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.

[BG and Gavin]

Eating potato chips is my favorite way to "boost my salt." I am going to use that excuse sometime (if you don't mind);)

[F, Calla & Luca]

Nothing beats the potato chip method, right?

[Lauria Orr]

Have you tried coconut water for yourself, "Frannie and Callie"? Great for people who get dehydrated, or are athletes, etc.... those that need hydration with electrolytes. The coconut is also very soothing to the gut.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Most important I think is common sense. If it's really hot rest, in the shade or indoors. Exercise the dogs in the early morning or evening. and give them free access to water. I read too many posts worrying about accidents and restricting fluids on here. Let your dogs drink, they will limit themselves and so what if you have to take them out an extra time or two. Of course tonight , I'll be asking Calla, do you really have to go out again?

[Adina P]

Did you happen to read what conditions would possibly create dehydration in a dog? A 30 min walk in 90 degree temps? 2 hour hike in 80 degrees? Hanging outside all day playing and laying around on 100 degree day? What types of situations would someone even consider their dood might be dehydrate vs. hot. My assumption would be that if I could handle the situation okay then my dog could...is that a fair assumption?

[F, Calla & Luca]

I don't think you can compare yourself and your dogs since you are not wearing a fur coat and can cool yourself more readily. I think heat exhaustion and heat stroke are at least as worrisome for dogs. If they have access to water they'll drink unless they are overcome by the heat, I'd think. And becoming overcome by the heat is pretty easy when it's really hot. I doubt anyone could give you a reliable rule since coat length, size, age etc. all come into play. I'd say, if it's 90, hang out in the shade! Even humans shouldn't do some of the things they do, there was a triathalon around here recently and folks were collapsing. Why take a chance? Avoid exercise in midday in the heat. Keep water handy to drink and pour over them if necessary.

[Adina P]

I guess I'm pretty dainty as I wouldn't do the things that could give me heat exhaustion...I am a fan of comfort and don't like hanging out in full sun. So...is there ANY rule of thumb at all for dogs? My dogs are MOSTLY inside all day except for potty and short play bouts outdoors (15 min max I think). So I don't think it's all that likely for my doods...but just curious otherwise. I went on a 3 mile walkathon thingy with Rosco a year or two ago and he looked like he was gonna keel over. He was fine...but just SUPER hot and the silly thing doesn't like sprinklers or hoses too much so it was a big job to get him cooled off. Stopped repeatedly on the way home and let him lie in the cool grass in shade...stopped by people's houses to borrow their hoses, stopped by the college dorm on the way home and borrowed their hose (it was twice total with the hose thing) to wet his belly.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Thanks for the reminder. We always need it.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Different dogs seem to have different tolerances for heat. Guinness can walk in 90 degree weather and not event pant where Murph will act like he's on his death bed after five minutes. Guinness's tail is wagging, and he's ready to go...Murph just wants to "pull over to the side of the road" and lie in the grass.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Even the panting varies. Sometimes I think of Calla as Darth Vader. I can hear her anting when I can't see her. Luca never has audible panting.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

I need to take my own advice - well, I did. Taking Tacky to the vet. He hasn't eaten in 2 days (1 is not abnormal) - noticed he wasn't drinking water, gums are losing color, neck is sticking when pinched. He threw up TWICE in bed last night - and I have been up all night long. Changed 2 sets of sheets, removed mattress pad, 2nd time it soaked to mattress. Sorry needed to vent. I am taking him in mid-day. With his kidney isses, I cannot take a chance.

[Linda and Murphy]

I hope Tacky is okay. Please let us know. He is in our prayers.