So-called edema can also occur in dogs. These are retentions of water in the tissue.
Then the dog has to dehydrate, which is done with the help of some home remedies and medicines.
This article explains what you should know about it in detail.
Home remedies to dehydrate the dog – overview
There are several methods you can use to dehydrate your dog, including some home remedies. Please use this only in consultation with your veterinarian! They may advise you to take prescription medications, such as water tablets. However, you can support the dehydration with a few tips.
These are the best methods for dehydration:
- drainage tablets
- Live healthy
- Dehydrating Tea
drainage tablets
Water tablets are called diuretics. They contain the active ingredient furosemide, which is also given to people for dehydration.
The middle increases urine output considerable, so that the water no longer accumulates in the vessels but is released.
The fact that it also speaks in favor of the drug very few side effects is. Problems with the electrolyte balance can rarely occur, but these can usually be well controlled.
In some cases, however, it can lead to increased pulse come.
Important
The tablets also increase your dog’s thirst. Make sure your dog drinks a lot.
Water retention cannot be prevented by reducing water intake. On the contrary: Your dog needs to drink enough to stay healthy.
Healthy lifestyle
Good nutrition and enough exercise are equally healthy for humans and animals.
In the case of heart disease in particular, owners tend to take it easy on the dog and also change the diet in the direction of their favorite food.
But regular exercise in particular supports the heart and circulation very effectively and therefore needs to be applied consistently.
The diet should be off high quality feed and there are only a few treats.
Tea for drainage
Digestive tea is very popular among people and can support diuretic pills well.
But caution is advised here: Many of these teas are incompatible or even toxic for dogs.
Nettle tea and small amounts of peppermint tea are recommended for your dog. Well cooled you can mix them with the drinking water.
When should I drain the dog?
Draining a dog is only necessary if an underlying medical condition is causing water retention.
This needs to be diagnosed and treated by your veterinarian. In most cases, however, the underlying diseases are already noticeable beforehand through other symptoms.
If you suspect that your dog is developing edema, you can do the pressure test yourself: To do this, press your thumb into the relevant area of the skin and observe how long it takes for the imprint to disappear and for blood to flow properly again to be.
If the spot remains whitish for longer than 3 seconds or even the imprint remains visible, an appointment with your veterinarian is urgently needed.
How do home remedies work on dogs?
Dehydrating agents act on the urinary system and increase urine output. As a result, the accumulating water is released instead of being stored in the tissue.
On the other hand, home remedies that act indirectly, such as a healthy lifestyle, help the overall health of the dog.
They therefore also have an influence on other health problems and can bring about effective change in many areas with little effort.
What else can I do to dehydrate the dog – alternatives
It is important to know that only dehydration medications are effective in helping the dog against edema.
If left untreated, both the underlying disease that led to the water retention and the retention itself will worsen.
It can also be deadly!
The homeopathic remedies that are often recommended have no demonstrable effect, so using them in this way is tantamount to non-treatment.
However, the medication can be supplemented with herbal preparations and teas. Tea in particular gives the dog an incentive to drink enough.
Important
Many dehydrating teas or other herbal remedies for humans are massively toxic to dogs. Therefore, find out in advance exactly what your dog is allowed to eat.
You can also alleviate the symptoms of the edema and the underlying disease.
If the skin over the deposits is already badly affected, you can treat the swelling and itching with cold compresses.
It’s best to dip the wraps in a mixture of cold water and a few drops of apple cider vinegar. This relaxes the skin and is not problematic for the dog.
When should I go to the vet?
If you notice water retention, you should make an appointment with your vet immediately.
Because then the underlying disease is usually far advanced and requires urgent treatment.
If the underlying disease is known, but the formation of edema is new or worsening, a timely appointment is also recommended.
Even if you only suspect it, it is advisable to seek veterinary advice. Since the underlying diseases can be very serious, early diagnosis is often very helpful.
Conclusion
It is common for a dog to develop edema with heart disease. This is especially true for old dogs and breeds that are genetically predisposed.
But with water tablets, a dog can usually live carefree and does not have to accept a lot of losses.
Have you experienced a dog that has had to take hydration tablets? What else have you been advised that can help him? Tell us about it in the comments!