How to tell if a dog is retaining fluid?

When we stroke the soft fur of dogs, watch them wag their tails happily, and enjoy the warm time together, our hearts are always filled with happiness. However, the health of dogs is like clouds in the clear sky, seemingly calm, but may be fraught with danger. Fluid retention, a condition that sounds strange and worrying, may pose a serious threat to their life and health if it is not discovered in time. Every dog ​​owner hopes that their fur children can always be healthy and lively, so learning how to judge whether a dog has fluid retention has become an important lesson for us to protect their health. ​

From a professional medical point of view, dog fluid retention, also known as edema, refers to the accumulation of excessive fluid in the interstitial space or body cavity. The occurrence of this situation is often a warning sign of problems inside the body. In order to detect whether a dog is retaining fluid, we need to carefully observe the dog's physical changes and behavioral performance, and find abnormalities from the subtle details. ​

The most intuitive way to judge is to observe the dog's physical appearance. When a dog has fluid retention, some parts of the body may be visibly swollen. For example, the limbs, which were originally slender and well-proportioned, may become thick and swell. If you press them with your hands, they will become sunken, and the sunken parts cannot quickly return to their original shape, just like pressing a soft sponge. This "pitting edema" is one of the typical manifestations of fluid retention. The dog's face may also change, with swollen eyelids, and the originally bright eyes become a little "swollen and swollen". The skin around the nose may also lose its former tightness and appear a little swollen. In addition, changes in the abdomen cannot be ignored. Under normal circumstances, the dog's abdomen has smooth lines, but if there is fluid retention, the abdomen will be significantly enlarged and swollen, like an inflated ball. If you shake it gently, you can even feel the fluctuation of the internal fluid. Seeing the once smart and cute dog become so bloated, the owner's heart is full of heartache, and he wishes he could bear this pain for them. ​

In addition to changes in appearance, the dog's behavior and mental state will also reveal important information. When fluid retention affects a dog's physical functions, they become listless. The lively appearance of running to the owner's call disappears, and instead they lie on the ground all day, with no interest in toys or food. Even if they try to get up and move, their steps are slow and weak, as if all their strength has been drained away. Some dogs also experience shortness of breath, because when fluid accumulates in the chest or around the lungs, it compresses the lungs and affects normal breathing function. Seeing the dog's labored breathing, the owner's heartbeat is tense, and he is full of anxiety and worry. ​

Changes in diet and excretion are also key clues to determine whether a dog retains fluid. Dogs may experience a loss of appetite, and they will ignore their favorite food after just a sniff. This is because physical discomfort affects their gastrointestinal function, resulting in a decrease in digestive ability. In terms of excretion, the amount and color of urine will also change. Under normal circumstances, a dog's urine is light yellow and clear, but when fluid retention occurs, the filtering function of the kidneys may be affected, the amount of urine decreases, and the color becomes dark yellow and turbid. Some dogs may also have difficulty urinating, and each time they urinate, it seems very difficult, which makes the owner see it in the eyes and feel pain in the heart, and they can't wait to find a solution to the problem. ​

In addition, some specific diseases may also cause fluid retention in dogs, and the symptoms caused by different diseases are also different. For example, fluid retention caused by heart disease may be accompanied by coughing in addition to the common symptoms mentioned above, especially after exercise or at night, when coughing will be more frequent. This is because the weakened heart function leads to poor blood circulation in the lungs and fluid seeps into the lung tissue. Fluid retention caused by liver disease may cause the dog's eyes and gums to turn yellow, because the liver function is impaired and bilirubin cannot be metabolized normally, resulting in bilirubin accumulation in the body. Understanding these special symptoms related to the disease can help us more accurately determine the cause of fluid retention in dogs, so that they can be taken to the doctor in time for professional treatment.​

When we find that dogs may have fluid retention, we are often filled with uneasiness and anxiety. But please don't panic. Taking your dog to the pet hospital for a comprehensive examination in time is the key. The veterinarian will accurately determine the cause of the dog's fluid retention through detailed physical examinations, blood tests, imaging examinations, etc., and formulate corresponding treatment plans. ​

Dogs are important partners in our lives. They give us endless love and joy. Learning to judge whether dogs retain fluids is our responsibility to love them. Every careful observation and every timely discovery are our protection of the dog's health.