Dehydration Can Happen
FASTER THAN YOU THINK
WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENS WHEN A PET BECOMES DEHYDRATED?
Dehydration happens when your dog or cat loses more fluids than they take in, and their body can’t replace it fast enough.
When fluid levels drop, blood volume decreases. That means less oxygen is delivered to vital organs and tissues.
Even mild dehydration can make pets feel lethargic and unwell. More severe dehydration can quickly become dangerous.
💦 It’s not just water they’re losing, either.
Pets also lose essential electrolytes like sodium, chloride, and potassium - these tiny minerals that play a big role in keeping the body working properly:
💧 Maintaining healthy fluid balance
💧 Supporting muscle movement
💧 Regulating nerve signals
💧 Helping nutrients enter cells
💧 Keeping the body’s natural pH stable
If dehydration becomes severe, it can lead to kidney damage and even organ failure.
IS YOUR PET DRINKING ENOUGH?
WHAT CAUSES DEHYDRATION?
The most common cause is simple: not drinking enough water.
But illness, heat, stress, exercise, diarrhoea and underlying health issues can all increase fluid loss.
NOT DRINKING ENOUGH
Some pets naturally drink less, especially cats, while others forget to drink during play, travel or stress.
VOMITING OR DIARRHOEA
One of the most common causes of dehydration in dogs and cats is gastrointestinal upset. Vomiting and diarrhoea can rapidly strip the body of fluids and essential electrolytes, sometimes within hours.
HEAT AND ACTIVITY
Warm weather, exercise and activity can quickly increase fluid loss, especially in dogs.
HOW LONG CAN PETS GO WITHOUT WATER?
The short answer? Not long.
While a healthy dog or cat might survive a few days without water in extreme circumstances, dehydration can begin affecting the body much sooner, sometimes within hours.
Pets constantly lose fluids through breathing, urination and normal body processes. Dogs also lose fluid through panting, while cats may naturally consume less water.
SOME PETS ARE MORE VULNERABLE
Cats are particularly vulnerable to dehydration. Many naturally drink less and rely heavily on moisture from their food, meaning dehydration can develop quietly and may be difficult to spot.
Puppies, kittens, senior pets, nursing mothers and pets living with conditions such as kidney disease or diabetes may also have increased hydration needs.
KNOW THE SIGNS
Dogs and cats can't tell us they're thirsty, so spotting the early warning signs matters.
One sign alone may not mean your pet is dehydrated.
A combination of symptoms, particularly during illness or warm weather, is more concerning.
BEHAVIOUR
- Low energy
- Less playful
- Weak or wobbly
- Reluctant to eat
PHYSICAL SIGNS
- Dry or sticky gums
- Thick saliva
- Sunken eyes
- Dry nose
ILLNESS SIGNS
- Excessive panting
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Darker urine
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Oralade Advanced GI+ 500ml
Unit priceRegular price From £8.49 GBPSale price From £8.49 GBP Regular price -
Oralade Advanced RF+ 500ml
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Oralade Advanced GI+ Liquid Concentrate 6x50ml
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Oralade Advanced RF+ Liquid Concentrate 6x50ml
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TWO SIMPLE HOME CHECKS
WHEN IS DEHYDRATION AN EMERGENCY?
Severe dehydration can quickly affect the kidneys and other vital organs. Seek veterinary care immediately if your pet has:
PERSISTENT VOMITING OR DIARRHOEA
Ongoing fluid loss can quickly lead to dehydration.
SIGNS OF HEAT STROKE
Heavy panting, red tongue, or a rapid, weak pulse are warning signs.
SEVERE LETHARGY OR WEAKNESS
If your pet seems unusually weak, wobbly or hard to wake, act fast.
REFUSAL TO DRINK
Refusing water when unwell is a serious sign.
WHAT HAPPENS IF DEHYDRATION BECOMES SEVERE?
⚠️ Severe dehydration is a medical emergency and cannot always be corrected by encouraging a pet to drink.
Depending on the severity and underlying cause, your veterinarian may need to administer fluids under the skin — known as subcutaneous fluids — or directly into a vein using intravenous fluid therapy.
The aim is to restore hydration quickly, correct fluid imbalances and help protect the kidneys and other vital organs.
PREVENTION STARTS WITH DAILY HYDRATION
💦 MAKE WATER EASY TO ACCESS
Provide constant access to clean, fresh water at home, outdoors and while travelling.
Multiple water bowls can help in larger or multi-pet homes, while many cats prefer moving water from a drinking fountain. Cats may also prefer water placed away from food and litter areas.
☀️ ADJUST FOR YOUR PET'S DAY
Warm weather, exercise, travel, stress, illness, pregnancy and recovery can all increase fluid requirements.
Learning what's normal for your pet makes it easier to spot changes. If they're drinking noticeably less, or losing more fluids than usual - act early.
HYDRATION TIPS THAT ACTUALLY HELP
Keeping pets hydrated doesn't have to be a struggle. Small changes can make drinking more appealing.
FREEZE ORALADE INTO ICE CUBES
Drop into water bowls or offer as a cooling, lickable treat.
USE LICK MATS OR ENRICHMENT TOYS
Mix Oralade with wet food and freeze lightly for slow, engaging hydration.
ADD MOISTURE TO MEALS
A splash of Oralade can improve aroma, palatability and fluid intake.
CREATE DRINKING STATIONS
Place bowls in several locations, especially in larger or multi-pet homes.
Offering several small drinks throughout the day is often more effective than expecting pets to drink a large amount all at once.
ORALADE IN THE BOWL
Offer a small bowl of chilled Oralade alongside your pet's normal drinking water. Some pets may voluntarily choose a palatable flavoured hydration option, particularly during warm weather or periods of reduced appetite.
BUILD HYDRATION INTO THEIR ROUTINE
Offer fluids after walks, after play sessions, during travel and during recovery from illness. Making hydration part of your pet's normal routine can help encourage more consistent drinking habits.
-
Oralade Advanced GI+ 500ml
Unit priceRegular price From £8.49 GBPSale price From £8.49 GBP Regular price -
Oralade Advanced RF+ 500ml
Unit priceRegular price From £8.49 GBPSale price From £8.49 GBP Regular price -
Oralade Advanced GI+ Liquid Concentrate 6x50ml
Unit priceRegular price £29.95 GBPSale price £29.95 GBP Regular price -
Oralade Advanced RF+ Liquid Concentrate 6x50ml
Unit priceRegular price £29.95 GBPSale price £29.95 GBP Regular price