Dehydration – Symptoms & causes

Overview

Dehydration occurs when you use or lose more fluid than you take in, and your body doesn’t have enough water and other fluids to carry out its normal functions. If you don’t replace lost fluids, you will get dehydrated.

Anyone may become dehydrated, but the condition is especially dangerous for young children and older adults.

The most common cause of dehydration in young children is severe diarrhea and vomiting. Older adults naturally have a lower volume of water in their bodies, and may have conditions or take medications that increase the risk of dehydration.

This means that even minor illnesses, such as infections affecting the lungs or bladder, can result in dehydration in older adults.

Dehydration also can occur in any age group if you don’t drink enough water during hot weather — especially if you are exercising vigorously.

You can usually reverse mild to moderate dehydration by drinking more fluids, but severe dehydration needs immediate medical treatment.

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Symptoms

Thirst isn’t always a reliable early indicator of the body’s need for water. Many people, particularly older adults, don’t feel thirsty until they’re already dehydrated. That’s why it’s important to increase water intake during hot weather or when you’re ill.

The signs and symptoms of dehydration also may differ by age.

Infant or young child

• Dry mouth and tongue
• No tears when crying
• No wet diapers for three hours
• Sunken eyes, cheeks
• Sunken soft spot on top of skull
• Listlessness or irritability

Adult

• Extreme thirst
• Less frequent urination
• Dark-colored urine
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Confusion

When to see a doctor

Call your family doctor if you or a loved one:

• Has had diarrhea for 24 hours or more
• Is irritable or disoriented and much sleepier or less active than usual
• Can’t keep down fluids
• Has bloody or black stool

Causes

Sometimes dehydration occurs for simple reasons: You don’t drink enough because you’re sick or busy, or because you lack access to safe drinking water when you’re traveling, hiking or camping.

Other dehydration causes include:

• Diarrhea, vomiting. Severe, acute diarrhea — that is, diarrhea that comes on suddenly and violently — can cause a tremendous loss of water and electrolytes in a short amount of time. If you have vomiting along with diarrhea, you lose even more fluids and minerals.
• Fever. In general, the higher your fever, the more dehydrated you may become. The problem worsens if you have a fever in addition to diarrhea and vomiting.
• Excessive sweating. You lose water when you sweat. If you do vigorous activity and don’t replace fluids as you go along, you can become dehydrated. Hot, humid weather increases the amount you sweat and the amount of fluid you lose.
• Increased urination. This may be due to undiagnosed or uncontrolled diabetes. Certain medications, such as diuretics and some blood pressure medications, also can lead to dehydration, generally because they cause you to urinate more.

Risk factors

Anyone can become dehydrated, but certain people are at greater risk:

• Infants and children. The most likely group to experience severe diarrhea and vomiting, infants and children are especially vulnerable to dehydration. Having a higher surface area to volume area, they also lose a higher proportion of their fluids from a high fever or burns. Young children often can’t tell you that they’re thirsty, nor can they get a drink for themselves.
• Older adults. As you age, your body’s fluid reserve becomes smaller, your ability to conserve water is reduced and your thirst sense becomes less acute. These problems are compounded by chronic illnesses such as diabetes and dementia, and by the use of certain medications. Older adults also may have mobility problems that limit their ability to obtain water for themselves.
• People with chronic illnesses. Having uncontrolled or untreated diabetes puts you at high risk of dehydration. Kidney disease also increases your risk, as do medications that increase urination. Even having a cold or sore throat makes you more susceptible to dehydration because you’re less likely to feel like eating or drinking when you’re sick.
• People who work or exercise outside. When it’s hot and humid, your risk of dehydration and heat illness increases. That’s because when the air is humid, sweat can’t evaporate and cool you as quickly as it normally does, and this can lead to an increased body temperature and the need for more fluids.

