ภาวะขาดน้ำ

Key Facts

• Most common mistake: encouraging food and water while pet is still vomiting
• Assessment: dry gums, thick ropey saliva, sunken eyes, slow skin turgor
• Skin turgor test: pull skin into a tent and release; slow return indicates dehydration
• Mild dehydration: give small amounts of water (1 tsp for cats, up to 1/4 cup for large dogs)
• Moderate to severe dehydration requires veterinary IV fluid therapy
• Very young, very old, and debilitated animals are most susceptible
• Skin turgor test is affected by age, weight loss, and skin condition
• Species: dogs and cats