What are the main causes of dehydration. How can you recognize early signs of dehydration. What are the most effective ways to prevent and treat dehydration. Who is at highest risk for becoming dehydrated.

Understanding Dehydration: A Critical Health Issue

Dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluids than it takes in, disrupting the delicate balance necessary for optimal functioning. With the human body composed of approximately 75% water, maintaining proper hydration is crucial for survival. Water plays a vital role in numerous bodily functions, including temperature regulation, nutrient transport, and waste removal.

The body’s sophisticated water management system typically keeps fluid levels balanced, with the thirst mechanism signaling when increased intake is needed. However, various factors can lead to dehydration, ranging from excessive fluid loss to inadequate intake.

Key Facts About Dehydration:

• Dehydration can occur even with mild fluid losses
• Early symptoms include thirst, darker urine, and decreased urine output
• Severe dehydration requires immediate medical attention
• Certain groups, such as athletes and older adults, are at higher risk

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Dehydration

Identifying dehydration early is crucial for preventing more serious complications. The symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on the degree of fluid loss.

Early Signs of Dehydration:

• Increased thirst
• Darker urine color
• Reduced urine output
• Dry mouth
• Fatigue

As dehydration progresses, more severe symptoms may develop. These can include:

• Muscle weakness
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Rapid heartbeat
• Sunken eyes
• Dry, shriveled skin
• Low blood pressure
• In extreme cases, delirium or unconsciousness

Can urine color accurately indicate hydration status. Indeed, urine color is one of the most reliable indicators of hydration level. Clear or pale yellow urine generally suggests proper hydration, while darker urine indicates dehydration.

Dehydration Symptoms in Children:

Children, especially infants, may display different signs of dehydration:

• Sunken fontanel (soft spot on the head) in babies
• Dry tongue and mouth
• Irritability
• Absence of tears when crying
• Sunken cheeks or eyes
• No wet diapers for 3 or more hours

Common Causes of Dehydration

Dehydration can result from various factors, often involving either insufficient fluid intake or excessive fluid loss. Understanding these causes is essential for prevention and proper management.

Primary Causes of Dehydration:

1. Inadequate fluid intake: Sometimes, people simply don’t consume enough water due to busy schedules, lack of access to clean water, or decreased thirst sensation (common in older adults).
2. Diarrhea: This is the most common cause of dehydration and related deaths worldwide. Diarrhea prevents the large intestine from absorbing water from food matter, leading to excessive fluid loss.
3. Vomiting: This not only causes fluid loss but also makes it difficult to replenish fluids by drinking.
4. Excessive sweating: Hot weather, intense physical activity, or fever can increase fluid loss through sweating.
5. Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can lead to increased urination and fluid loss.
6. Frequent urination: This can be caused by uncontrolled diabetes, alcohol consumption, or certain medications.
7. Burns: Severe burns can damage blood vessels, causing fluid to leak into surrounding tissues.

Why is diarrhea considered the most common cause of dehydration-related deaths. Diarrhea leads to rapid and significant fluid loss, which can be especially dangerous in regions with limited access to clean water or medical care. In severe cases, the body loses fluids faster than they can be replaced, leading to life-threatening dehydration.

High-Risk Groups for Dehydration

While anyone can become dehydrated, certain groups are at higher risk due to various factors:

• Older adults: Age-related changes can decrease the body’s ability to conserve water and reduce the sensation of thirst.
• Infants and young children: They have a higher surface area to volume ratio, leading to more rapid fluid loss.
• People at high altitudes: The low humidity and increased respiratory rate at high elevations can accelerate fluid loss.
• Athletes: Intense physical activity, especially in hot conditions, can lead to significant fluid loss through sweating.
• People with chronic illnesses: Certain conditions, such as diabetes or kidney disease, can increase the risk of dehydration.

How does high altitude contribute to dehydration risk. At higher elevations, the air is drier and the atmospheric pressure is lower. This leads to more rapid evaporation of moisture from the skin and lungs, increasing fluid loss. Additionally, people often breathe more rapidly at high altitudes, further contributing to fluid loss through respiration.

