BALLSTON LAKE, N.Y., July 10, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pet owners should be aware that pets need to be well hydrated during summer months to avoid serious health complications, reports Clifton Park Veterinary Clinic. Dehydration can cause serious injury and result in a pet emergency. Treatment in severe cases of pet dehydration may come too late to prevent serious health consequences. Dehydration can easily happen to active dogs when exerting themselves during peak times of the day or left in areas without sufficient water for their needs.

Dehydration is a condition that every pet owner can avoid. Dehydration is often caused when dogs overheat during hot weather or when puppies have endured fluid loss after becoming ill. Symptoms of dehydration include depression, dry mouth, loss of appetite, lethargy and sunken eyes. Watch for the symptoms of dehydration on hot days or periods of intense exertion. Dehydration may also be detected when owners lift the skin on the back of the neck or between the shoulder blades and the skin does not immediately return to its normal position. Elderly dogs, pregnant dogs and those that are ill are more prone to dehydration. Owners that suspect their dog is dehydrated should bring them to the veterinarian for immediate attention.

Pet owners should wash bowls and provide access to clean water at all times. As a general rule, dogs need a minimum of an ounce of water per pound of body weight daily. Avoid exposing pets to high temperatures by not leaving them in vehicles on warm or sunny days. Dogs should not be exercised during the hottest part of the day and sufficient water supplies should always be available.

“All pet owners should learn about preventing dehydration in their dogs,” said Dr. Kelly Cooper. “As an experienced veterinarian, I can say that timely treatment with an intravenous drip or subcutaneous fluid can be administered to dehydrated dogs in most cases. However, this requires a trip to the veterinarian. Access to fresh clean water is the best way to prevent pets from becoming dehydrated. Do not leave dogs chained up outside as they could potentially be prevented from drinking enough water and check their mouths for sores or foreign objects if they are drinking less than usual. Pets, like people, need enough water for their body to function normally and to prevent serious consequences.”

Dr. Kelly Cooper is a veterinarian at Clifton Park Veterinary Clinic, serving owners and their pets in Ballston Lake, Malta, Mechanicville and Clifton Park. Their veterinarians and staff focus on providing compassionate and high-quality veterinarian care to pets and owners with services including regular wellness exams, vaccinations, boarding and preventative care.

Call (518) 877-7481 to inquire about dehydration in pets. Additional information on Clifton Park Veterinary Clinic and their services can be found by visiting http://www.cliftonparkvet.com/.

Clifton Park Veterinary Clinic, (518) 877-7481