Camp Bow Wow's animal behavior expert shares signs of dehydration in dogs

Summer 2024 has been a hot one for a lot of people. And with the heat comes things like heat stroke and dehydration. While people are able to explain what is wrong with them and share concerns about being overheated, our pets don't have the same ability. This is why we need to be aware of what is happening with our dogs during heat waves and warm summer days.

Thanks to the animal health and behavior expert for Camp Bow Wow, Erin Askeland, we have some things to watch out for when it comes to our dog's health during the summer. Specifically, we wanted to know what some of the signs of dehydration are in our dogs.

Not only did we ask the pet expert about signs of dehydration in dogs, but we also asked how we can combat the problem once we signs of our dog being dehydrated. Hopefully by knowing what to watch out for and how to correct the issue if you happen to see signs of it, we can protect our dogs from dehydration, which can be dangerous to their overall health.

Signs of dehydration in your dog and what to do if you notice those signs

Dog O'Day: What are some signs of dehydration in your dog?

"Loss of Skin Elasticity: If you gently pinch the skin at the back of your dog's neck and it doesn’t return to normal quickly upon release, this could be a sign of dehydration.
Sticky Gums and Dry Nose: Your dog’s gums should be moist and slick to the touch. Sticky gums are a sign of dehydration, and dry gums can indicate more severe dehydration. A dry nose can also be an indicator.
Loss of Appetite: Dehydrated dogs often show a decreased interest in eating.
Thick Saliva: If your dog's saliva seems thicker than normal, it could be a sign of dehydration."

- Erin Askeland

While these are some of the more mild signs of dehydration in our dogs, Askeland expounded on this answer by also sharing more severe signs that our dog is dehydrated. So what are the more severe signs of dehydration?

"Sunken Eyes: Dehydration can cause a dog’s eyes to appear sunken.
Lethargy: A dehydrated dog may appear unusually tired or lethargic.
Excessive Panting: While panting is normal, excessive or continuous panting can be a sign of dehydration.
Vomiting or Diarrhea: Some dogs who are dehydrated may vomit and/or have diarrhea, which can cause them to be even more dehydrated. "

- Erin Askeland

Dog O'Day: How can we combat dehydration once we see the signs?

"Provide Fresh Water: Ensure your dog has access to clean, fresh water. Encourage them to drink small amounts frequently rather than a large amount at once.
Wet Food: If your dog eats dry kibble, consider adding water to it or switching to wet food temporarily to increase fluid intake.
Monitor and Rest: Keep your dog calm and monitor their condition closely. Ensure they rest in a cool, shaded area.
Call Your Vet: If you are at all concerned about your dog being dehydrated, or mild signs are not resolving, contact your veterinarian."

- Erin Askeland

Dog O'Day: What do we need to do if our dog does end up dehydrated?

"Vet Visit: More severe dehydration requires immediate veterinary attention. Intravenous fluids may be necessary to quickly restore hydration levels.
Follow-Up Care: Follow your vet’s advice for any follow-up care, which may include a specific diet, hydration plan, or further tests to identify any underlying causes of dehydration."

- Erin Askeland

Did you know what to look out for when it comes to signs of dehydration in our dogs? How do you keep your dog hydrated and cool during the summer?