BODY FLUIDS IN PETS

MORE THAN JUST WATER

A dog's body is about 70% water, which means nearly every fluid cell in their body contains electrolytes.

They help regulate chemical reactions, maintain the balance between fluids inside and outside cells, and more!

Did you know?

Electrolytes role in the body

BALANCING THE BODY'S pH

MOVING NUTRIENTS INTO CELLS

FACILITATING MUSCLE FUNCTION

REGULATION NERVE FUNCTION

DEHYDRATION

Studies have shown that in people dehydration as low as 2% can result in cognitive impairment and fatigue.

Yet in dogs and cats dehydration of up to 5% is often imperceptible from clinical exam alone.

Did you know?

DEHYDRATION... CAUSES

We know you want your pet to feel their best, no matter what. That’s why maintaining their hydration – especially when they’re at risk of increased fluid loss, or reduced fluid intake is so important.

It can be hard to spot mild dehydration though. By the time you can see visible signs of dehydration, such as sunken eyes, your pet is already likely to be moderately dehydrated and in need of veterinary care.

So, it’s important to be aware of situations that can lead to dehydration:

DEHYDRATION... KNOW THE SIGNS

So, how do I know if my pet is dehydrated?

Unfortunately, they can’t tell us that they’re thirsty, but if you know the signs of dehydration this can help you respond quickly and help avoid the situation getting worse. Based on our own Vet’s recommendation and according to veterinary referrals , symptoms of canine dehydration include;

DRY / STICKY GUMS

Another easy test to check for visible signs of dehydration is to feel inside your pet’s gums. Feeling to see if they are dry and sticky with little or no saliva, and also test for capillary refill time. Lightly press a finger on the gum and release. A well hydrated pet’s gum will quickly return from white to pink, however with dehydration this refill time can be much slower.

TAKE THE SKIN TEST

Loss of skin elasticity is the easiest signs to test for dehydration. Simply lift and lightly hold some of your pets skin near their shoulder, then release. Monitor carefully to see if it quickly falls back into place, for a well hydrated pet this will be almost instant. A pet with symptoms of dehydration on the other hand the skin will be much slower to return to its normal elasticity.

MORE THAN JUST HYDRATION

DIARRHOEA / TUMMY UPSET

POUR ON FOOD

PRE/ POST OPERATIVE

SENIOR PETS / PALLIATIVE CARE

HEATSTROKE / HYPERTHERMIA

AIR TRAVEL / CAR JOURNEYS

WHEN HYDRATION REALLY MATTERS!

HYDRATION AT ITS BEST

Oralade® ACTIVE provides fast, effective hydration for dogs when they need it the most. Its tasty flavours encourages them to drink more for longer, helping them maintain optimum hydration! The unique isotonic formula helps quickly replenish essential fluids and electrolytes to restore the body’s natural balance. With a combination of simple amino acids and glucose, Oralade Active promotes endurance, refuels energy, and supports recovery.

PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN THE CURE

Preventing dehydration in pets:

Extra water bowls, place more than 1 water bowl around your house or garden and make sure they are regularly topped up with fresh water
Clean bowls to avoid algi or dirt which can make the water taste bad and deter your pet from drinking
3rd Bowl – if your pet is showing mild signs of fluid loss or reduced intake, offer a tasty ORS solution like Oralade to encourage them to drink more and quickly replenish essential fluids nutrients and electrolytes.
Provide plenty shade for times of hot weather or take your pet in out of the sun
Water play – padding pools are a great way to help them cool down and have some fun
Avoid activity on hot days -remember you can sweat, they cant!
FREEZE Fun– make delicious frozen treats as a cool way to get fluids in and reduce body temperature
Always keep an ORS (Oral rehydration Support) in your Pets first aid kit, dehydration can strike when you don’t expect it, and acting fast saves lives.