Dehydration is a condition that can affect cats and dogs when their body loses more fluids than they consume. If left untreated, it can be dangerous and even fatal. There are various causes of dehydration, including diarrhoea, overexertion, heatstroke, or underlying health conditions such as kidney disease or diabetes.
It's crucial to provide your pet with access to fresh and cool water, especially on hot days, to prevent dehydration. Additionally, limit their time and activity in the heat and provide them with a shaded resting place. Keep a close eye on your pet during playtime or swimming, as they can overheat and dehydrate.
While all cats or dogs can become dehydrated, some pets are more prone than others. Young puppies, kittens, older pets, and nursing animals are more susceptible. Additionally, dogs or cats with certain health conditions, such as diabetes or cancer, are at higher risk of dehydration.
Warning signs of dehydration
Pets can have varying signs and symptoms, depending on the degree and cause of dehydration. Common indicators may include loss of appetite, lethargy, diarrhoea, dark-coloured urine, excessive panting, or sunken eyes.
To check your pet's hydration status at home, you can use a few techniques. First, you can observe their gums by lifting their lip to see if they are a light pink colour and slightly moist. Touching their gums with your index finger just above the tooth line can determine if they are dry or 'tacky.'
Another technique is the 'Skin Tent' test, where you gently grasp a pinch of your pet's skin between its shoulder blades, pull it up slightly, and let it go. If the skin returns quickly to its normal position, your pet is well hydrated, but if it stays in the 'tented' position, they may be dehydrated. Note that this test may not be reliable for overweight animals.
If you're concerned about your pet's water intake, it's best to consult with your vet for advice. Wet food can provide a high-water content, contributing to their daily water intake. However, sudden changes in their drinking habits should be monitored closely.
The required amount of water for each pet may differ depending on various factors such as weight, diet, and pre-existing health conditions. While dogs tend to drink more water, cats generally drink less. If your pet consumes fluids from sources such as high-water content treats, they may drink less water. On hotter days or days with increased physical activity, they will require more water.
If you observe significant changes in your pet's water consumption or urinary habits that you cannot explain, it's best to consult your vet. There may be medical reasons other than dehydration that cause these changes.
Tips to prevent dehydration
Here are some tips that will prevent dehydration during the hot summer months:
- Take water on the go: Always carry water for your pet during long walks, on hot days, or if they go for a swim.
- Consider a water fountain: Cats sometimes prefer fresh or flowing water and may drink more when using a water fountain.
- Easy water access: It's essential to ensure your pet always has access to clean and fresh water. Change the water supply twice a day and clean the food and water bowls thoroughly once a day to prevent bacteria build-up. Placing the bowls in a shaded area will also slow down bacteria growth.
- Reduce activity levels on hot days: Even if your pet is not very active, dehydration can still occur quickly on hot days. Therefore, avoid going out during the hottest times of the day and limit your pet's activity levels, especially for excitable pets.
- Provide several water bowls: If you have more than one pet, consider having multiple water bowls so each pet can have its own. Place water bowls at different locations in your house to ensure easy access to water for young, elderly, or pets with joint issues, especially in multi-level homes.
- Keep an eye on chronic health conditions: To prevent dehydration due to chronic health conditions, provide any medication or treatment according to your pet's treatment plan and monitor them closely for symptoms. Your vet can give specific advice on how to keep your pet safe and healthy.
- Wet food: Offering wet food in your pet's diet can help provide a source of hydration.
On hot days, dehydration can occur relatively quickly, especially if your pet is involved in intense physical activity. Being aware of the symptoms of dehydration, controlling your pet's time and exertion in hot weather, and guaranteeing that they constantly have an abundant supply of drinking water can all help to safeguard them from dehydration.