What is dog dehydration?
Dehydration in dogs is a common, potentially life-threatening condition. It’s the result of not drinking enough water and electrolytes or losing too much fluid. It requires immediate veterinary attention. If left untreated dehydration can cause serious organ damage and even death.
If you’re worried that your dog might be dehydrated contact your vet or, out of hours, your nearest Vets Now immediately for advice.
How to test your dog for dehydration
To test if your dog is dehydrated, use your thumb and forefinger to pinch a little skin on their back or the top of their head. If they are well hydrated, the skin should spring back when you release it. As the skin loses moisture, it will move back into place more slowly. In the most severe cases of dehydration, it does not spring back at all.
Any reduction in elasticity of your pet’s skin is known as a skin tent’. Animals which are emaciated or obese often have mild skin tent’. This does not necessarily mean they are dehydrated. This can be difficult to assess in older animals, those with thick or long-hair coats or breeds with excessive skin folds.
