Q: What are the symptoms of dehydration and what can I do about it?
A: Dehydration is the imbalance of water and electrolytes in the body and can cause serious complications for pets as well as people.
Water is essential for cats and dogs, who depend on proper daily fluid intake to maintain appropriate health and replace fluids that are routinely lost through urine, faeces and respiration.
Dehydration occurs when fluid levels drop to less than normal. This can be due to reduced water intake or increased fluid loss.
Overheating in hot weather, increased activity or a bout of vomiting or diarrhoea can all result in dehydration.
The general symptoms of dehydration are:
- sunken eyes,
- listlessness,
- loss of appetite,
- dry mouth,
- increased heart rate,
- decreased skin elasticity and
- panting.
If you suspect your pet is dehydrated, take him to a vet immediately. You can detect dehydration at home by gently lifting the skin on the back of your pet’s neck or between the shoulder blades.
Unless your pet is very overweight or very thin, the skin should immediately return to a normal position.
In most cases, the signs of dehydration are not as obvious, and only a veterinarian can provide a proper diagnosis and treatment for your pet.
Dr Letitia Swartz, veterinarian
