Dehydration
Dehydration is excess loss of body fluids. Usually it involves loss of both water and electrolytes, which are minerals such as sodium, chloride and potassium. During an illness, dehydration may be due to an inadequate fluid intake. Fever will also increase the loss of water. This becomes significant if the dog does not drink enough water to offset it. Other common causes of dehydration are prolonged vomiting and diarrhea.
One sign of dehydration is loss of skin elasticity. When the skin along the back is picked up into a fold, it should spring back into place. In dehydration, the skin stays up in a ridge. Another sign is dryness of the mouth and late signs are sunken eyeballs and circulatory collapses.
If the dog is noticeably dehydrated, he should be seen by a veterinarian immediately. For mild dehydration, which does not include vomiting, fluids can be given by mouth. If the dog won't drink, he can be given an electrolyte solution by bottle or syringe into his cheek. A balanced electrolyte solution for treating dehydration is childrens Pedialyte. Pedialyte is available at most grocery stores. This is given at the rate of two to four cc per pound of body weight per hour, depending on the severity of the dehydration (or as directed by your vet).