Becca’s Corner

What is Dehydration?

Most of us know that dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluid than it's taking in. When we get really thirsty, especially after a long, hot day or a tough workout, we can tell our bodies are dehydrated. Our mouths are dry. We crave water. Some of us get headaches, and many of us, unfortunately, grow irritable. Dehydration, however, can have more serious effects on our bodies than simply making us unpleasant to be around.

All mammals rely on water to keep their bodies functioning, and dogs are no exception. Water plays a huge role in your dog's body. The short list of water's functions includes lubricating joints, helping regulate body temperature, transporting nutrients, flushing waste, and more. The long list could fill a medical textbook. Normally, water is lost and gained throughout the day. Panting, breathing, urinating, defecating, and evaporation through the paws all contribute to normal water loss, which your dog compensates for by eating and drinking.

When your dog's body passes the point where normal activities can make up for the water loss, fluid shifts out of your dog's body cells to help the body quench its thirst. This results in a loss of electrolytes, such as sodium, chloride, and potassium. Since these electrolytes are important for muscle function, not to mention many other body processes, your dog's body starts to suffer. In serious cases, dehydration can even lead to kidney and other organ failure, and death.

Symptoms of Dehydration in Dogs

So how can you tell if your dog is dehydrated?

Knowing the symptoms of dehydration in humans is something we take for granted when diagnosing ourselves, but most owners do not know the signs of dehydration in dogs.