Complications

Dehydration can lead to serious complications, including:

• Heat injury. If you don’t drink enough fluids when you’re exercising vigorously and perspiring heavily, you may end up with a heat injury, ranging in severity from mild heat cramps to heat exhaustion or potentially life-threatening heatstroke.
• Urinary and kidney problems. Prolonged or repeated bouts of dehydration can cause urinary tract infections, kidney stones and even kidney failure.
• Seizures. Electrolytes — such as potassium and sodium — help carry electrical signals from cell to cell. If your electrolytes are out of balance, the normal electrical messages can become mixed up, which can lead to involuntary muscle contractions and sometimes to a loss of consciousness.
• Low blood volume shock (hypovolemic shock). This is one of the most serious, and sometimes life-threatening, complications of dehydration. It occurs when low blood volume causes a drop in blood pressure and a drop in the amount of oxygen in your body.

Prevention

To prevent dehydration, drink plenty of fluids and eat foods high in water such as fruits and vegetables. Letting thirst be your guide is an adequate daily guideline for most healthy people.

People may need to take in more fluids if they are experiencing conditions such as:

• Vomiting or diarrhea. If your child is vomiting or has diarrhea, start giving extra water or an oral rehydration solution at the first signs of illness. Don’t wait until dehydration occurs.
• Strenuous exercise. In general, it’s best to start hydrating the day before strenuous exercise. Producing lots of clear, dilute urine is a good indication that you’re well-hydrated. During the activity, replenish fluids at regular intervals and continue drinking water or other fluids after you’re finished.
• Hot or cold weather. You need to drink additional water in hot or humid weather to help lower your body temperature and to replace what you lose through sweating. You may also need extra water in cold weather to combat moisture loss from dry air, particularly at higher altitudes
• Illness. Older adults most commonly become dehydrated during minor illnesses — such as influenza, bronchitis or bladder infections. Make sure to drink extra fluids when you’re not feeling well.

Six unusual signs of dehydration you should know about

Did you know that our body temperature, skin texture and even our breath can serve as indicators of our hydration or dehydration levels?

First off, before we talk about the signs of dehydration, we should learn about what it is; here is a brief definition of dehydration: quite simply, dehydration occurs when our body cannot function correctly due to low and insufficient water levels.

Although mild dehydration can be inconvenient but tolerable, severe dehydration can cause blood clots, convulsions and other potentially fatal complications. If this is the case, it should be treated immediately. Due to its potential complications, it is important to know how to detect the early symptoms of dehydration. Some common and usual symptoms are feeling thirsty or fatigued. However, there are also other signs of dehydration that are not so obvious. Therefore, we will share with you six unusual signs of dehydration that you should know about.

Bad breath

It is well known that our saliva has antibacterial properties. However, if you are dehydrated, you won’t be able to produce enough saliva to take advantage of this natural aid. Accordingly, if your body is not able to produce sufficient amounts of saliva, you could experience a significant increase in bacterial growth in your mouth. In turn, this increase in bacteria will produce bad breath.

Dry skin

People often believe that someone who is dehydrated will experience continuous and excessive sweating. However, this is not so. In fact, as dehydration becomes more severe, a person’s skin becomes dry, red and irritated. A simple test that can help us to identify this ailment is to apply pressure in a small area of our skin and then letting go immediately. If our skin remains flat and without color, and is slow to gain back its normal appearance, then it’s time to drink abundant water and rehydrate.

Muscle cramps

If you suffer from muscle cramps when performing physical activity or being in hot weather, you could be suffering from dehydration. When you do exercise, you become agitated, your body temperature rises, and you have a higher chance of getting muscle cramps. This is due to the intense heat stroke that hits your muscles. In addition, as your muscles suffer the strain of physical activity, they experience changes. Most commonly, a change in electrolyte, sodium and potassium levels, will provoke muscle cramps.

On the other hand, you can also suffer from dehydration in cold climates if you don’t drink enough water while performing physical activity. According to several studies, dehydration symptoms in colder climates can appear slowly and feel milder, but the risks of this ailment remain the same. Therefore, as you have learned, we can experience dehydration both in hot and cold weathers.

Fever and chills

If you have severe dehydration, you are also likely to experience fever and chills. Fever, in turn, will make dehydration even worse. Thus, the higher the fever, the higher the dehydration level that you will encounter. Adults with fever should seek medical care whenever they have a body temperature higher than 104°F.

