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Dear McNally’s Pet Corner I live on a ranch and with this hot weather how can I tell if my dog is dehydrated and if so my dog can die quickly if I do not catch it? Susan ,Granville Ohio

Dear Susan Generally any dog that is ill is extremely susceptible to dehydration since it is likely that one effect of the illness will be diarrhea and/or vomiting. Other causes include not enough food and water, proper shelter or the sweating associated with a fever or being exposed for too long to excessive heat. If your dog is dehydrated due to a loss of body fluids, you should be aware that he will also probably have lost some essential nutrients. These will include the minerals and vitamins necessary to maintain good health. Lethargy: If your dog is normally very active -- and most dogs are -- you should have concerns if he becomes lethargic and sluggish. The signs may include showing indifference to playing, no longer being his usual inquisitive self and just wanting to lie down and doze for long periods. There may be a number of reasons for these symptoms but one common one is either dehydration or the effects that dehydration is having on his body. Remember that dogs often like to be very active and sufficient intakes of water should be offered to him at these times. Urination: If your dog acts strangely in his urinary habits, this may be a sign of dehydration. It could also be symptomatic of an illness that is causing the change in normal behavior. For example, if he is under-drinking possible bladder infection or if he is over-urinating diabetes. Constipation: A dehydrated dog may act differently in his habits because he is constipated. This is commonly caused by dehydration. Because of a lack of fluids, his body will take them as the waste passes along his intestines. His stools will be dry and he will toilet less frequently. This may be an early sign of dehydration and you should immediately increase and monitor your dog's water intake if you notice this symptom. Indications Not Always Apparent Through Behavioral Changes Although there may be no specific way that your dog is acting differently, there are other common signs that your dog is dehydrated. A lack of skin elasticity, dry and sticky gums, sunken eyes and a delay in capillary refill times.

Often dehydration means not only a loss of fluid but a loss of electrolytes and sodium. Sick dogs are not always able to ingest enough water to remain hydrated. If your dog is ill, adding an electrolyte supplement (found at most pet stores) to the water bowl will help maintain hydration. Use a squeeze-top water bottle to force fluids into the mouth if the dog refuses to drink. As a preventive measure, these supplements can be added to a healthy outdoor or working dog's water bowl during hot weather. Severe dehydration must be treated at a veterinarian's office and will likely include hospitalization.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011 - Pet Dehydration
Thursday, June 9, 2011 - HEAT STROKE
Monday, May 2, 2011 - Natural Flea Prevention
Tuesday, March 22, 2011 - Whats up on face book McNallys Dog Pack check it out
Tuesday, March 22, 2011 - Take A Bow   TRICK TIP
Wednesday, March 9, 2011 - Weight and health
Wednesday, March 2, 2011 - Tips to calm your dog.   TRAINING TIP
Wednesday, March 2, 2011 - Prepare for the spring.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010 -    TRAINING TIP
Tuesday, November 30, 2010 - New Classes
Saturday, September 25, 2010 - Leash Pulling 101leader of the pack! Common mistakes   TRAINING TIP
Saturday, September 25, 2010 - New Classes
Wednesday, August 25, 2010 - CPR
Tuesday, August 10, 2010 - Switching to Adult Food from Puppy Food
Tuesday, August 10, 2010 - Switching to Adult Food from Puppy Food
Tuesday, August 10, 2010 - Achieving Balance   TRAINING TIP
Tuesday, August 10, 2010 - Why does your dog bury treats or toys?
Thursday, June 10, 2010 - Dog Agility   TRAINING TIP
Thursday, June 10, 2010 - Spin   TRICK TIP
Thursday, June 10, 2010 - How To Stop Separation Anxiety In Dogs   TRAINING TIP
Wednesday, June 9, 2010 - Dog Insurance
Wednesday, June 9, 2010 - Teaching Dog Tricks   TRICK TIP
Wednesday, June 9, 2010 - Let's Go Leash walking   TRAINING TIP
Friday, May 28, 2010 - Go Natural
Friday, May 28, 2010 - Go Natural
Monday, May 24, 2010 - The Perfect Garden Dog   TRAINING TIP
Monday, May 24, 2010 - The Perfect Garden Dog   TRAINING TIP
Monday, May 24, 2010 - Go Natural
Monday, May 24, 2010 - Go Natural
Thursday, March 25, 2010 - Recall Outside   TRAINING TIP
Thursday, March 25, 2010 - Herbs for Arthritis
Friday, February 26, 2010 - Meat Eater
Monday, February 8, 2010 - It is cold out side so spice up your pets diet.
Monday, December 21, 2009 - HAPPY HOLIDAYS
Friday, August 21, 2009 - Teaching the whistle for a recall   TRAINING TIP
Thursday, August 20, 2009 - Events and Pets eating poop and anal glands health.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009 - Socialization worksheet   TRAINING TIP
Tuesday, June 23, 2009 - We are currently seeking Volunteers
Wednesday, March 25, 2009 - Drop it   TRICK TIP
Tuesday, March 24, 2009 - An unusual new sight for a new puppy   TRAINING TIP
Monday, March 23, 2009 - HELP volunteers/foster or tax right off
Wednesday, February 4, 2009 - Teach your dog to shake hands.   TRICK TIP
Monday, February 2, 2009 - Teach the dog to come.   TRAINING TIP
Wednesday, January 21, 2009 - Pet Owners Beware
Friday, December 19, 2008 - Shake hands   TRICK TIP
Thursday, December 18, 2008 - Through the k-9 eyes   TRAINING TIP
Thursday, December 4, 2008 - Thinking of buying a new dog for Christmas?
Tuesday, October 14, 2008 - Jumping Up   TRAINING TIP
Monday, October 13, 2008 - Prevent Halloween Havoc
Friday, August 29, 2008 - Submissive Urination   TRAINING TIP
Friday, August 28, 2008 - October 25th : Saturday Mcnallys & Sanors Dog fest 1st.
Tuesday, July 9, 2008 - A. Guarding behaviors   TRAINING TIP
Tuesday, July 8, 2008 - All dog Food i not created equal
Friday, June 6, 2008 - Summer and heat and other prevention tips
Monday, April 21, 2008 - Spring is in the air so please beware: Things you did not know could harm your pet.
Friday, March 7, 2008 - Spring is coming I promise & so are the fleas

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