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Dehydration is caused when dogs loss to much body fluids. Not only water but also vital minerals can be lost in serious amounts when dehydration occurs. Dehydration in dogs can cause some very serious health problems if left untreated. Since dogs are unable to sweat they release excess heat by panting. Extensive panting, especially hard panting, can lead to dehydration.
One of the best ways to avoid dehydration is to always have sufficient shelter and fresh, clean water available for the dog. These basic steps help ward off heat stroke, a problem closely related to dog dehydration. Of course, other causes such as severe diarrhea, vomiting, and fevers can also cause dehydration
The first sign of dehydration will be the pet panting heavily. Checking the condition of the dog's skin and gums can also give an indication if dehydration is a serious risk. By gently pinching up a fold of skin on either the dog's neck or head you can gauge how dehydrated the pet is. A healthy dog's skin will quickly regain it's former shape, while dehydrated skin doesn't have the proper amount of fluid and will more slowly reform. The dog's gums should be moist and slick. If a dog is dehydrated the gums will be sticky and dry.
If you think your dog is dehydrated, you need to quickly determine exactly how bad the situation is. More serious dehydration shouldn't be handled by an amateur, so if the situation appears serious seek out a veterinarian immediately. IV fluids are a very important part of treatment in severely dehydrated dogs. In serious cases the situation can be even worse than normal dehydration because drinking enough to correct the issue can be problematic - dogs drinking too much water will frequently vomit, making the situation even worse.
Take it slow when you try to rehydrate a dog. Rather than using plain water, give the dog an electrolyte supplement. Pedialyte is a good choice for treatment, avoid sport drinks that have sugar as they can cause diarrhea. Dispense smaller amounts of fluid frequently rather than a single big amount of liquid. In the worst situations, the dog might not be able to drink on its own, so try using a syringe or dropper to place fluids in its mouth.