[CorkyMax]

Drinking / Dehydration

It is of utmost importance for your pet not to become
dehydrated.

The Skin

The first test for dehydration is 'tenting' the skin.
Pinch the skin between your pet's shoulder blades and
see how quickly it springs back. It should go back in
less than 5 seconds. If the skin tent is prolonged, then
your pet is dehydrated.

The Eyes

Your pet's eyes will be sunken into their head. Specifically,
the eyes recede into the eye socket. It is often seen with
dehydrated cats.

Capillary Refill
Your pet's gums are the best indicator of dehydration. Lift your
pet's lips to expose the gums (pink tissue above the teeth).
Place your index finger on the gums and press your finger flat
to the gum. This temporarily squeezes blood in that spot out of
the small blood vessels (capillaries). When you lift your finger,
the blood should return in less than 2 seconds. This response
will be delayed in a dehydrated pet.

Gum moisture
The gums often feel dry and tacky in a dehydrated pet. When you pull
your index finger away from the gums, it should feel wet, and easily
slide away. In a dehydrated pet, your finger will stick to the gums.

Possible solutions

ON THE ROCKS
Some dogs will readily lick ice cubes when they are dehydrated,
even if they are reluctant to drink water. Float the ice in their
water bowl.

SQUIRT IT IN
Pets that are more severely dehydrated will benefit from additional
electrolytes. 'Pedialyte' is an oral electrolyte re-hydration
supplement for children. A needle-less syringe or a turkey baster
works well. Insert the tip into the center of your pet's mouth.
Tilt his head back, hold his mouth closed and squirt in the fluid.
A safe rule of thumb is to give 30 ml (2 tablespoons) per 10 lbs of
weight every hour.


Here are a couple links the Administrator posted on this also:

http://www.i-love-dogs.com/forums/la...hydration.html

http://www.i-love-dogs.com/forums/la...hydration.html