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Wondering why your little bundle of joy is not enjoying their scrumptious summer treats? The reason could be quite simple: the scorching summer might be causing them dehydration! Yes, dogs often feel under the weather as the temperature rises. Hence, keeping them hydrated plays a significant role in getting them through the season. But the question that bothers every pet parent is, how to prevent dehydration and ensure the well-being of their beloved companions during hot weather?

Continue reading to explore everything about dehydration, ranging from causes to prevention,to let your four-legged friends make the most of the season and keep them hale and hearty.

What is dehydration in dogs?

Dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluid than it takes in, leading to the loss of electrolytes, including potassium, sodium, etc. that aid in maintaining pH balance.Dogs's bodies start losing water from the minute they wake up in everyday processes, including playing, panting, urinating, etc. This makes it imperative for them to consume sufficient water to prevent dehydration.

Moreover, dehydration can get severe if not paid attention to, leading to various illnesses or even organ damage, particularly the kidneys. Therefore, it is crucial to keep your furry friend hydrated by increasing fluid intake and incorporating water-rich foods in their diet.

Understanding the reasons for dehydration in dogs

Various reasons contribute to dehydration in dogs. Let's have a glance at some of the common ones:

• Heatstroke: Prolonged hours of sun exposure, especially in the hot weather, make dogs pant excessively to cool down and cause a loss of fluids. When this is accompanied by low or no water intake, it results in dehydration.
• Various illnesses: Multiple health conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, hormonal imbalances and various infections often disrupt the body's ability to retain water, leading to dehydration.
• Stress & anxiety: When a dog is stressed, nervous or anxious due to traveling, separation anxiety, loud noises, etc., they tend to pant more, causing fluid loss and thereby contributing to dehydration.
• Increased physical activity: A long walk, energetic run, strenuous exercise or enthusiastic play session causes excessive sweating and panting, resulting in dehydration.
• Persistent vomiting or diarrhea: While occasional vomiting or diarrhea is not a cause for concern, if your dog is experiencing persistent vomiting or diarrhea, it can cause dehydration.
• Inadequate water intake: Low water intake, especially in a hot climate, often results in dehydration as warmer temperatures often require adequate water intake in short intervals.

What are the signs to watch for dehydration in dogs?

Mentioned below are a few common signs that you need to look for so that you can get an idea whether your canine is suffering from dehydration:

• Dry nose
• Sticky gums
• Decreased appetite
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Sunken eyes
• Excessive panting
• Drowsiness & weakness
• Poor skin elasticity
• Dark yellow urine

Simple tips to keep your dog hydrated

Here are some easy ways to treat and prevent dehydration and keep your pooch healthy:

Access to fresh & clean drinking water:

One of the best and effective ways to keep your dog hydrated is to provide them with clean and fresh drinking water at all times. Make sure to monitor their water intake throughout the day and refill their water bowls at regular intervals. You can also consider keeping water bowls in different areas to ensure adequate hydration.

Increased fluid intake:

Fluid loss results in dehydration and therefore, it is essential to increase your dog's fluid intake to maintain hydration in the body. The summer season calls for increased fluid intake as it can cause more sweating and water loss.

Limited sun exposure:

Limiting sun exposure, especially during peak summer hours, contributes significantly to preventing dehydration and maintaining well-being of your furry companion. Consider carrying a water bottle and keeping your dog in the shade if you are taking them out in the sun.

Hydrating treats or ice cubes:

Feeding your little one with frozen treats made from coconut water or diluted broth goes a long way in providing sufficient hydration. Additionally, if your pooch is reluctant to drink water, offering them ice cubes can help provide slow but required hydration.

Moisture-rich foods:

Moisture-rich kibble, bone broth and fruits with high water content, such as watermelon, cucumber, etc., also play a significant role in boosting hydration and keeping your canine companion healthy.

Electrolyte solution:

Electrolyte solutions and hydration boosters are specifically designed for dogs to provide hydration when they are suffering from any chronic illness or refusing to drink water.

Veterinary care:

If any of the above-mentioned tips don't work and your dog's symptoms remain persistent, seek veterinary help immediately to detect the root cause and provide timely treatment.

Wrapping Up

Dehydration is a serious concern if left unattended, but the good news is, with the right approach and prompt action, pet parents can ensure their dog stays hydrated, happy and healthy. Take notes from this blog and keep an eye on the symptoms so that you do not miss out on anything and take proactive steps as and when required.