Preventing Dehydration: Strategies for Optimal Hydration

Preventing dehydration is far easier than treating it once it occurs. Here are some effective strategies to maintain proper hydration:

• Drink water regularly throughout the day, not just when thirsty
• Consume water-rich foods like fruits and vegetables
• Monitor urine color as an indicator of hydration status
• Increase fluid intake during hot weather or physical activity
• Avoid excessive alcohol consumption, which can promote dehydration
• Replace fluids lost during illness, especially if experiencing diarrhea or vomiting

Is there an ideal daily water intake for preventing dehydration. While the commonly cited recommendation is 8 glasses (64 ounces) of water per day, individual needs can vary based on factors such as age, activity level, climate, and overall health. It’s best to listen to your body’s thirst signals and monitor urine color to ensure adequate hydration.

Effective Treatment Strategies for Dehydration

The treatment for dehydration depends on its severity and underlying cause. In most cases, mild to moderate dehydration can be effectively treated at home.

Home Treatment for Mild Dehydration:

• Increase fluid intake, preferably with water or oral rehydration solutions
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can worsen dehydration
• Consume small amounts of fluid frequently rather than large amounts all at once
• Eat foods high in water content, such as fruits and vegetables
• Rest and avoid strenuous activity until fully rehydrated

Medical Treatment for Severe Dehydration:

Severe dehydration requires immediate medical attention and may involve:

• Intravenous (IV) fluids to rapidly replenish lost fluids and electrolytes
• Monitoring of vital signs and electrolyte levels
• Treatment of underlying conditions causing dehydration (e.g., diarrhea, vomiting)
• In some cases, hospitalization may be necessary

When should someone seek medical attention for dehydration. Medical care should be sought if severe symptoms are present, such as extreme thirst, confusion, rapid heartbeat, or fainting. Additionally, if home treatment doesn’t improve symptoms within a day, or if dehydration is accompanied by fever, bloody stools, or severe diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours, medical evaluation is necessary.

The Impact of Dehydration on Athletic Performance

Dehydration can significantly impair athletic performance, even at relatively low levels of fluid loss. Athletes engaged in endurance events such as marathons, triathlons, and cycling races are particularly susceptible to the effects of dehydration.

Effects of Dehydration on Athletic Performance:

• Decreased endurance and stamina
• Reduced strength and power output
• Impaired cognitive function and decision-making
• Increased risk of heat-related illnesses
• Slower recovery times post-exercise

How much fluid loss can impact athletic performance. Studies have shown that even a 2% loss of body weight due to dehydration can noticeably decrease athletic performance. This level of dehydration can occur relatively quickly during intense exercise, especially in hot conditions.

Hydration Strategies for Athletes:

1. Pre-hydrate before exercise to start fully hydrated
2. Drink fluids regularly during activity, not just when thirsty
3. Use sports drinks for longer duration activities to replenish electrolytes
4. Monitor urine color and body weight to track hydration status
5. Develop a personalized hydration plan based on individual sweat rates and exercise conditions

Proper hydration is crucial not only for performance but also for preventing heat-related illnesses that can occur during intense physical activity, especially in hot environments.

Special Considerations: Dehydration in Older Adults

Older adults are particularly vulnerable to dehydration due to various age-related changes in the body. Understanding these factors is crucial for preventing dehydration in this population.

Factors Contributing to Dehydration Risk in Older Adults:

• Decreased thirst sensation, leading to reduced fluid intake
• Age-related changes in kidney function, affecting fluid balance
• Increased use of medications that can promote fluid loss
• Mobility issues that may limit access to fluids
• Chronic conditions that increase dehydration risk

Why do older adults often not feel thirsty even when dehydrated. The aging process can affect the body’s ability to detect dehydration and trigger the thirst response. This phenomenon, known as hypodipsia, means that older adults may not feel thirsty even when their bodies need fluids, increasing their risk of dehydration.

Strategies to Prevent Dehydration in Older Adults:

1. Encourage regular fluid intake throughout the day, even in the absence of thirst
2. Offer a variety of fluids, including water, herbal teas, and low-fat milk
3. Incorporate fluid-rich foods into the diet, such as soups, fruits, and vegetables
4. Monitor medications and their potential effects on hydration status
5. Use visual reminders or alarms to prompt regular fluid intake
6. Educate caregivers about the importance of hydration and signs of dehydration

By implementing these strategies and maintaining vigilance, the risk of dehydration in older adults can be significantly reduced, promoting better overall health and quality of life.

Dehydration: Symptoms, causes, and treatments

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.

Medical News Today only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

• Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
• Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
• Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

Read more about our vetting process.

