Dehydration can be very dangerous to your dog or cat's health if not treated properly. Here's how to prevent dehydration in your pet.
Dehydration is much more difficult for pets to recover from than humans and can even be fatal. Dehydration is more common than you think. It is a condition in which the body loses more fluid than it takes in. But what exactly is the cause of your pet's dehydration? And how do you know if your pet isn't getting enough water?
Causes of dehydration
- Not drinking enough water
- Urinating more often than usual
- Excessive panting
- Heat stroke or fever (the high temperature causes fluid to burn more quickly)
- kidney problems
symptoms of dehydration
- Dry nose and gums
- Lethargic
- loss of skin elasticity
- panting
- Sunken eyes
- Irregular urination
Help your pet to stay hydrated
There are numerous ways to help your pet stay hydrated. The easiest way is to make sure the cat or dog always has a bowl of fresh water available. Keep an eye on the water bowl if your pet tends to drink more water. If you plan to take your dog for a long walk, consider taking a portable bowl with you. Especially in spring and summer, the heat can be very uncomfortable. Make sure your pet (and you, of course) have enough bathroom breaks on long trips, as holding in urine can weaken the bladder muscles and encourage bacteria build-up.
