If Your Pet Seems Dehydrated, Act Quickly!

Labrador retriever drinking from water bottle and pet parent's hand

Dehydration is a concern in pets. It can lead to serious health issues including organ impairment (heart, kidneys, liver); hypovolemic shock due to low blood volume; and electrolyte imbalance affecting muscle and nerve function.

Pets recovering from illness or surgery may be more susceptible to dehydration. And conditions such as diabetes or kidney disease can worsen if dehydration occurs.

You can check for signs of dehydration in your pet using a few methods:

  • Skin Elasticity: Gently pinch the skin on the back of your pet's neck (for cats and dogs) or between their shoulder blades. If the skin does not quickly return to its original position, they may be dehydrated.

  • Gum Check: Look at your pet's gums. They should be moist and pink. If they are dry, sticky, or pale, that can signal dehydration.

  • Panting or Excessive Drooling: Increased panting or drooling can indicate dehydration, especially in dogs.

  • Reduced Appetite: Low food and water intake may suggest dehydration.

  • Lethargy: If your pet is more tired than usual or less active, it could be a sign of dehydration.

  • Urine Output: Monitor their urination. If they are urinating less frequently or their urine is darker than usual, they may be dehydrated.

  • Weight Loss: Sudden weight loss can also indicate dehydration.

If you suspect your pet is dehydrated, take them to your veterinarian quickly for assessment and treatment. Dehydration can be serious, so addressing it quickly is crucial! Ally Urgent Vet is here for you, with two clinics serving Virginia Beach and Chesapeake/Northeastern North Carolina. Call us at 757-900-ALLY (2559) or visit allyurgentvet.com/check-in to “check-in” online.

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If Your Pet Seems Dehydrated, Act Quickly!

Labrador retriever drinking from water bottle and pet parent's hand

Dehydration is a concern in pets. It can lead to serious health issues including organ impairment (heart, kidneys, liver); hypovolemic shock due to low blood volume; and electrolyte imbalance affecting muscle and nerve function.

Pets recovering from illness or surgery may be more susceptible to dehydration. And conditions such as diabetes or kidney disease can worsen if dehydration occurs.

You can check for signs of dehydration in your pet using a few methods:

  • Skin Elasticity: Gently pinch the skin on the back of your pet's neck (for cats and dogs) or between their shoulder blades. If the skin does not quickly return to its original position, they may be dehydrated.

  • Gum Check: Look at your pet's gums. They should be moist and pink. If they are dry, sticky, or pale, that can signal dehydration.

  • Panting or Excessive Drooling: Increased panting or drooling can indicate dehydration, especially in dogs.

  • Reduced Appetite: Low food and water intake may suggest dehydration.

  • Lethargy: If your pet is more tired than usual or less active, it could be a sign of dehydration.

  • Urine Output: Monitor their urination. If they are urinating less frequently or their urine is darker than usual, they may be dehydrated.

  • Weight Loss: Sudden weight loss can also indicate dehydration.

If you suspect your pet is dehydrated, take them to your veterinarian quickly for assessment and treatment. Dehydration can be serious, so addressing it quickly is crucial! Ally Urgent Vet is here for you, with two clinics serving Virginia Beach and Chesapeake/Northeastern North Carolina. Call us at 757-900-ALLY (2559) or visit allyurgentvet.com/check-in to “check-in” online.

Categories: Pet CareTags: , ,

Recent Posts