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]

Thank goodness he's doing okay. May he continue to improve. Hope you can breathe and get some rest!