[Lovetodream88]

Originally Posted by yorkietalkjilly

I understand your concerns and they are truly valid and I sure don't want to be combative in any way but you know sometimes a bandaid offers protection to the wound, helps keep germs out of it, and allows the body to heal itself, rarely causes further problems in an otherwise healthy individual. Not every cut requires professional medical help and bandaids after our first aid to the cut are all that's necessary.

But in most but certainly not all cases, I'd rather help stave off early dehydration in a tiny dog while I wait for that vet appt. than do nothing. Proper administration of small amounts of fluids in a dog who can but won't drink can help prevent more trouble while we wait for the vet as long as we understand that if we improperly administer it, allow the water to enter the airway, the dog can aspirate and will likely develop pneumonia, which is almost always treatable with proper care.

I'd never administer water to an unconscious dog, one with upper respiratory/breathing issues, inability to swallow, signs of stroke, cardiac/lung issues or suspected poisoning but I've heard and read of lots of dogs who died from dehydration(personally known 2 of them over the years) but myself I've never heard or even know of any dogs who were eating and playing normally, showing no other symptoms but died of small amounts of properly administered water aspiration pneumonia while being properly treated for it. Very small amounts of water that never enters the airway would have to work very hard to cause aspiration pneumonia.

Still, vet anytime your dog's behavior concerns you.

That would still be ending up getting vet care. I just don’t think you should JUST find ways to get water in without some point getting to the vet to make sure it’s not more serious. That is what I mean by just putting a band aid on it. Not drinking can be a huge symptom or they could just be getting enough water from their canned food either way JUST putting a band aid on it with out any plans to have it checked out by a vet isn’t a good idea.