Was this helpful?

Dehydration occurs when more water and fluids leave the body than enter it. Even low levels of dehydration can cause headaches, lethargy, and constipation.

The human body is roughly 75 percent water. Without this water, it cannot survive. Water is found inside cells, within blood vessels, and between cells.

A sophisticated water management system keeps our water levels balanced, and our thirst mechanism tells us when we need to increase fluid intake.

Although water is constantly lost throughout the day as we breathe, sweat, urinate, and defecate, we can replenish the water in our body by drinking fluids. The body can also move water around to areas where it is needed most if dehydration begins to occur.

Most occurrences of dehydration can be easily reversed by increasing fluid intake, but severe cases of dehydration require immediate medical attention.

Fast facts about dehydration

• Around three-quarters of the human body is water.
• The causes of dehydration include diarrhea, vomiting, and sweating.
• Individuals more at risk of dehydration include athletes, people at higher altitudes, and older adults.
• Early symptoms of dehydration include dry mouth, lethargy, and dizziness.

Was this helpful?

Dehydration is easy to remedy but can be serious if left unchecked.

The first symptoms of dehydration include thirst, darker urine, and decreased urine production. In fact, urine color is one of the best indicators of a person’s hydration level – clear urine means you are well hydrated and darker urine means you are dehydrated.

However, it is important to note that, particularly in older adults, dehydration can occur without thirst. This is why it is important to drink more water when ill, or during hotter weather.

As the condition progresses to moderate dehydration, symptoms include:

• dry mouth
• lethargy
• weakness in muscles
• headache
• dizziness

Severe dehydration (loss of 10-15 percent of the body’s water) may be characterized by extreme versions of the symptoms above as well as:

• lack of sweating
• sunken eyes
• shriveled and dry skin
• low blood pressure
• increased heart rate
• fever
• delirium
• unconsciousness

Symptoms in children

• in babies – a sunken fontanel (soft spot on the top of the head)
• dry tongue and mouth
• irritable
• no tears when crying
• sunken cheeks and/or eyes
• no wet diaper for 3 or more hours

The basic causes of dehydration are not taking in enough water, losing too much water, or a combination of both.

Sometimes, it is not possible to consume enough fluids because we are too busy, lack the facilities or strength to drink, or are in an area without potable water (while hiking or camping, for example). Additional causes of dehydration include:

Diarrhea – the most common cause of dehydration and related deaths. The large intestine absorbs water from food matter, and diarrhea prevents this from happening. The body excretes too much water, leading to dehydration.

Vomiting – leads to a loss of fluids and makes it difficult to replace water by drinking it.

Sweating – the body’s cooling mechanism releases a significant amount of water. Hot and humid weather and vigorous physical activity can further increase fluid loss from sweating. Similarly, a fever can cause an increase in sweating and may dehydrate the patient, especially if there is also diarrhea and vomiting.

Diabetes – high blood sugar levels cause increased urination and fluid loss. Tips for handling summer heat for people with diabetes.

Frequent urination – usually caused by uncontrolled diabetes, but also can be due to alcohol and medications such as diuretics, antihistamines, blood pressure medications, and antipsychotics.

Burns – blood vessels can become damaged, causing fluid to leak into the surrounding tissues.

Although dehydration can happen to anyone, some people are at a greater risk. Those at most risk include:

Older adults commonly become dehydrated.

• People at higher altitudes.
• Athletes, especially those in endurance events, such as marathons, triathlons, and cycling tournaments. Dehydration can undermine performance in sports, as this article explains.
• People with chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, kidney disease, cystic fibrosis, alcoholism, and adrenal gland disorders.
• Infants and children – most commonly due to diarrhea and vomiting.

Dehydration in older adults is also common; sometimes this occurs because they drink less water so that they do not need to get up for the toilet as often. There are also changes in the brain meaning that thirst does not always occur.

If dehydration is not checked, it can lead to serious complications; these can include:

Low blood volume – less blood produces a drop in blood pressure and a reduction in the amount of oxygen reaching tissues; this can be life threatening.

Seizures – due to an imbalance of electrolytes.

Kidney problems – including kidney stones, urinary tract infections, and eventually kidney failure.

Heat injury – ranging from mild cramps to heat exhaustion or even heat stroke.