Babies and kids can also suffer from this ailment (dehydration in children) due to many causes, such as not drinking enough water, diarrhea, fever and vomit. Of these causes, fever is the most serious ailment to watch out for when kids and babies are dehydrated. In this case, we recommend visiting a pediatrician as soon as possible.

Food cravings

Dehydration can cause complications in several body organs. The liver is a body organ that is very sensitive to this ailment, as it needs water to release glycogen (a glucose based source of energy) and other chemical components. This is why, when you are dehydrated, you will experience low levels of energy and get strong food cravings (specially sugar cravings).

Remember that our body can have a false sense of feeling hungry, when in fact it is feeling thirsty. This means that sometimes you will feel hungry, when all you really need is to drink abundant water.

Headache

Did you know that even mild dehydration can cause a severe headache and even a migraine? Because it’s hard to know what is the actual cause of a headache, drinking a glass of water and maintaining optimal hydration levels every day is a simple and safe way to prevent or alleviate a headache.

Frequently Asked Questions about Dehydration

How Long Does it Take to Recover From Chronic Dehydration?

Recovering from dehydration really depends on the cause and on how long you’ve been dehydrated. If your symptoms are severe that it requires medical attention and hospitalization, the recovery time may take a day or two. However, once the emergency has passed, you will need to follow a treatment that will probably last for a few weeks.

What are Severe Dehydration Symptoms?

When you’re dehydrated, you may experience dark colored urine, muscle fatigue, dizziness, and extreme thirst. Nonetheless, severe or chronic dehydration presents a bit differently because the body becomes less sensitive to water intake and tries doing regular activities with less water inside. Some signs of severe dehydration include:

• dry skin
• constipation
• fatigue
• muscle weakness
• headaches

Does Dehydration Cause Low Blood Pressure?

Yes, when left untreated, chronic dehydration has been linked to other health conditions like high blood pressure and kidney stones. Research has shown that when your dehydration is severe or prolonged, you may have an underlying illness. As well, dehydration has been linked to urinary tract infections, intestinal failure, and dementia.

When to Worry About Dehydration?

Either severe, chronic, or mild, dehydration is a serious condition that should never be ignored. Symptoms such as nausea, headaches, dizziness, and muscle cramping are some signs that you need to drink more water. However, if you experience any of the unusual sings that we mention before call your doctor or approach to the emergency room.          

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How to manage a high fever: expert advice

High temperatures can lead to serious health consequences such as dehydration, heat stroke and even death. Find out how to protect yourself and your loved ones from high temperatures and avoid negative consequences.

High temperature can be a serious problem for the body and cause many unpleasant consequences. But what if the thermometer shows no longer 37 degrees, but 38 or more? How to cope with a fever and at the same time not harm your health? In this article, we’ll share expert tips to help you deal with fever.

The first thing to do when the temperature is high is not to panic. It is worth remembering that fever itself is a reaction of the body to fight infection or inflammation. However, if the temperature continues to increase or does not decrease for more than a few days, then you should seek medical attention.

One of the main ways to manage a fever is to drink plenty of fluids. It is important to choose not only water, but also drinks that contain electrolytes, such as sports drinks or coconut water. Drinks containing caffeine or alcohol should also be avoided, as they can increase dehydration.

Humidify the air in the room

High temperatures can cause the air in the room to dry out, which can worsen symptoms. Try not only to lower the temperature in the room, but also to humidify the air.

One of the easiest ways is to use a humidifier. This device will help keep the humidity level in the room optimal and ensure that you breathe clean and fresh air.

If you can’t afford a humidifier, you can use simple and affordable methods such as placing wet towels or cups of water around the room. This helps to increase the humidity of the air and improve the quality of breathing.

Also remember to drink enough water to keep your body hydrated. A healthy hydration balance is essential in dealing with fever.

It is important to remember that too high a humidity level can also have a negative effect on your health, so keep an eye on your air humidity levels and maintain an optimal level.

Drink enough fluids

When the body temperature is high, the body quickly loses fluid, which leads to dehydration and poor health. Therefore, one of the main tips for fever is regular fluid intake.

Experts recommend drinking 1.5 to 3 liters of water per day depending on physical activity and climatic conditions. But you should not drink a large amount of liquid at a time, it is better to distribute its intake throughout the day.

