Dehydration is caused when dogs loss to much body fluids. Minerals called electrolytes are also lost when the dog becomes dehydrated. Dehydration in dogs can cause some very serious health problems if left untreated. Dogs don’t sweat, instead releasing heat when they pant. If a dog pants hard for a long time it can lead to dehydration.

One of the best ways to avoid dehydration is to always have sufficient shelter and fresh, clean water available for the dog. Heat stoke is a common cause of dogs becoming dehydrated. There are other causes of dehydration, such as severe vomiting or diarrhea or fever.

Heavy panting is generally the first sign that a dog might be becoming dehydrated. Checking the condition of the dog’s skin and gums can also give an indication if dehydration is a serious risk. By gently pinching up a fold of skin on either the dog’s neck or head you can gauge how dehydrated the pet is. When a dog has plenty of fluids the fold of skin will return to its place very quickly, when the dog is dehydrated it will return slowly. The dog’s gums should be moist and slick. If a dog is dehydrated the gums will be sticky and dry.

If you think your dog is dehydrated, you need to quickly determine exactly how bad the situation is. More serious dehydration shouldn’t be handled by an amateur, so if the situation appears serious seek out a veterinarian immediately. IV fluids are a very important part of treatment in severely dehydrated dogs. Dogs with a serious fluid loss can not drink enough water to correct the loss of electrolytes and fluid. If dogs drink to much water they will vomit and loss even more fluids.

Take it slow when you try to rehydrate a dog. If possible, use an electrolyte supplement rather than plain water. Avoid sport drinks since they have more sugar than a dog can handle properly, instead using a canine equivalent such as pedialyte. Give the dog small amounts of the fluid at very frequent intervals. If the dog is unable to drink on its own, use a medicine syringe and place the fluids in its mouth.

In addition to dog food selection, Taylor Martinerin writes about selecting an outdoor dog bed or a large dog bed.