Dehydration

Dehydration often accompanies vomiting, diarrhea, hyperthermia, fever, no access to water, and other conditions.

To determine if your dog is dehydrated:

• Check the tongue and gums – they should be moist
• Saliva should be watery, if thick and ropy, your dog may be dehydrated
• Check eyes, if they appear sunken into the sockets, or dry to the appearance, dehydration may be a factor
• You can also do a skin turgor test by pinching the skin on the top of the head or the back of the neck – if the skin tent does not immediately return to position, then the dog is dehydrated.

What to do:

• If your dog seems very dehydrated and depressed, seek veterinary attention
• If only mild, then give frequent small amounts of water
• Move dog to a cooler area to help reduce panting

What NOT to do:

• Do not let your dog have immediate free access to water or other liquid
• Do not feed him any dry food