{"id":478,"date":"2017-06-12T15:35:20","date_gmt":"2017-06-12T21:35:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lonetreevet.com\/blog\/?p=478"},"modified":"2022-03-30T06:41:34","modified_gmt":"2022-03-30T12:41:34","slug":"dehydration-in-pets","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lonetreevet.com\/blog\/dehydration-in-pets\/","title":{"rendered":"The Heat Is On: Learning to Spot and Prevent Dehydration in Pets"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"petIt\u2019s no secret that water is vital to the existence of humans and animals, as well as \u00a0most other living creatures. Water makes up about 70-80% of a pet\u2019s total body mass and is critical for the proper functioning of each and every cell and system.<\/p>\n

Even a small loss of a pet\u2019s fluids can disrupt the body\u2019s delicate balance and result in dehydration. If not corrected, dehydration will impair the body\u2019s functioning and quickly become a medical emergency.<\/p>\n

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Dehydration in Pets<\/h3>\n

Dehydration in pets occurs when their body\u2019s fluid levels dip below a normal functional range. Once the body detects that its fluid levels are running low, it begins drawing water out of its cells, which causes these cells to lose electrolytes, including, sodium, magnesium, potassium, and chloride. This electrolyte imbalance can lead to loss of muscle function, brain function, and other important bodily processes that, if not reversed, can be fatal.<\/p>\n

Cause for Concern<\/h3>\n

When a pet loses more water than he or she is taking in, whether from vomiting, diarrhea, overexertion in warm weather, or simply not drinking enough, dehydration is the result.<\/p>\n

Symptoms of dehydration in pets include:<\/p>\n