Signs & Symptoms of Dehydration in Puppies

Dehydration is an excess loss of bodily water and electrolytes, typically caused by decreased food and water intake, fever, diarrhea, vomiting or other illness. Dehydration is a serious, potentially fatal condition in animals, especially in puppies. Puppies under 6 weeks old are particularly susceptible, as they have immature kidneys and a rapid metabolic rate. If not treated, your puppy will experience organ failure and die, so if your suspect dehydration, seek immediate veterinary care.

Yellow Urine

According to Dr. Margaret Root Kustritz, D.V.M., urine color is the best way to detect dehydration in 2 to 3 week old puppies. In puppies this young, urine is typically dilute and clear, so if your puppy's urine is yellow, he is dehydrated and needs immediate medical attention.

Dry Mouth

Your puppy's gums should feel slick and moist to the touch. If his gums feel dry and tacky, his saliva has a thick consistency or his tongue and mucus membranes are a bright pink color, he is dehydrated.

Weakness

If your puppy appears weak, wobbly or displays a lack of normal mobility, dehydration could be the cause.

Loss of Muscle Tone

Dehydration can can a loss of muscle tone. You may notice that your puppy appears flaccid or has lost weight.

Skin Elasticity

Gently grasp the scruff of her neck and pull it up. If it quickly retracts into place, she is hydrated; if retraction is slow, she is dehydrated and fluid therapy is indicated. This is not a good indicator in very young puppies because they have very little subcutaneous fat.

Sunken Eyes

The eyes of a dehydrated puppy may feel dry, and appear dull and sunken.

Resources

• Symptoms of Dehydration in Dogs and Puppies
• Identifying Dehydration in Puppies and Kittens
• Puppy Dehydration