Dehydration Test

Dehydration Test-

OF the many illnesses that your pet can get, there is one VERY common symptom that you need to be aware of..Dehydration. In serious diseases such as Parvovirus, it is OFTEN the dehydration that is fatal. And subclinically, treating dehydration helps your dog or cat's immune system respond better to most diseases.

First you need to know HOW to decide: It is of utmost importance for your pet not to become dehydrated.

The Skin

The first test for dehydration is 'tenting' the skin. Pinch the skin between your pet's shoulder blades and see how quickly it springs back. It should go back in less than 5 seconds. If the skin tent is prolonged, then your pet is dehydrated.

The Eyes

Your pet's eyes will be sunken into their head. Specifically, the eyes recede into the eye socket. It is often seen with dehydrated cats.

Capillary Refill

Your pet's gums are the best indicator of dehydration. Lift your pet's lips to expose the gums (pink tissue above the teeth). Place your index finger on the gums and press your finger flat to the gum. This temporarily squeezes blood in that spot out of the small blood vessels (capillaries). When you lift your finger, the blood should return in less than 2 seconds. This response will be delayed in a dehydrated pet.

Gum moisture

The gums often feel dry and tacky in a dehydrated pet. When you pull your index finger away from the gums, it should feel wet, and easily slide away. In a dehydrated pet, your finger will stick to the gums.

WHAT you can do if this happens?

ON THE ROCKS:

Some dogs will readily lick ice cubes when they are dehydrated, even if they are reluctant to drink water. Float the ice in their water bowl.

SQUIRT IT IN

Pets that are more severely dehydrated will benefit from additional electrolytes. 'Pedialyte' is an oral electrolyte re-hydration supplement for children. A needle-less syringe or a turkey baster works well. Insert the tip into the center of your pet's mouth. Tilt his head back, hold his mouth closed and squirt in the fluid. A safe rule of thumb is to give 30 ml (2 tablespoons) per 10 lbs of weight every hour. Even pets that have allergies can get dehydrated- ALL of the scratching causes them to NOT drink as much. They are then MORE prone to secondary skin infections.So practice some of dehydration tests on your pet.

Thanks to Dr. Jones