Dehydration is hard to measure as a number at home, so it is judged from findings such as skin turgor and the state of the gums. Check whichever of seven such findings apply and this checker counts them, then tells you which range the literature uses those findings to describe. It does not calculate a replacement volume in mL.
The literature describes a slight loss of skin turgor at 5 to 6 percent, a clearly slow return with sunken eyes or dry gums at 6 to 10 percent, and pinched skin that stays standing at 10 to 12 percent. Anything under 5 percent sits below what a physical examination can detect. This is the split AAHA and WSAVA material shares, current as of October 2026.
This checker does not diagnose dehydration. It only counts the items that apply, because the same finding looks different with age, body shape and skin condition. Even with no items checked the animal may sit below the limit of detection, so zero does not mean normal. This tool is for reference only and does not replace veterinary care. Contact your veterinarian right away if you notice symptoms or suspect a problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dehydration under 5 percent cannot be picked up on physical examination. Zero means below the limit of detection, not normal.
Lift the skin at the scruff or over the shoulder gently, let go and watch how fast it returns. A thin or an obese animal reads differently.
This tool does not calculate mL. A replacement volume is set by your veterinarian from body weight and condition.