Dehydration is a major danger for dogs, particularly in the hot summer months. All dogs are at risk, but breeds with thick or long hair are most likely to suffer. Dehydration may cause death but there are signs of danger long before then, one of which is a lack of appetite. Grooming or shaving your dog at the beginning of summer is recommended, since less hair may be the difference between dying of heat stroke or just needing extra water in the summer. Keep in mind that pancreatitis shares many of the same symptoms as severe dehydration and both illnesses require veterinary attention.
-
Panting
-
Unlike humans, who cool off through sweat glands located all over their bodies, dogs have sweat glands only on their noses and foot pads, making it almost impossible to cool off. Panting draws air over the nose and slowly cools off the dog, but if panting increases with time or is much more intense than usual, it may be a sign of dehydration. Giving your dog water should bring his panting within a normal range. All dogs pant, so it is important you observe your dog and know what is typical when he is hydrated and fed, so that you know when his panting is a symptom of illness.
Lack of Appetite
-
Lack of appetite is not always a reason for concern. Some dogs will stop eating if their stomachs are upset. However, puppies and small dogs should never go longer than 24 hours without eating. Larger dogs can fast for 48 hours without harming themselves but longer than that is a sign of a serious problem. If your dog stops eating, continue to offer him water, in case it is a stomach upset. If he does not drink, take him to the vet immediately.
Vomiting and Diarrhea
-
Vomiting and diarrhea, when combined with lack of appetite and dehydration, can be deadly for your dog and requires immediate attention. These four symptoms together may be a sign of pancreatitis or severe dehydration. Diarrhea and vomiting will accelerate and intensify dehydration, so have a constant supply of water available for your dog.
Other symptoms
-
Other symptoms of dehydration include sneezing, coughing, swollen eyes, urinating more frequently than usual (if it is expelling all liquids), urinating less frequently than usual (if it seems painful or is more intensely colored than usual). His fur may appear dull or matted. Disorientation, lethargy and nervous behavior are also signs of dehydration. Gums may be paler than usual and cool to the touch. Skin elasticity will be lost but it is also a quick way to see if your dog is dehydrated. To do this, (gently) pull a bit of skin up from your dog's back and let it go. The skin should immediately go back to normal. If it takes more than a few seconds to go back to normal, your dog is dehydrated. If it has trouble returning to position, your dog needs immediate veterinary care.
-