In addition to water, natural juices, soft drinks, tea, coconut water, kefir and yogurt are also good choices. Drink more fluids in the form of herbal teas and fruit drinks containing natural glucose and vitamins.

If you develop symptoms of dehydration such as drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth and urinary failure, be sure to increase your fluid intake and seek medical attention.

Avoid alcohol and coffee in hot weather

When it’s hot outside, it becomes extremely important to eat and drink properly. Drinks that can dehydrate the body, such as alcohol and coffee, should be avoided.

Alcohol increases body temperature and inhibits the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that controls thermoregulation.

Caffeine is also a diuretic, which means it increases fluid excretion from the body. This can lead to dehydration and increase the risk of heat stroke, especially in hot weather.

It is also important to remember that the drinking regime in the heat should increase. To keep the body hydrated, it is recommended to consume at least 2-3 liters of water per day.

If it is difficult to give up coffee, you can try replacing it with green or herbal tea, which will also help maintain the body’s water balance.

• Avoid alcohol and coffee during hot weather.
• Drink at least 2-3 liters of water per day to keep your body hydrated.
• Try replacing coffee with green or herbal tea.

Wear lightweight natural fabrics

When it’s hot and humid, wear lightweight natural fabrics such as cotton, linen or silk. These fabrics provide ventilation and allow the skin to breathe, which helps to cool the body.

Dark colors retain moisture and heat, so it is preferable to choose light shades. Do not wear tight and tight clothes. It is better to choose loose and spacious clothing to avoid overheating.

• Cotton is one of the most popular materials, lightweight and breathable, perfect for hot summer days.
• Linen is another great choice. This material naturally cools the skin and allows it to breathe.
• Silk is a fabric that is not only lightweight, but also has excellent breathability, allowing you to keep your body at a comfortable temperature.

Clothing can also protect you from the sun, but wearing sun protection doesn’t mean you don’t need to use sunscreen. Don’t forget accessories such as hats or umbrellas that can protect you from the sun and help keep your body cool.

Ventilate the room at night

One of the easiest and most affordable ways to reduce the temperature in the room is to ventilate. However, during the hot season it is not recommended to open the windows during the day when it is already hot outside. It is best to ventilate the room at night when the air is cooler.

In the morning, when it starts to warm up outside, you need to close the windows and curtains to protect the room from the heat. If it is hot outside, then it is worth closing the windows and doors during the peak of the heat. If your home is air-conditioned, it’s best to leave windows and doors closed while it’s running to keep the room cool.

In addition, if the house is near a busy road, there may be loud noise outside, which can also affect the quality of your rest and sleep. Therefore, it is recommended to close the windows during the day and open them at night, when the street is quiet and the fresh air in the room will be more pleasant.

• Ventilate the room at night;
• Keep windows and doors closed when the heat is at its peak;
• Close windows if the house is near a busy road;
• Keep windows closed when the air conditioner is running.

With these simple tips, you can lower the temperature and create more comfortable air in your home during the hot season.

Keep out of direct sunlight

High temperatures are usually accompanied by strong sunlight. Direct sunlight can damage the skin, cause burns and even skin cancer. Therefore, when it is hot outside, you need to protect yourself from direct sunlight. It is also important to remember that being in the sun for a long time, especially between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., can be hazardous to health.

Sunscreen with a high SPF must be used for sun protection. It is also recommended to wear clothing, a hat or cap, sunglasses and remember to drink enough fluids to stay hydrated.

• Wear the right clothes : Wearing light, loose-fitting clothes made from natural materials will help you maintain a comfortable temperature and protect your skin from the sun’s rays.
• Wear a hat or cap : This will help protect your face, neck and ears from direct sunlight.
• Use sunglasses to help protect your eyes from UV rays.
• Drink Water : Your body loses a lot of water in the heat, so it’s important to drink enough fluids to stay hydrated.

The body needs nutrients to cope with heat. Including vegetables and fruits with a high water content (eg, watermelon, melon, cucumber) in your diet can help your body retain water and lower your body temperature.

Also, don’t forget that the sun is the most important source of vitamin D, which is essential for bone health and immune system protection. So remember its beneficial properties and enjoy the hot summer under its rays safely and wisely!

