Water is very crucial for normal metabolism and maintenance of the body, as water constitutes above 70% of cells, and overall physiological functions depend upon water availability and hydration status.

Dehydration is a condition when water levels within the body decrease below normal levels. This is due to the loss of more water than intake; an imbalance between intake and loss leads to a dehydrated state. Dehydration may be mild, moderate, or severe depending upon the amount of water loss. Mild and moderate dehydration can be managed by increasing water content in diets and improving water intake at home, but severe dehydration must be corrected by prompt veterinary intervention.

Dehydration in dogs also results in a loss of electrolytes, such as sodium, chloride, and potassium. These minerals have important functions in the body:

• Maintaining the pH within the body

• Moving nutrients into cells

• Facilitating muscle functioning and movement

• Regulation of nerve function

In the most serious cases of canine dehydration, severe fluid shortage can lead to organ damage such as kidney failure, liver dysfunction, skin crusting, etc.

Causes of dehydration in dogs

Reduced water intake

Decreased water intake is the most important cause of dehydration in dogs. Numerous reasons contribute to a decrease in water intake, such as providing less than enough water, not having 24-hour availability of water, lack of monitoring leading to loss of water from the bowl if your dog plays with the water bowl, or off-flavored water. Problems with dogs may be the factor behind less intake of water in dogs.

Health conditions

Acute vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, and excessive evaporation lead to the loss of excess water, causing dehydration. Systemic illness, fever, kidney diseases, some types of cancer, diabetes, and other underlying health conditions may also cause dehydration in dogs. Dehydration due to systemic illness must be immediately treated by visiting a veterinarian so that further deterioration can be prevented.

Individual preference

Some dogs just will not drink much water unless they are encouraged to do so. Or they may be exercising outside to the point where they are panting and therefore losing fluids. In those cases, make sure to encourage your dog to drink and ensure they're not exercising too much, especially in hot weather.

Symptoms of dehydration in dog

Dogs, like other animals, are voiceless and unfortunately unable to tell that they are thirsty and provide water for themselves, but by looking at other signs and symptoms, you can guess the hydration level of your fluffy friend.

Symptoms of dehydration can be

• Loss of skin elasticity and flexibility

• Decreased appetite and lack of interest in food

• Vomiting (with or without diarrhea)

• Reduced energy levels and lethargy.

• Panting

• Sunken, dry-looking eyes

• Dry nose and less mucus secretion

• Dry, sticky gums

• Thick and less salivation

Treating dehydration

Dehydration can be treated at home by improving water intake. Some at-home tips are presented here to treat dehydration at home:

Provide plenty of water

Water should be provided all the time. Monitor the drinking habits of your dog regularly to detect any abnormal drinking habits. It is recommended to have a graduated water bowl and measure the exact daily water intake; the bowl should be fixed at a specific location, and the dog should be trained to go and drink. Clean and fresh water should be available. Daily clean the bowl and discard any leftover water to prevent waterborne diseases and keep the water fresh.

Adding flavor to the water

If you notice your dog is reluctant to drink water, try to add some flavor to the water, as this will increase the potability of water. Natural water has some flavor, which dogs love to drink. Adding flavor attracts dogs to drink more than normal amounts, which prevents dehydration.

Providing ice cubes

Dogs love to lick the ice cube, which increases overall water intake. As ice cubes are an exciting thing for dogs to have fun with, which they regularly lick and scratch, try to provide ice cubes in summer seasons.

Wet food and broth

Wet foods have high water content, which increases hydration status by directly releasing water. Wet food also fulfills water requirements without the need to have extra water; if your dog refuses to drink plain water, try to provide wet food and broth, which have high water content, and there is no need to drink water separately.

Oral rehydration solution

There are some over-the-counter products available that are used to treat dehydration in dogs. By dissolving in water, ORS can be provided to drink, which dogs drink happily because of flavor and taste.

Preventing dogs from dehydration

The best way to protect your dog from dehydration is to make sure they don't get in that condition in the first place. Provide them with a constant supply of clean and fresh water at all times, including when you take them outdoors. Some dogs drink more than others, so you may need to take extra care to ensure that picky drinkers get enough water. Some dog owners try flavoring water with broth or giving their dogs ice crystals to chew on.

Depending on the weather and temperature, they may need more water on some days than others. Your dog's activity and exercise level can also impact their water intake. As a general rule, dogs require at least one ounce of water per day for each pound of body weight. Your veterinarian can offer advice about how to ensure your dog consumes enough fluids based on their age, weight, and condition.

Conclusion

As mentioned above, mild dehydration can be treated at home by following the abovementioned tips, but severe dehydration must be dealt with by veterinary assistance. Dehydration is not that innocuous as it looks; dehydration may lead to shock and sudden death if not managed promptly and timely. Try to give attention to your dog if he or she is showing any sign related to dehydration.