Importance of Hydration in Westchester County, NY

With summer temperatures approaching, water is especially essential to your pet’s health. Hydration is needed to regulate internal body temperatures, waste filtration, and processing nutrients through your pet’s body. Regardless if your pet is furry, feathered, or scaly, water must always be offered in your pet’s enclosure. Certain pets can hydrate themselves differently based on their species, so always consult your veterinarian to ensure you are offering the appropriate husbandry in your pet’s enclosure.

Signs of dehydration in your pet can present itself as the following:

• Lethargy
• Panting/increased respiratory movement
• Sunken eyes
• Decrease or total loss of appetite
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

If you pet is showing signs of dehydration, contact your veterinarian immediately. Do not try to self-medicate or treat your pet at home.

At the Veterinary Center for Birds and Exotics, we always recommend that you contact us if you feel your pet is having an emergency. By being available 24/7/365 for phone consultations, our staff can help you decide whether your pet needs to be examined immediately by a doctor or if it’s okay for you to make a scheduled appointment.  Never try to self-treat your pet at home or “Google” treatment. Doing so may cause more harm than good for your pet. If you think your pet is having an emergency, keep them in a quiet environment to prevent any further stress on, and call us right away.