Eat light and balanced meals

When the body temperature is elevated, the body loses a lot of fluid and energy, so it is important to eat right. Choose light meals that won’t strain your stomach or add extra heat to your body.

• Drink plenty of fluids. It is recommended to drink 8-10 glasses of pure water a day. Include freshly squeezed juices from fruits and vegetables in your diet.
• Eat low-calorie meals rich in vitamins and minerals. For example, green vegetables, fruits and berries, protein and complex carbohydrates.
• Pay attention to portion sizes of food. Small portions will help strengthen the stomach and ensure a constant supply of nutrients to the body.

Certain foods can adversely affect the body at elevated temperatures. For example, spicy and fatty foods, alcohol, and caffeine can aggravate symptoms such as sweating, dizziness, and weakness.

Sample dietary recommendations at elevated temperatures Foods at elevated temperatures Foods to limit

Pay attention to shower water temperature

High shower water temperature can be a health hazard, especially if you experience a high temperature or fever. Experts recommend using warm and cool water when showering.

Also be aware that too hot a shower can cause moisture loss in the skin, which can lead to dehydration and skin diseases.

If you have sensitive skin, it is recommended to use mild hygiene products to avoid additional stress on the skin.

• Individual needs and feelings must be taken into account when choosing the temperature of the shower water.
• Monitor your shower water temperature to suit your needs.
• Be aware that hot water can cause skin burns and dehydration.

In general, controlling the temperature of your shower water is an important part of skin and body health care.

Use fans and air conditioners

Fans and air conditioners are a great way to deal with indoor heat, especially when the temperature outside rises above normal. If you have a fan, then use it to circulate the air in the room. You can choose a desktop or floor fan that will run at high speed to keep the air cool.

If you need more cooling, you can use an air conditioner. It will reduce the temperature in the room and create a comfortable atmosphere. It is important to remember that the air conditioner consumes more electricity, so be careful when using it so as not to overpay for electricity.

Some people are afraid to use air conditioners because of the possibility of hypothermia. To avoid this, do not set the temperature too low and control its change. You can also adjust the airflow rate – this will help to avoid discomfort.

In general, using fans and air conditioners is an effective way to keep a room at a comfortable temperature during hot weather. The main thing – do not forget about the dangers of hypothermia and be careful when choosing the temperature and airflow rate.

Do not exercise outdoors in the heat

In the summer, when it is hot and hot outside, outdoor sports can be a real health hazard. With active training on the street, the body experiences a strong load, especially the cardiovascular system. This can lead to serious consequences and even sad outcomes.

Therefore, if you are a sports fan, it is highly recommended to avoid outdoor training in hot weather, especially during peak temperatures. Instead, it is better to choose a hall or indoor sports ground with air conditioning and good ventilation.

But if you still decide to do outdoor sports, do not forget to drink enough clean water and wear light, loose and preferably light-colored clothing. Be sure to wear a hat to protect your head from the sun. It is also necessary to limit the time of classes and maintain moderation in loads.

Always remember that your health is the most important thing, and exercise only in conditions that do not harm your body.

Avoid overheating the vehicle in the sun

One of the problems associated with high temperatures is that cars overheat in the sun. If the machine is exposed to the sun for a long time, its temperature may rise to 60 degrees Celsius or more, causing damage to some parts and making it unusable until it cools down.

To avoid overheating your car in the sun, experts recommend:

• Park your car in the shade : this could be a garage, a parking lot with a roof, or just a tree that will provide the necessary shade.
• Use sun protection : you can cover the car with a special protective film or use a carport to protect it from direct sunlight.
• Open window : If the car is in a parking lot where it is not possible to park in the shade or use a protective film, you can open the windows of the car a little to allow air to circulate and cool it.

Regular maintenance of your vehicle will also help you avoid problems with high temperatures.

Avoid going out during the hottest part of the day

High temperatures increase the risk of heat stroke and other overheating diseases. Therefore, it is very important to monitor body temperature and avoid going outside during the hottest time of the day.

