Why is Pet Dehydration Dangerous
Pet dehydration can be one of the most dangerous things that can happen to your pet. Maintaining proper hydration is extremely important to an animal’s health. Like humans, pets can suffer from dehydration, a painful and often deadly condition that can be prevented easily.
Pet Dehydration can be Life-threatening.
The body uses water to perform all its functions, such as maintaining blood volume, regulating body temperature, aiding in digestion, and eliminating waste products from the body. Water is also needed for the synthesis of proteins and carbohydrates. Without enough water in the body, all these functions will be compromised. If dehydration persists, it can lead to serious consequences, including death or organ damage.
What causes animal dehydration?
Animals can get dehydrated for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to:
- Inadequate water intake (especially for cats)
- Passing urine at a higher rate than usual
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Excessive panting
- Heatstroke or fever
- Diabetes and Kidney Issues
Signs that Your Pet is Dehydrated
There are a few signs that your pet is dehydrated. As with humans, you will notice a loss of appetite, thick saliva, dry skin and gums, sunken eyes, and lethargy. If you think your dog or cat has become dehydrated, try gently pulling up the skin on their back or neck. They are probably dehydrated if it doesn’t immediately spring back into place.
Preventative Measures
A good rule of thumb is that a healthy animal gets 10 to 12 milliliters of water per pound per day. For example, a 50-pound dog should drink about 6 to 7 cups of water daily. The best way to make sure your pet stays hydrated is by making sure they always have access to freshwater. In addition to keeping their water bowl full, you can encourage drinking by adding chicken broth or canned food to the bowl. You can also offer ice cubes as treats!
If you are concerned that your pet is dehydrated, the best thing to do is have them checked out. While it’s possible to have a little dehydrated pet, it is also possible for it to be a sign of something more serious. It can be difficult to differentiate between them since the symptoms are similar.
That’s why taking your pet to see a vet is so important. They will be able to figure out if dehydration is an issue and if they need to treat it or if something else is going on. The quicker you take your pet in, the better off they will be.
We Can Treat Your Pet at Exceptional Pets Green Valley
If you are looking for a great veterinary hospital, Exceptional Pets Green Valley is here. We offer full-service veterinary care, pet grooming, boarding, and day camp. With Exceptional Pets, you get all your pet needs to be taken care of by a team that loves the animals as much as you do.
Visit our website to book an appointment for your animal companion.