A doctor will use both physical and mental exams to diagnose dehydration. A patient presenting symptoms such as disorientation, low blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, fever, lack of sweat, and inelastic skin will usually be considered dehydrated.

Blood tests are often employed to test kidney function and to check sodium, potassium, and other electrolyte levels. Electrolytes are chemicals that regulate hydration in the body and are crucial for nerve and muscle function. A urine analysis will provide very useful information to help diagnose dehydration. In a dehydrated person, urine will be darker in color and more concentrated – containing a certain level of compounds called ketones.

To diagnose dehydration in infants, doctors usually check for a sunken soft spot on the skull. They may also look for a loss of sweat and certain muscle tone characteristics.

Dehydration must be treated by replenishing the fluid level in the body. This can be done by consuming clear fluids such as water, clear broths, frozen water or ice pops, or sports drinks (such as Gatorade). Some dehydration patients, however, will require intravenous fluids in order to rehydrate. People who are dehydrated should avoid drinks containing caffeine such as coffee, tea, and sodas.

Underlying conditions that are causing dehydration should also be treated with the appropriate medication. This may include medication available to purchase over-the-counter or online, such as anti-diarrhea medicines, anti-emetics (stop vomiting), and anti-fever medicines.

Prevention is really the most important treatment for dehydration. Consuming plenty of fluids and foods that have high water content (such as fruits and vegetables) should be enough for most people to prevent dehydration.

People should be cautious about doing activities during extreme heat or the hottest part of the day, and anyone who is exercising should make replenishing fluids a priority.

Since the elderly and very young are most at risk of being dehydrated, special attention should be given to them to make sure they are receiving enough fluids.

Video: Signs of dehydration – how to prevent it

Read the article in Spanish.

Dehydration: Symptoms, causes, and treatments

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.

Medical News Today only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

• Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
• Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
• Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

Read more about our vetting process.

Was this helpful?

Dehydration occurs when more water and fluids leave the body than enter it. Even low levels of dehydration can cause headaches, lethargy, and constipation.

The human body is roughly 75 percent water. Without this water, it cannot survive. Water is found inside cells, within blood vessels, and between cells.

A sophisticated water management system keeps our water levels balanced, and our thirst mechanism tells us when we need to increase fluid intake.

Although water is constantly lost throughout the day as we breathe, sweat, urinate, and defecate, we can replenish the water in our body by drinking fluids. The body can also move water around to areas where it is needed most if dehydration begins to occur.

Most occurrences of dehydration can be easily reversed by increasing fluid intake, but severe cases of dehydration require immediate medical attention.

Fast facts about dehydration

• Around three-quarters of the human body is water.
• The causes of dehydration include diarrhea, vomiting, and sweating.
• Individuals more at risk of dehydration include athletes, people at higher altitudes, and older adults.
• Early symptoms of dehydration include dry mouth, lethargy, and dizziness.

Was this helpful?

Dehydration is easy to remedy but can be serious if left unchecked.

The first symptoms of dehydration include thirst, darker urine, and decreased urine production. In fact, urine color is one of the best indicators of a person’s hydration level – clear urine means you are well hydrated and darker urine means you are dehydrated.

However, it is important to note that, particularly in older adults, dehydration can occur without thirst. This is why it is important to drink more water when ill, or during hotter weather.

As the condition progresses to moderate dehydration, symptoms include:

• dry mouth
• lethargy
• weakness in muscles
• headache
• dizziness

Severe dehydration (loss of 10-15 percent of the body’s water) may be characterized by extreme versions of the symptoms above as well as:

• lack of sweating
• sunken eyes
• shriveled and dry skin
• low blood pressure
• increased heart rate
• fever
• delirium
• unconsciousness

Symptoms in children

• in babies – a sunken fontanel (soft spot on the top of the head)
• dry tongue and mouth
• irritable
• no tears when crying
• sunken cheeks and/or eyes
• no wet diaper for 3 or more hours

The basic causes of dehydration are not taking in enough water, losing too much water, or a combination of both.

Sometimes, it is not possible to consume enough fluids because we are too busy, lack the facilities or strength to drink, or are in an area without potable water (while hiking or camping, for example). Additional causes of dehydration include:

Diarrhea – the most common cause of dehydration and related deaths. The large intestine absorbs water from food matter, and diarrhea prevents this from happening. The body excretes too much water, leading to dehydration.

Vomiting – leads to a loss of fluids and makes it difficult to replace water by drinking it.