Experts recommend going outside either very early in the morning or late in the evening when the ambient temperature is not so high. If you do have to be outdoors during the day, try to limit your time outdoors, cover yourself in light-colored clothing, use a sun-protective hat, and apply sunscreen with a high sun protection factor.

• avoid walking and strenuous exercise outdoors during the hottest part of the day;
• refrain from drinking alcohol and heavy meals, which can cause dehydration;
• stay indoors with an air conditioner or fan during the time when the temperature outside is at its highest.

Following these tips will help you avoid serious health problems on hot summer days.

Pay attention to the quality of stored products

At elevated temperatures, it is especially important to monitor the quality of the products. Please be aware that some products cannot withstand high temperatures for long periods of time and may deteriorate.

If it is hot and humid, do not store food that spoils quickly, such as milk, dairy products, eggs. But fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs can be stored even outside the refrigerator, if they are periodically changed and spoiled specimens are removed.

Remember to practice good hygiene: wash your hands before preparing food, and store ready-to-eat foods and raw ingredients separately.

• If there are cats or dogs in the house, then you should follow the rules of hygiene of bowls and animal feeders – do not leave them in the kitchen with food for people or in the open air.
• Do not transfer ice cream and frozen foods from the freezer to a warm room, it is better to bring them to the refrigerator in advance.

And remember that at elevated temperatures, alcohol abuse can cause dehydration and make you feel worse.

Use lozenges and sorbets to cool down

Lozenges and sorbets are not only a tasty treat, but also a great way to cool down during the heat. Lollipops contain less sugar than ice cream and are easier to chew, which helps reduce mouth and body temperatures.

Sorbets, on the other hand, can be made with a fruit or berry base, which provides the added benefit of vitamins and antioxidants. In addition, sorbets do not contain milk or cream, which makes them lighter and does not burden the stomach.

Choose lozenges and sorbets made from natural ingredients with a minimum of preservatives and artificial additives. For best results, try freezing fresh berries or fruit and making homemade sorbet.

Remember that lozenges and sorbets are not a substitute for water, so you should also drink plenty of fluids to keep your body hydrated when it’s hot.

Take good care of your eyes and skin in hot weather

In hot weather, our skin and eyes are particularly exposed to the sun and heat. To avoid unpleasant consequences, you need to take hygiene measures.

Eyes:

• Wear glasses with UV protective lenses.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun during bright hours of the day.
• Moisturize your eyes with artificial tears.
• Signs of eye fatigue such as dryness, redness and fatigue should be taken seriously and your eyes protected.

Skin:

• Apply a high UV protection cream that suits your skin type.
• Wear light, sun-protective clothing.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun during bright hours of the day.
• Moisturize your skin, drink plenty of water and avoid excessive sweating.
• Do not forget about hygiene, wash your face and body after walking and active training.

Important Tip:

If you notice heat-related changes in your health or your skin and eyes, don’t delay visiting your doctor and rest in the shade until you’re fully recovered

Take care of your well-being and get enough rest

One of the effective ways to cope with high body temperature is to monitor your well-being. If you have a headache, then this may indicate that you are overheated and not drinking enough water.

Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. In addition, one should rest enough so that the body can recover. If you feel weak or tired, then rest in a cool place. This will help you shed excess heat and prevent dehydration.

Remember to wear light, non-restricting clothing and footwear. Avoid direct exposure to sunlight during a hot day and air conditioners. A mild lemon or mint scent will help cool your body. If you are still unable to control your well-being, then do not hesitate to consult a doctor.

1. Take care of your health
2. Drink enough fluids
3. Get enough rest
4. Wear light clothes and shoes
5. Avoid direct exposure to sunlight

Q&A:

What are the main symptoms of a high temperature?

The main symptoms of a high fever are fever, headache, sweating, weakness, malaise, and fever above 37 degrees Celsius.

What causes a high temperature?

Fever can be caused by infections, inflammation, allergies, stress, fatigue, dysfunction of the endocrine glands, and side effects of certain medications.

What methods of reducing the temperature can be used at home?

At home, methods that can be used include drinking plenty of fluids, applying cold compresses, taking cool baths and showers, using antipyretics, reducing physical activity, and staying on schedule.

How often can antipyretics be taken?

Antipyretic drugs can be taken up to 4 times a day, with an interval of 4 to 6 hours between doses.

