Dehydration occurs when the body lacks enough water. Puppies lose water daily through elimination, breathing, and panting, where saliva evaporates.
Due to their smaller body mass than adult dogs, puppies are more prone to dehydration. In hot summer, excessive play can lead to overheating and increased water loss. This makes it crucial to keep a close eye on your puppy's activities during hot weather, as this can help prevent dehydration.
Most of a puppy's water loss happens through urination, and these fluids are replenished when the puppy eats and drinks. Making sure that constant supply of clean water is essential to prevent dehydration. Puppies drink more in hot weather, but it's also important to check that their water bowl doesn't freeze in winter. Factors like vomiting and diarrhea can also increase fluid loss, leading to dehydration.
What Causes Dehydration In Puppy?
Dehydration can result from any illness that leads to diarrhea or vomiting. Conditions like diabetes mellitus and kidney disease, which cause excessive urination, can also lead to dehydration. Additionally, bleeding or any situation where a puppy is unwilling to eat or drink can contribute to dehydration.
Symptoms Of Puppy Dehydration
The first noticeable sign of dehydration is dry mucous membranes, where the gums and tongue are sticky or dry instead of wet. The saliva may also become sticky or stringy.
A more apparent sign is the loss of skin elasticity. A well-hydrated puppy’s skin fits snugly, with some room to move, especially around the shoulders. To check, gently lift the skin over your puppy's neck and shoulders; if the puppy is properly hydrated, the skin will quickly spring back into place.
The skin retracts slowly when a puppy is seven to eight percent dehydrated. Dehydration of ten percent or more is severe; the skin remains in a ridge and does not spring back into place, known as skin tenting.
Capillary refill time (CRT) is an additional reliable method for assessing hydration. It measures how quickly blood returns to the mucous membranes after pressure is applied. Press a finger against your puppy's gums to momentarily block blood flow, causing the tissue to turn white. Upon releasing the pressure, the standard pink color should return in less than two seconds if the puppy is properly hydrated. A delay of two to three seconds indicates seven to eight percent dehydration. A delay of four to five seconds or more indicates severe dehydration, a very dangerous condition. Severely dehydrated puppies also show symptoms such as sunken eyes, involuntary muscle cramps, and cold extremities.
Treatment Of Dehydration In Puppy
Puppies experiencing moderate to severe dehydration need immediate veterinary care to survive. They will require fluid therapy to rehydrate and restore their electrolyte (mineral) balance. Depending on the severity and cause of the dehydration, your puppy may need hospitalization for IV fluids at the vet or subcutaneous fluids (under the skin).
In mild cases where vomiting is not an issue, encouraging the puppy to drink water can be beneficial. Your veterinarian might also recommend electrolyte solutions similar to children's Pedialyte.
Addressing the root cause of the dehydration is crucial. Specific medications to control diarrhea and vomiting may be necessary to prevent further fluid loss. Other treatments, such as those for managing diabetes or kidney disease, may be required, especially for older dogs.