Sweating – the body’s cooling mechanism releases a significant amount of water. Hot and humid weather and vigorous physical activity can further increase fluid loss from sweating. Similarly, a fever can cause an increase in sweating and may dehydrate the patient, especially if there is also diarrhea and vomiting.

Diabetes – high blood sugar levels cause increased urination and fluid loss. Tips for handling summer heat for people with diabetes.

Frequent urination – usually caused by uncontrolled diabetes, but also can be due to alcohol and medications such as diuretics, antihistamines, blood pressure medications, and antipsychotics.

Burns – blood vessels can become damaged, causing fluid to leak into the surrounding tissues.

Although dehydration can happen to anyone, some people are at a greater risk. Those at most risk include:

Older adults commonly become dehydrated.

• People at higher altitudes.
• Athletes, especially those in endurance events, such as marathons, triathlons, and cycling tournaments. Dehydration can undermine performance in sports, as this article explains.
• People with chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, kidney disease, cystic fibrosis, alcoholism, and adrenal gland disorders.
• Infants and children – most commonly due to diarrhea and vomiting.

Dehydration in older adults is also common; sometimes this occurs because they drink less water so that they do not need to get up for the toilet as often. There are also changes in the brain meaning that thirst does not always occur.

If dehydration is not checked, it can lead to serious complications; these can include:

Low blood volume – less blood produces a drop in blood pressure and a reduction in the amount of oxygen reaching tissues; this can be life threatening.

Seizures – due to an imbalance of electrolytes.

Kidney problems – including kidney stones, urinary tract infections, and eventually kidney failure.

Heat injury – ranging from mild cramps to heat exhaustion or even heat stroke.

A doctor will use both physical and mental exams to diagnose dehydration. A patient presenting symptoms such as disorientation, low blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, fever, lack of sweat, and inelastic skin will usually be considered dehydrated.

Blood tests are often employed to test kidney function and to check sodium, potassium, and other electrolyte levels. Electrolytes are chemicals that regulate hydration in the body and are crucial for nerve and muscle function. A urine analysis will provide very useful information to help diagnose dehydration. In a dehydrated person, urine will be darker in color and more concentrated – containing a certain level of compounds called ketones.

To diagnose dehydration in infants, doctors usually check for a sunken soft spot on the skull. They may also look for a loss of sweat and certain muscle tone characteristics.

Dehydration must be treated by replenishing the fluid level in the body. This can be done by consuming clear fluids such as water, clear broths, frozen water or ice pops, or sports drinks (such as Gatorade). Some dehydration patients, however, will require intravenous fluids in order to rehydrate. People who are dehydrated should avoid drinks containing caffeine such as coffee, tea, and sodas.

Underlying conditions that are causing dehydration should also be treated with the appropriate medication. This may include medication available to purchase over-the-counter or online, such as anti-diarrhea medicines, anti-emetics (stop vomiting), and anti-fever medicines.

Prevention is really the most important treatment for dehydration. Consuming plenty of fluids and foods that have high water content (such as fruits and vegetables) should be enough for most people to prevent dehydration.

People should be cautious about doing activities during extreme heat or the hottest part of the day, and anyone who is exercising should make replenishing fluids a priority.

Since the elderly and very young are most at risk of being dehydrated, special attention should be given to them to make sure they are receiving enough fluids.

Video: Signs of dehydration – how to prevent it

Read the article in Spanish.

Ilyinskaya hospital – a modern outpatient hospital center :: How to avoid dehydration with diarrhea in a child

We say “diarrhea” when a child has loose stools more than 3 times
during the day.

We say “gastroenteritis” when the cause of the disease
is an infection, in most cases of a viral nature, and when clinical
manifestations are vomiting and diarrhea.

The great danger in diarrhea is the onset
dehydration, that is, a lack of fluid in the body. Dehydration sets in
when a child loses more fluid with diarrhea and vomiting than he receives from outside
with food and drink.

The best way to prevent or treat dehydration is to drink water.

Drinking solutions (rehydration solutions) consist of
from water, salt and sugar in appropriate proportions. Sugar facilitates absorption
in the small intestine of salt and water, reduces the frequency of vomiting. For children under 18
months, any other drink (sweet water, carbonated drinks, etc.)
adapted and do not adequately compensate for the loss of the body.

