Which sign indicates dehydration in dogs?

• A. Wet nose and glossy coat
• B. Constant thirst and bright eyes
• C. Heavy panting only
• D. Dry gums and skin tenting

Answer: (D)

Dehydration shows up most clearly when the mouth and skin reflect low body water. Dry gums mean the mucous membranes aren’t moist, and skin that tents when you lift it indicates reduced skin elasticity from fluid loss. The quick skin-turgor check—pinch the skin and see how fast it returns—helps gauge hydration: if the skin snaps back quickly, hydration is likely fine; if it stays raised or returns slowly, dehydration is a real possibility. A wet nose and a glossy coat can occur with normal hydration and aren’t reliable on their own. Constant thirst and bright eyes can signal other issues, and heavy panting by itself isn’t a specific sign of dehydration. So, the combination of dry gums and skin tenting best signals dehydration.