Hydration and rehydration in dogs
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Understanding Dehydration in Dogs and Cats
The Impact of Dehydration
Exploring the effects of dehydration and the need for proactive management:
Human vs. Canine/Feline Dehydration
Comparing dehydration thresholds in people and pets:
- In humans, cognitive impairment and fatigue can result from dehydration as low as 2%.
- In dogs and cats, clinical exams alone may not detect dehydration up to 5%.
The Importance of Early Intervention
Highlighting the critical need for proactive management:
- Ensure constant access to water for pets.
- Fluid loss due to vomiting, diarrhoea, blood loss, or heat stroke can quickly lead to severe dehydration or shock.
- Even healthy animals can experience increased fluid loss, e.g., from panting on hot days or during vigorous exercise.
- Excessive panting for 15 minutes, especially in high temperatures, can rapidly cause significant dehydration.
Hot Environments and Critical Dehydration
Addressing the risks of hot environments and dehydration:
Animals left in hot cars face critical dehydration once body temperature reaches dangerous levels.
Reduced Feed Intake and Dehydration
Exploring how reduced food consumption can lead to reduced fluid intake:
- Ill or unappetizing dogs may consume fewer fluids.
- Meat-based wet diets, a primary source of daily fluids, can be affected.
Susceptibility Based on Age
Understanding age-related differences in thirst mechanisms:
Older and very young animals may not drink until severe dehydration occurs.
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