Skin
The skin is a good place to look when trying to determine if a dog is dehydrated. It will lose elasticity with the loss of moisture. It is one of the more difficult signs to pick up on if other factors aren't taken into consideration. Older dogs naturally have less elasticity to begin with. Fat dog will have more elasticity. To test it, a person pinches the skin on the back of the canine and pulls slightly. When you let go, the skin should go back to where it was immediately.
Facial Features
Another way to see dehydration is in the facial features. The eyes will have less moisture and seem sunken in on the face. The mouth and gums will be dry or have considerably less moisture, and the nose will also be dry.
Capillaries
A good way to check for dehydration is the capillaries, and the best place to look at them is in the mouth. Pull the lip down and press on the gums with a finger until the gum turns white. This will stop blood flow in that particular spot. When the finger is pulled away, the blood should fill back in quickly. If it doesn't, the dog is dehydrated.
Article Written By Tara Dooley
Tara Dooley has written for various websites since 2008. She has worked as an accountant, after-school director and retail manager in various locations. Dooley holds a Bachelor of Science in business management and finance.
