Update on Taquito: Signs your doodle is dehydrated

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

With it being one of the hottest summers on record (especially down south!), I wanted to remind everyone of some signs that your doodle is dehydrated.  I learned this from my vet a few summers ago when Taquito suffered from the Great Recalls of 2007:

 

Check the gums.  Pink = good.  White = BAD.  If your doods gums look white or grayish, just take him to the vet. Better safe than sorry. This can be a huge sign of dehydration and generally sicknesses.

 

Pinch the back of the neck. If the pinch "sticks" for a while, say a few seconds, doodle may be dehydrated.  I recommend doing this when you know your dood is feeling super to see what "normal" is to him.  If the pinch doesn't last and fades immediately, your dood is hydrated.

 

So most of you probably know these tips, but I thought I would put them out there just in case.  If you suspect your doodle is dehydrated, whisk him to the vet and vet will give him subcutaneous fluids (so it graduallly seeps in through the skin).

 

Stay COOL everyone.  I have never been so ready for football season.  Football = sweaters.

My update on Taquito (since he became sick and dehydrated right after I posted this, the irony!). I posted this in the food group:
We just got the blood results on his kidney levels. Drumroll....even being slightly dehydrated from throwing up so much, his BUN levels (hydration) are DOWN from his check 5 months ago! Adding water to his food has really helped. Vet was so happy. His creatine levels (sp?) for kidney functionality have ALSO improved! Yay! White blood cell count perfect, so there is no infection. This is a relief.

T. received subcutaneous fluids and is perking up slightly. He also received a shot for nausea. Vet told me to add sugar to his water and give him natural fruit popsicles - already have them - yes! He is not interested so far, but I hope he will be later. Vet told me if he is not interested in food tomorrow, I need to call them back. Let's hope for the best. Since he is not having any runny poos, that is good too. Right now he is camping out in his safe place (crate) with the door open, peering out at us. Peri is confused. She went to daycare so I am glad she is tired and can't bother him. I will keep you posted. You all have no idea how nice it is to have your support.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Allyson, good reminder!

[Camilla and Darwin]

when you say pinch, do you mean pinch... do you mean see if the skin stays in the pinch position, or see if the skin changes color when you pinch it? It seems like it might be hard to see either with a really fluffy dog... how big of a "pinch"?

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

If the skin does not bounce back--like an elastic rubber band to reshape the neck. If the skin stays in a pinched position after you have released your fingers then your dog is dehydrated. Practice on your own skin. Pinch the top of your hand and notice what your skin does,.
I agree, on a dog this would be difficult to tell especially since if you have never practiced on humans.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

I guess it is easier with Peri this summer with her short haircut also.

The gums trick will not fail though!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

She can't really practice so good on her own skin, Joanne. She's under 30. Way under. :)

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Not way under. I will be there in a year.....I can still pinch my skin...ha!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Ally, you're an old lady compared to Camilla! :)

[Camilla and Darwin]

LOL.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Even the young'uns can get dehydrated but I agree, their skin is so elastic they have no clue that it can take a while to flatten out : )

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

If it stays in the pinch position. Like it STICKS together, know what I mean? And it will not hurt the dog. It never bothers Taquito and he is sensitive. Just a gentle pinch.

[Frannie & Callie]

I actually do this on myself also - I become dehydrated very easily! If that pinch goes down sloowwwllllyyyy I start drinking some more water and sometimes have to boost my salt!

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Well this is funny because I have never thought I can do that to myself. The things we think about with our dogs and don't apply to us. HA!