When to Seek Medical Care

Infants and small children can become dehydrated quickly.

Contact your doctor if your child has any of the following:

• Dry mouth
  
  
• Crying without tears
  
  
• No urine output in four to six hours
  
  
• Sunken eyes
  
  
• Blood in the stool
  
  
• Abdominal pain
  
  
• Vomiting for more than 24 hours, or vomiting that is consistently green in color
  
  
• Fever higher than 103°F
  
  
• Less activity than usual
  
  
• Urination much more than usual

Go to a hospital's Emergency Department in these situations:

• If your child is lethargic (difficult to awaken)
  
  
• If you cannot reach your doctor
  
  
• If your child is complaining of severe abdominal pain
  
  
• If your child's mouth looks dry