Dogs can lose a significant amount of fluid from normal daily activities such as panting (dog's do not have sweat glands to keep them cool, so they pant), elimination, breathing, and simple evaporation through body surfaces. They can also lose water through not-so-normal conditions such as over-heating due to exposure to extreme heat, diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Symptoms of a dehydrated dog include: sunken, dry eyes, and dry mouth, gums, and nose. The skin also loses elasticity. Another symptom is "delayed capillary refill time." Press your finger against your dog's gums until they turn white, then remove it. Your dog's gums should return to pink immediately. If it takes up to 3 seconds or more for the gums to regain their color, your dog is dehydrated. |