Dehydration is caused by the excessive loss of fluids. The condition must be treated by thereplacement of fluids. It can result from a dog being kept in hot conditions for too long or fromillness. Vomiting and diarrhea or a high fever will all cause dehydration.When a dog becomes dehydrating the electrolytes in the dog's bodily fluids get out of balance.The electrolytes are mineral salts such as sodium, potassium and chloride. This can result indamage to organs such as the kidneys and liver. Ultimately this can prove fatal.Dogs do not have sweat glands like humans so they cool themselves by panting. This can leadto dehydrations just like excessive sweating can lead to dehydration in humans.A dog must always have access to clean, fresh water. Keep a bowl of water accessible to thedog at all times in the house, yard and dog pen. If you use a dog pen in the house make surethere is water available there too. Change the water in all the dog's bowls at least every day.Never let the dog become overheated. Do not let it stay out in the yard in hot weather unless ithas shade. But it is better to bring it indoors especially if you live in a warm climate. Dogs with aheavy coat are very prone to overheating. It may be best to have them clipped for summer.Dogs should not be left in cars. Even with the window open slightly a car can quickly overheat.This can happen even in winter because the car acts like a greenhouse. So if you need to leavethe dog, when you go into a store say, tether it somewhere shady. Encourage local stores tohave a dog tethering spot at which water is available.When you take your dog for a walk and especially if you take it jogging with you make sure ithas access to water. Many dogs will happily lap water poured from your own water bottle. Youcan pour some into your hands if the dog can't drink from a jet of water. It's a good idea to keepsome water and a bowl in the car.Dried food is best for a dog's dental health but always make sure it has plenty of water too. Ifyour dog is drinking from the toilet bowl this is not a good idea because there can be unpleasantchemical cleaners used in the bathroom. Give the door more water in its own bowl.If your dog becomes seriously dehydrated you will notice that is nose is dry, its eyes looksunken and its skin lacks elasticity. A good test is to press the gums and if the color comes backquickly after you release the pressure then the dog is hydrated. But if the color comes back onlyslowly then the dog may be dehydrated.A seriously dehydrated dog should only be allowed to drink water in small amounts slowly. Toomuch water all at once and it will vomit which will only add to the problem.The same electrolyte solutions that are used for children can be used for dogs and puppies.This can be useful in cases where the cause of dehydration is illness.If there is no obvious cause of the dehydration such as heat and exertion or a known illness forwhich the dog is already undergoing treatment than consult your veterinarian.
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