Signs your dog may be dehydrated
Water is essential for mammals' bodies to operate at peak capacity. The American Kennel Club says water is necessary to lubricate joints, facilitate digestion, regulate body temperature, and cushion internal organs, among many other functions. Similar to humans, pets that fail to consume enough water can face dire consequences.
Dehydration is a medical term for when the body has lost more fluid than it has taken in. Dehydration can occur at any time, but it is even more common during the warm weather months. Dogs quickly can become very sick from dehydration. That is why every pet owner should learn how to recognize the symptoms of dehydration in their dogs.
The Veterinary Emergency Group says symptoms of mild dehydration can include:
Dry nose, although this also can be a signal of other problems, like fever.
Excessive drooling occurs as the dog tries to cool down its body.
A dehydrated dog can exhibit signs of fatigue, including a reluctance to move around much.
Sticky gums
As the dog becomes more dehydrated, the following symptoms can develop:
Loss of elasticity of the skin.
Loss of appetite.
Thickening of the dog's saliva.
Gums may go from sticky to dry.
Excessive panting may begin.
Vomiting or diarrhea also may occur.
Dehydration causes the body to redistribute fluid lost, and fluid may be pulled from the eyes, causing the eyes to appear sunken.
If a dog appears to be dehydrated, you can start offering small amounts of water to slowly rehydrate the animal, says Northeast Veterinary Referral Hospital. It's important to call the veterinarian and get further advice regarding how to address dehydration. Some vets may suggest offering an electrolyte-enhanced fluid like Pedialyte so electrolyte loss does not affect organs. The vet may want you to come into the office so the dog can receive intravenous fluids, says the American Kennel Club.
The best way to treat dehydration is to prevent it in the first place. Provide dogs with a constant supply of clean, clear water at all times. The amount of water needs to increase if the dog is spending time outdoors in hot weather or exercising.
Cats also are prone to dehydration and can exhibit the same symptoms as dogs. So cat owners also must be diligent in checking for dehydration symptoms in their pets.
FAQ about pets and microchips
Pet owners generally want to do all they can to safeguard the well-being of their companion animals. This includes taking steps to ensure that pets can be returned safely should they get lost while outdoors. Utilizing collars with identification information on them is one option, but that does not offer peace of mind if the collar comes loose and falls off. However, microchipping is a permanent solution that is ideal for pets.
What is a microchip?
A microchip is a small device that is injected under the pet's skin. It is about the size of a grain of rice. Unlike collars or tags that can fall off or become illegible, a microchip always contains the data that has your identification. Here are some common questions about microchips and answers collected from PetLink, HomeAgain, The Humane Society, and the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Does the microchip have a battery or charge?
No, a microchip is simply an electronic chip enclosed in a glass cylinder. It is activated when a scanner sending out radio waves is passed over the chip, which then transmits the ID number to the scanner. The microchip is known as a transponder. You do not have to worry about replacing batteries or recharging the chip. Typically microchips last for 24 years, well past the average life span of many pets.
Is insertion of the microchip painful?
Veterinarians assert that injecting the microchip is no more painful than a typical vaccination. However, the needle to place the microchip is slightly larger. The procedure can be done during a routine office visit and does not require anesthesia. Some vets will implant the chip during a procedure for spaying or neutering so that the animal will be calm and still under anesthesia.
Who can read the chip?
Virtually all shelters and veterinarians have scanners that can read microchips. Beginning in 2004, the 134 kHz microchip was introduced with specifications developed by the International Standards Organization (ISO). This frequency is usually considered the global standard for pet microchips and the one that most scanners will read.
Where is the microchip placed?
Most dogs and cats are microchipped along the dorsal midline, which is just between the shoulder blades. Horses are injected along the left side of the neck, about an inch below the mane. Birds receive the implant in their breast muscles because they have less mass than other animals. These locations make it easier for scanners to find the chips.
Can a microchip migrate in the body?
Usually your pet's subcutaneous tissue will bond to the chip within 24 hours, preventing it from moving. There are rare instances when a chip migrates elsewhere in the body.
How can I register my pet?
The microchip is only effective if it is programmed with the pet's contact information. Microchip registries coordinate with the chip used. You'll simply make an account and link the chip to your name, phone number and other identifying information. It is important to update this data as needed when you move or get a new phone number.
Microchips, when used in conjunction with collars and ID tags, offer the best protection for pets.
Microchipping is a permanent solution that is ideal for pets. (Submitted photo)