Mix sachet of rehydration solution with 200 ml of water, do not
adding nothing extra. The solution can be stored in the refrigerator (maximum
24 hours). The finished solution can be offered to the child chilled. It’s even
recommended in case of vomiting.

Encourage the child to drink as often as possible and
in small portions. Continue to offer the drink repeatedly throughout the day.
A dehydrated child is thirsty.

If the child vomits, it is better to give the drink chilled, every
5-10 minutes for 1-2 sips or a teaspoon. Rehydration solution
helps to reduce or stop vomiting in most cases. IN
Further, the child can drink at will, depending on the intensity of thirst.

The stool will not return to normal immediately, often within 5 days.
Your pediatrician will recommend an antidiarrheal if needed.

Breastfed babies should have
continued. In older children, nutrition should be resumed quickly, after 4-12
hours. Talk to your pediatrician about the need to stop milk and
dairy products.

• the child has bruises under the eyes, sunken eyes,
• he breathes rapidly
• he is drowsy, groaning, reaction to your
  voice/touch,
• he continues to vomit despite
  drinking solutions,
• he refuses to drink, while diarrhea
  becomes more frequent,
• he has lost weight since the onset of the disease.

Diarrhea – very common
a symptom in young children, in the vast majority of cases developing
it is beneficial if parents follow the advice to prevent dehydration.

Author: Ozerova-Perrin Irina Anatolyevna Pediatrician

113

views

Dehydration in cats

July 1, 2021 Dehydration in cats is a lack of fluid in the body. This is a serious problem that threatens the normal functioning of the animal’s organs, and in severe cases, its life. Therefore, it is very important to prevent dehydration and learn to recognize it in time if it was not possible to avoid it.

Approximately two-thirds of a cat’s body is made up of water. Getting 10% less moisture, the pet already feels bad. If the body is dehydrated by 15%, then without urgent action, the cat will die. Kittens are especially sensitive to water imbalance. For them, dehydration by 10% is enough to cause a serious threat to life.

Causes of dehydration in cats

Dehydration in cats is due to:

1. Decreased fluid intake (shock, heat stroke, refusal to drink water due to illness or misplaced/selected bowl, drinking and eating disorders)
2. Increased fluid loss (vomiting, diarrhea, chronic renal failure, diabetes mellitus, bleeding, burns, fever and other diseases)

Often, dehydration is a symptom of other diseases, while dehydration leads to an aggravation of the underlying disease. For this reason, rehydration (replacing lost water and electrolytes) is an important part of treatment.

Symptoms of dehydration in cats

Dehydration in cats takes place in 3 stages and depends on the percentage of fluid lost: wet).

Severe (more than 10%) – general lethargy and depression, refusal to eat, poor sleep, avoidance of loud sounds and bright lights, shortness of breath, palpitations are added.

Dehydration in cats can also be determined in two simple ways:

• Pressing on the gums. Press your finger on the gum and release, the white mark should quickly turn pink. If the pink color is restored after 3-6 seconds, then the cat has moderate dehydration. If the normal color of the gums is restored within 7-10 seconds, then this indicates a severe form of dehydration.
• Skin elasticity test. Pull back the skin at the withers of the cat and release. In a healthy pet, the retracted skin instantly returns to its original position. If the skin returns after 2-3 seconds, the cat is mildly dehydrated; after 4-5 seconds – the average degree of dehydration; more than 5 seconds – severe dehydration.

The danger of dehydration in cats lies in the fact that at the first stage it is difficult to notice the symptoms of the disease. When it progresses, the animal may die within a day. To save him, you will need emergency help provided in a veterinary clinic.

Diagnosis and treatment of dehydration in cats

If you suspect dehydration in a cat, you should immediately contact a veterinary clinic. Delay can cost your pet’s life. The veterinarian will examine the cat and take tests: a clinical and biochemical blood test and a general urine test. This will help to confirm dehydration (hematocrit and protein in the blood will be increased), assess the general condition of the animal, determine the cause of dehydration and prescribe the necessary treatment. With a mild form of dehydration, it is possible to cope at home on your own by soldering.

In moderate and severe forms, the treatment of cats becomes more complicated. The organism of animals is “flooded” intravenously or subcutaneously. Cats are given electrolyte solutions in the form of rehydron, glucose, and other medications.

Prevention of dehydration in cats

To avoid dehydration in cats it is necessary: ​​

• provide free access to drinking water.