Fluid Therapy

Fluid therapy is the targeted administration of infusion solutions directly into a vein or under the skin of your dog to treat life-threatening dehydration or to stabilise circulation in severe illnesses.

In an emergency, it can save lives – for example, if your dog collapses after days of diarrhoea or suffers kidney failure. The solutions replace lost body water and transport vital electrolytes to where they are needed.

In which situations does my dog receive an infusion?

Your vet will decide on fluid therapy if your dog loses more water than it takes in or if its circulation is at risk of collapsing.

Acute emergencies: A dog with persistent vomiting and diarrhoea can lose so much fluid within 24 hours that its kidneys fail. In cases of poisoning – for example, by antifreeze – the infusion flushes the toxin out of the body.

Chronic conditions: Dogs with kidney insufficiency receive regular subcutaneous infusions, which you can administer at home following instructions. This can significantly extend their lifespan.

After surgery: Older dogs or those with cardiovascular problems require circulatory support during and after procedures.

How does fluid therapy work?

Treatment is administered via two routes: intravenously through a venous catheter or subcutaneously under the skin.

Intravenous infusion: The vet inserts a thin plastic tube into a vein in the front leg. The effect is immediate – with a shocked dog, you will see improvement within minutes. Your dog usually needs to stay at the clinic for this.

Subcutaneous infusion: The fluid is injected under the skin with a needle, usually in the neck area. A lump forms there, which disperses over several hours. The procedure is gentler and can be carried out at home for stable chronic patients.

Which fluids does my dog receive?

The selection depends on what your dog has lost and what its body needs.

Saline solution (0.9% NaCl): The standard solution for simple dehydration. It contains salt at the same concentration as blood.

Ringer’s lactate solution: Enriched with potassium and other electrolytes. It is used when your dog has also lost minerals through vomiting or diarrhoea.

Colloid solutions: Viscous solutions that remain in the bloodstream for longer. They are used in cases of shock or low blood pressure.

How much does fluid therapy cost?

A simple subcutaneous infusion at the practice costs 15–30 euros. An inpatient stay with continuous intravenous infusion can cost 80–200 euros per day, depending on the solution used and monitoring.

Chronically ill dogs often receive a starter kit for home use: bags of infusion solution, tubes and needles cost around 20–40 euros and are sufficient for several treatments.

What risks are there with the treatment?

If carried out correctly, fluid therapy is very safe. Problems usually arise from fluids being administered too quickly or in excessive amounts.

Overhydration: If your dog receives too much fluid, water accumulates in the lungs. It develops breathing difficulties and coughs up foam. This occurs particularly in dogs with heart problems.

Infections: With unhygienic procedures, bacteria can enter the vein. At home, ensure that the puncture site remains clean.

Venous inflammation: If the catheter is left in place for too long or is not cared for properly, the vein can become inflamed. The area becomes warm, swollen and painful.

How do I recognise an overdose?

Your dog breathes quickly and shallowly, the mucous membranes are pale or bluish, it coughs or retches without reason.

Am I allowed to administer the subcutaneous infusion at home?

Yes, after thorough instruction by your vet. Most owners learn it within one session.

How long does it take for the infusion to take effect?

Intravenously, the effect sets in immediately; subcutaneously, after 30–60 minutes. The full effect usually becomes apparent after 2–4 hours.