may be dehydrated. Also, a dehydrated dog’s saliva tends to be thick, sticky, or ropy, clinging to their mouth, and their nose is likely to be dry rather than moist. In cats, a capillary refill test can be a helpful guide. Press on a spot on your cat’s gums and see how quickly the gum returns to its normal pink color. A lingering grey or white hue can signal poor hydration. Symptoms of dehydration can also be a sign of chronic illness, making veterinary treatment more urgent. If you have any concerns that your pet is dehydrated, don’t hesitate to contact your veterinarian.
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