How Does a Dehydrated Dog Act?

Dehydration in dogs can have a number of potentially dangerous consequences. If not addressed, it can lead to conditions that may be fatal. It is therefore important to be aware what causes dehydration in dogs and understand the symptoms. It is also important to understand relative severity so that veterinary care can be sought when and if necessary.

  1. Causes and Associated Consequences

    • Generally, according to the The Happy Dog Spot.com, any dog that is ill is extremely susceptible to dehydration since it is likely that one effect of the illness will be diarrhea and/or vomiting. Other causes include not enough food and water, the sweating associated with a fever or being exposed for too long to excessive heat. If your dog is dehydrated due to a loss of body fluids, you should be aware that he will also probably have lost some essential nutrients. These will include the minerals and vitamins necessary to maintain good health.

    Signs -- Lethargy

    • If your dog is normally very active -- and most dogs are -- you should have concerns if he becomes lethargic and sluggish. The signs may include showing indifference to playing, no longer being his usual inquisitive self and just wanting to lie down and doze for long periods. There may be a number of reasons for these symptoms but one common one is either dehydration or the effects that dehydration is having on his body. Remember that dogs often like to be very active and sufficient intakes of water should be offered to him at these times.

    Signs -- Urination

    • If your dog acts strangely in his urinary habits, this may be a sign of dehydration. It could also be symptomatic of an illness that is causing the change in normal behavior. For example, dogster.com suggests that he may leptospirosis if he is under-drinking or a bladder infection or diabetes if he is over-urinating.

    Signs -- Constipation

    • A dehydrated dog may act differently in his habits because he is constipated. This is commonly caused by dehydration. Because of a lack of fluids, his body will take them as the waste passes along his intestines. His stools will be dry and he will toilet less frequently. This may be an early sign of dehydration and you should immediately increase and monitor your dog's water intake if you notice this symptom.

    Indications Not Always Apparent Through Behavioral Changes

    • Although there may be no specific way that your dog is acting differently, there are other common signs that your dog is dehydrated. These can easily be checked at home and include, according to The Happy Dog Spot.com, a lack of skin elasticity, dry and sticky gums, sunken eyes and a delay in capillary refill times.