By Dial A Vet Veterinary Team
Puppies are small, busy and still building their defences, and that makes them more vulnerable to dehydration than adult dogs. PetMD veterinarian Michelle Diener notes that puppies are more susceptible because of their small body mass. A puppy that is vomiting, has diarrhoea or has been out in the heat can lose fluid faster than it can drink, and severe dehydration can become life-threatening. Knowing the signs helps you act early.
Key takeaways
- Signs include tacky gums, thick ropey saliva, a slow skin tent, lethargy and, in severe cases, sunken eyes.
- Common causes in puppies are vomiting and diarrhoea, parvovirus, intestinal parasites, swallowed objects and heat.
- A dehydrated puppy that is also lethargic, vomiting, has diarrhoea or is not eating needs a vet immediately.
- Vets treat dehydration with fluids under the skin or into a vein, and look for the cause.
- Vaccination, worming and puppy proofing your home all help prevent the common causes.
Signs of dehydration in puppies
PetMD describes several checks you can do at home:
- Tacky gums. Healthy gums are pink, moist and glistening. If your finger sticks when you touch them, they are tacky.
- Skin tent. Gently lift the loose skin over the shoulder blades or back of the neck and let go. In a well hydrated puppy it springs straight back. In a dehydrated puppy it is slow to fall back and may stay tented.
- Thick, ropey saliva that clings to the mouth.
- Low energy. Dehydrated puppies become weak and lie around instead of playing.
- Sunken eyes, which are often a sign of severe dehydration.
- Panting more than usual, which can also signal pain, heat or other problems.
These checks are a guide only. If your puppy seems unwell, a vet examination is the safest way to know.
Common causes
Vomiting and diarrhoea. Puppies with ongoing vomiting or diarrhoea lose fluid constantly and often cannot drink enough to keep up. See what to do if your puppy is vomiting.
Parvovirus. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) notes that puppies between 6 and 20 weeks old and unvaccinated dogs are at highest risk. Parvovirus causes vomiting and severe, often bloody, diarrhoea, and the AVMA warns this can quickly lead to severe dehydration.
Intestinal parasites. PetMD notes that puppies are diagnosed with intestinal parasites more often than adult dogs, partly because roundworms and hookworms can pass through the mother's milk. Parasites can cause vomiting and diarrhoea. See puppy parasites.
Swallowed objects. Puppies explore with their mouths and may eat socks, toys, rocks and more. If an object blocks the gut, food and water cannot pass, and repeated vomiting quickly leads to dehydration.
Heat. Hot weather, exercise and enclosed cars put dogs at risk of heatstroke and fluid loss. Australian summers make shade, water and cool resting spots essential.
Not enough water. A tipped over bowl on a hot day can be enough. Check bowls inside and outside often.
When to see a vet
Go to a vet immediately if your puppy:
- Shows signs of dehydration along with lethargy, vomiting or diarrhoea
- Cannot keep water down
- Has blood in its vomit or diarrhoea
- Has not eaten for a day
- Has sunken eyes, or seems weak or collapsed
- Has been in the heat and is panting heavily, drooling or wobbly
- Is not fully vaccinated and has vomiting or diarrhoea
- May have swallowed an object
Call your vet for advice if:
- Your puppy has tacky gums but otherwise seems bright, eating and playing normally
- You notice a change in how much your puppy drinks or urinates
What to do while you wait
- Offer small amounts of fresh water rather than letting your puppy gulp a large amount, which PetMD notes may cause vomiting.
- Keep your puppy cool and quiet.
- Do not give human medicines or rehydration products unless your vet advises them.
- If you suspect parvovirus, ring ahead so the clinic can keep your puppy away from other dogs.
Treatment at a high level
PetMD explains that vets work out the cause with a history, examination and tests such as a parasite check, X-rays, urine and blood tests. Dehydration is treated with fluids given under the skin or through an intravenous drip, which also correct electrolyte imbalances. The underlying cause must be treated too. Puppies with parvovirus usually need intensive hospital care.
Prevention
- Keep fresh, clean water available at all times, inside and out.
- Provide shade and limit exercise in hot weather. Never leave a puppy in a car.
- Follow your vet's vaccination schedule. The AVMA notes the puppy series usually begins at 6 to 8 weeks of age.
- Keep up with worming as your vet recommends.
- Puppy proof your home and garden.
FAQ
How can I tell if my puppy is drinking enough?
Watch for normal energy, moist gums and regular urination. If you are unsure, ask your vet at the next check.
Can I give my puppy an electrolyte drink?
Only if your vet advises it. A puppy with signs of dehydration needs a vet check first.
Is a dry nose a sign of dehydration?
It can be, but PetMD notes a dry nose can also have other causes. Check the gums and skin, and look at the whole puppy.
Talk with a vet
If you are worried your puppy is dehydrated, a Dial A Vet veterinarian can help you decide how quickly to be seen. Book a Dial A Vet consult.
References
- PetMD. Is My Dog Dehydrated?
- American Veterinary Medical Association. Canine parvovirus.
Disclaimer: Educational only. This page does not replace an examination or advice from your own veterinarian. If you are worried about your pet right now, contact your local vet or nearest emergency animal hospital.