Dehydration In Dogs – What To Look For And How To Prevent

With the hot weather in full swing and set to stay for a while it’s important to get prepared and have the right kit available to keep your furbaby cool and hydrated.  This blog looks at dehydration in dogs, what you need to look out for and how you can prevent your dog getting dehydrated.  Pets can become very poorly if they get too hot or dehydrated, it can be life threatening.

Preparation is key

Especially during the current situation with covid-19 we are all needing to be a bit more organised when we go out and about, ensuring we have a face covering in case we need it and hand sanitiser to reduce virus spread.  Most places are open now but you can never be too sure what is open and how long the queue will be so it’s important to take drinks with you when out and about. It’s extremely important to remember a drink for your dog as well.  The last thing you want is to find yourself struggling to get hold of a drink for your dog on a hot day.

Signs of dehydration in dogs

Dehydration in dogs is actually more common than you think but it is potentially life threatening, as it can be in humans as well.  If dehydration is left untreated it can cause serious organ failure and can even be fatal so it is really important to ensure your pets are drinking enough water, particularly on hot days.  Signs of dehydration in dogs typically include;

• Sunken eyes
• Weakness
• Lethargy
• Dry gums
• Loss of skin elasticity (If dehydrated your dog’s skin will lose moisture.  When you pinch the skin at the back of your pet’s head it should spring back to it usually shape quickly.  If it is slow to spring back or stays pinched up “skin tenting” it’s a sure sign of dehydration in dogs)
• Collapse

Peanut enjoying time in his beautiful garden!

How to prevent dehydration in dogs

There are many things you can do to prevent dehydration in dogs, some of which we have listed below for you.

• Ensure your dog has access to fresh cold water at all times.
• Add ice cubes to their water to keep it nice and cool.
• Regularly check your dog for signs of dehydration and seek veterinary advice if you suspect they are dehydrated.
• Give your dog frozen treats to keep them cool and hydrated.
• Give your dog access to a paddling pool in the garden so they can keep cool and take a drink from there as well whenever they need to.

A cool accessory to prevent dehydration in dogs this summer

Why not treat your dog to one of our personalised paw print water bottles so you always have a dedicated drink for your dog when you are out and about.  These stylish and sturdy water bottles are made from aluminium, have a glossy white coating and can be personalised with your pet’s own unique paw print.  You can also have your favourite photo and a short message added as well.  Treating your furbaby to their own water bottle means there are no arguments and humans know to keep their paws off!

Water bottle personalised with your pet’s paw print, photo and message

When you place your order you will be sent an inkless paw print kit to capture your dog’s unique paw prints at home.  Simply upload a photo of their paw prints to our website and we will tidy up any extra furry bits and send you a proof to approve before creating your special water bottle.

Personalised water bottle with your pet’s paw print, photo and message

These gorgeous bottles have a 600ml capacity and come with 2 interchangeable lids; a sports top lid and a screw lid with carabiner clasp so you can hook the water bottle onto bags and belt loops etc to carry it around with you effortlessly.  The soft padded bottom means the aluminium doesn’t clunk down on work tops when you put it down 🙂

Water bottle personalised with your pet’s paw print, photo and message

If you have ordered from us previously we will likely have your dog’s paw prints on file so can get started straight away for you.  Don’t forget you can also use your loyalty discount to get 10% off as well.  If you have lost your card send us an email and we will give you the code.  Get yourself organised now and order your dog their very own personalised paw print water bottle!

For more information and tips on how to keep your pets cool this summer read our blog Sun Safe Tips For Your Pets.

You can find more information on dehydration in dogs on the Vets Now website.