Know the warning signs of dehydration in your dog. Just like you need a cold drink of water in the hot summer months, so do dogs. Remember to change your dogs water out for cold water, should their water bowl sit full for awhile. No one likes to drink hot or warm water.
Signs to look for in your dog for dehydration
- Thick saliva
- Dry nose
- Reduced energy levels and lethargy
- Acting as if they are drunk
- Actions are in slow motion
- Unsteady on their feet
- Loss of skin elasticity
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting with or without diarrhea
- Panting
- Sunken, dry-looking eyes
- Dry, sticky gums
Dehydration can be fatal. Dogs do not sweat like humans do. They cool themselves through panting, through their paws and through physical touch of cooler masses. When humans get hot, our cooling system kicks in we begin to sweat. Dogs don’t have sweat glands. It is imperative that dogs have access to cool or cold water, moving air as well as shade. As trainers, we won’t train during the day, simply because it is way too hot for the dogs. Remember, dogs are wearing a fur coat all year long.
Supplement for Dogs
There are several products out there that act as Gatorade for dogs. Pedialite is a great supplement for dogs. K9 Bluelite is another great additive for a dogs water. It helps replenish much needed electrolytes in dogs to help them stay hydrated.