What are the best antipyretics to use to lower the temperature?

Antipyretics based on paraisetamol or ibuprofen are best used to reduce fever. However, before using the medicine, you should consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor if I have a high temperature?

It is necessary to consult a doctor if the temperature does not decrease for more than 3 days, there is a tendency to recurrent attacks, convulsions, chills, impaired consciousness or breathing appear.

What precautions can be taken to avoid high fever?

To prevent high fever, it is necessary to monitor hygiene, strengthen the immune system, eat right, avoid stress and overwork, and treat infectious and inflammatory diseases in a timely manner.

Seek medical attention if necessary

When you have a fever, do not delay seeking medical attention, especially if other symptoms such as severe chest pain, trouble breathing, or convulsions complicate it.

Be aware of your condition and if your temperature does not improve with home remedies, see your doctor immediately.

Also, if you have certain medical conditions that can cause a high fever, monitor your condition and find out when to see a doctor.

Be aware that certain medications and even natural medicines can make fever worse, so be sure to check with your healthcare professional before starting treatment.

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Dehydration in dogs – causes, symptoms, treatment of dehydration in dogs in Moscow. Veterinary clinic “Zoostatus”

Signs
How to avoid dehydration
Diagnosis
Treatment

Dehydration occurs when the fluid content in the body drops below normal. This usually includes loss of both water and electrolytes: sodium, chloride, and potassium.

Dehydration can be caused by lack of food or water, or increased water loss due to illness or injury. Fever increases further fluid loss.

When there is a shortage of water in the body, fluid is redistributed from the cells, leaving the cells without sufficient fluid. This leads to dehydration. The degree of dehydration is based on the magnitude of this redistribution of water in the body. Dogs lose fluid through: breath, stool, urine and sweating (with shortness of breath, diarrhea, fever, vomiting, water loss increases). Dogs replenish fluids by drinking water or other fluids and by eating raw foods.

Features

Initial symptoms:

• Fatigue.
• Slowness and decrease in the number of movements.
• Excessive shortness of breath.
• Changes in mood (animal seems more frightened).
• Eyes feel sunken and dry.
• Dry mouth, gums, nose.

Intermediate signs:

• Skin loses elasticity – pinch a little skin with your thumb and forefinger on the dog’s back. When you release the skin, it should immediately return to normal. When the tissues under the skin lose moisture, the skin fold is slower to retract. In extreme cases, the skin remains in a retracted position.
• Capillary refill time – press the gum firmly with your index finger until it turns white. Remove your finger and watch how quickly the blood returns to the gums. A dehydrated dog will take longer to return blood than a normal dog.
• Rectal temperature remains > 40℃.

Final signs:

• Weakness of the hind limbs.
• Loss of balance and unsteady step.

How to stay hydrated

Maintaining a constant fluid level is just as important in dogs as it is in humans.

• Dogs lose a lot of water when they breathe heavily. Leave two or three bowls of water in different places so that the pet gets enough water.
• If the dog has not been able to fully drink for a long time, start rehydration gradually, allowing the dog a few sips every few minutes. Sudden intake of large amounts of fluid after a period without water can lead to vomiting and the dog will lose even more fluid.
• Do not let your dog drink a lot of water after a hard workout.
• Wait a few minutes after exercising, and then allow to drink, often, but little by little, every few minutes.
• If your dog shows some signs of dehydration, give him an electrolyte solution.
• Dogs that have been out of water for long periods of time may have trouble retaining water. Let them lick the ice so they get the fluid they need.
• If your dog refuses to drink for any length of time, consult your veterinarian!

Diagnostics

Blood tests, such as CBC and biochemistry, are important to try to find the root cause of dehydration, but may not show dehydration itself.

The most important tests are hematocrit and total blood protein. These tests can show if dehydration is present: if hematocrit and total protein are elevated, dehydration is present.

Determination of urine concentration can also help determine if the animal is dehydrated and if the kidneys are damaged.

Treatment

Treatment is to provide the body with the necessary fluids. Often a sick animal is not able to absorb enough water on its own, so fluids are administered parenterally (through injections) – intravenously or subcutaneously.