CAUSES OF CANINE DEHYDRATION
Maintaining proper electrolytes in your dog’s body is very important for keeping the right level of fluid in the system.
While dogs can obtain all of their necessary nutrients from food, their bodies require a little bit of help in order to maintain normal body functions. Simple day to day actions like panting, breathing, urinating, evaporation through paws and passing faeces. Dehydration results when the dog’s body fails to make up for the water loss with normal fluid intake.
Some dogs need more encouragement than others or they are in a heavy exercise where they lose fluids through panting. All dogs are individuals and the causes can the degrees of dehydration can vary many facto.
SYMPTOMS OF CANINE DEHYDRATION
Identifying signs of dehydration is important. The list of symptoms include:
- Loss of skin elasticity
- Panting
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Low energy levels
- Dry nose or gums
- Thicker saliva
- Dry eyes
One simple test is skin elasticity and this can be performed by holding some skin near the shoulder blades, pulling up and letting go. Monitor how it falls back into place as a hydrated dog will have its skin spring back instantly. A dehydrated dog will take longer for the skin to fall back into place. Always do this simple test when you know your dog is hydrated, so you have a feel of hydrated skin elasticity to refer to.
TREATMENTS AND PREVENTION OF DEHYDRATION
Once dehydration is identified, ensure there is fresh water available. If the dog is showing signs of distress, especially conditions such as persistent vomiting or heatstroke, consider a vet visit as these conditions can progress rapidly into a serious health condition.
There are certain conditions where a dehydrated dog will have lost large amounts of electrolytes, and these need to be replaced urgently. If your dog is experiencing diarrhea, one of your biggest worries is the possibility of an electrolyte imbalance and dehydration. The fluid loss can be substantial, so replacing essential electrolytes can ensure their body systems function properly in recovery.
Other conditions such as post-surgery and stress will require hydration levels to be monitored. Dogs refuse to eat post surgery or in times of stress, but it’s important to keep them hydrated. Proper nutrition and hydration help pets heal quickly and properly.
In physical activity, dog electrolytes can help support hydration levels during times of high activity. Giving an electrolyte supplement helps keep the dog hydrated with water intake and provides a source of energy.
Electrolytes for dogs are an excellent addition to a healthy, balanced diet. You can include some form of electrolytes in your pet’s diet. Their fluid levels can drop without replenishing them. With electrolytes for dogs, you can help them get back on track to having a healthy digestive system with water being drawn into their cells to maintain hydration.
CEN DOG ELECTROLYTES
The ingredients in CEN Dog Electrolytes contain no sugars or fillers in a low feed rate amount. Perfect to replenish electrolytes lost during exercise, travelling, sickness recovery and other stressful conditions. View our full range of supplements for dogs.