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Don't Ignore Dehydration in Dogs
Don't Ignore Dehydration in Dogs
Learn about the importance of maintaining proper hydration
in dogs.
by Robin Truelove Stronk, DVM
June 24, 2004
Summer brings better weather, more activities with our pets
and, with it, more danger of their becoming dehydrated. We
would not plan a family hike or picnic without packing along
water and possibly a sports drink or juice. It is equally
important to take your dogs' replacement requirements into
consideration.
Any type of stress, including "good stress" like family fun
leads to increased fluid loss through panting. When the ambient
temperature rises, bodily fluid loss increases as well. We
don't see the loss as graphically as in species that sweat,
but anyone who has mopped up after a panting, drooling, overexcited
dog has some idea how fast and copious the loss can be.
 Keep
your dog properly hydrated using new K9-Quencher,
a specially formulated doggie-drink to restore his body's
natural balance. Great for working dogs, show dogs, and
for hot summer days! |
Heat, exercise or anxiety can cause the dog to increase their
respiratory rate. This allows evaporation from the tongue
and respiratory tract to increase. During exercise water loss
can increase ten to twenty times over the resting rate. Even
mild dehydration has been shown to produce circulatory instability,
reduced physical work capacity, threat of kidney compromise
and contribute to the possibility of heat stroke.
For any dog, adequate water intake is the most important
dietary consideration. The definition of adequate varies from
dog to dog and with environmental factors. Heat exhaustion
can occur in working dogs when water and electrolytes become
depleted. The dog may exhibit fatigue, weakness, tremors and
mild temperature elevation. At the first sign of distress
the dog's temperature should be checked as the metabolic cascade
happens very quickly resulting in thermal damage to tissues.
With increased thermoregulatory strain the duration over which
maximum work can be maintained is significantly reduced.
We should also keep in mind the "special needs" dogs that
require extra attention. The geriatric dog with kidneys that
have been performing adequately will probably not be able
to tolerate even brief dehydration without losing precious
kidney tissue. Dogs on medications that are metabolized through
the kidney must have constant good urine flow to insure safe
handling of the drugs. Pregnant and nursing bitches have greatly
increased fluid needs. Especially in the first few weeks of
lactation, drinking extra fluids is one of the surest and
safest ways to encourage adequate milk production. Dogs who
are recovering from surgery or illness often neglect to drink
adequately and need to maintain normal fluid balance to speed
their recovery.
Measures can be taken in advance to ward off dehydration.
It is preferable to encourage hydration or even mildly over-hydrate
your dog prior to a stressful event rather than deal with
the consequences later. When under-hydration is allowed to
develop, the sensation of thirst may be reduced, thus making
the animal reluctant to drink at a time when it may be critical.
If exercise continues, the animal's condition will deteriorate.
Travel, showing, performing or even boarding can result in
increased fluid and electrolyte needs. When traveling, dogs
often reduce water consumption because they are not accustomed
to the flavor of water in a new environment. When excited
in competitive situations, they are often too distracted to
drink in the amounts that their body requires. Unfortunately,
we cannot explain to them the importance of hydrating prior
to an event. Hot weather means more consideration for the
dogs' needs, attention to their condition (and conditioning)
and plans to maintain hydration needs.
- Robin Truelove Stronk D.V.M.
Robin Truelove Stronk D.V.M. is a 1975 graduate of the
veterinary college at Cornell University. After 5 years
in mixed practice and teaching veterinary technicians at
Quinnipiac University she purchased Windham Veterinary Clinic
in Brattleboro, VT with her husband, John. She has written
a health column for Spaniels in the Field magazine for 10
years and has had many articles published in similar publications
in this country and England. She is a member of the American
Canine Sports Medicine Association and works closely with
agility, field trial, hunting, tracking and assistance dogs.
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