How can you identify a dog's hydration status?

Identifying a dog's hydration status is best accomplished by checking skin turgor and mucous membranes. Skin turgor refers to the skin's elasticity and is a direct indicator of hydration. When a dog is well-hydrated, the skin should snap back quickly after being pinched. If the skin remains tented or takes longer to return to its normal position, it can indicate dehydration.

Additionally, the condition of the mucous membranes, such as those in the mouth, can also provide valuable insight into hydration status. Healthy, hydrated dogs typically have moist mucous membranes that are pink in color. Dry or sticky mucous membranes can indicate a higher level of dehydration.

Other methods of assessing hydration, such as weighing the dog or observing energy levels, may offer some insights but are not as direct or reliable as checking skin turgor and mucous membranes. Heart rate can be affected by various factors and does not specifically indicate hydration levels. Therefore, assessing skin turgor and the state of the mucous membranes is a straightforward and effective approach to determine a dog's hydration status.