Just like people, dogs can become dehydrated and that may cause a depletion of electrolytes vital to many bodily systems and functions. People often turn to Pedialyte to treat dehydration and replenish electrolytes. So it’s reasonable to ask, can dogs have Pedialyte too?
Let’s start with some basics.
Dehydration In Dogs
Dehydration in dogs occurs when there isn’t enough water in the body to support normal bodily functions. Water is essential for almost every physiological process including digestion, circulation, temperature regulation, and waste elimination. Dehydration can range from mild to severe … and severe dehydration can be life-threatening, causing dog owners to reach for Pedialyte.
Signs Of Dehydration In Dogs
Dehydration in dogs can lead to serious health issues. Here are some signs:
- Dry mouth and gums
- Sunken eyes
- Lethargy
- Loss of skin elasticity (when pinch, skin does not fill out again)
- Reduced urination
- Dark yellow urine
- Panting
- A dry nose
Causes Of Dehydration In Dogs
The following can cause dehydration:
- Illness
- Intense physical activity
- Hot weather
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Inadequate fluid intake
Dehydration can lead to an imbalance of electrolytes. And if there’s an imbalance, it can lead to weakness, lethargy and other health issues. You need to get treatment which involves replenishing electrolytes and fluids to restore the balance.
But there’s more you need to know about electrolytes as you don’t want to give Pedialyte blindly if it’s not needed.
Electrolytes For Dogs
Electrolytes are essential minerals found in the blood and cells that include sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium and magnesium. They carry electrical charges that cause cells to communicate and perform bodily functions.
Electrolytes serve vital functions in a dog’s body that include:
- Fluid Balance: They regulate the movement of fluids between cells, tissues, and the bloodstream to maintain healthy hydration levels to support proper function of organs and bodily systems.
- Nerve Function: Electrolytes transmit nerve impulses responsible for muscle contraction, which is vital for movement and coordination.
- Muscle Contraction: Calcium, potassium and sodium are necessary for proper muscle contraction so your dog can move, jump and run.
- pH Balance: This balance is crucial for the functioning of enzymes and hormones.
- Heart Function: Electrolytes are key in maintaining the heart’s rhythm and electrical signaling.
- Digestion And Absorption: Electrolytes lead to proper functioning of the digestive system and aid the absorption of nutrients.
But you can cause health problems that affect nerve function, muscle contraction and fluid balance if your dog gets electrolytes or high amounts of electrolytes when they’re not needed.
How To Test For An Electrolyte Imbalance In Dogs
If your dog is dehydrated and you suspect your dog has an electrolyte imbalance, there are tests your holistic veterinarian can do to assess electrolyte levels in your dog’s blood or urine.
These are tests your vet can do:
- Blood Chemistry Panel: To measure sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium and phosphorus.
- Serum Electrolyte Levels: Measures the concentrations of individual electrolytes in a dog’s blood to determine imbalances in electrolytes.
- Urine Analysis: Measures the levels of electrolytes excreted in the urine.
- Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Analysis: This test measures the levels of gases, pH, and electrolytes in arterial blood to assess acid-base balance and electrolyte status.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): It can help identify changes in heart rhythm that might indicate an electrolyte disturbance or potassium imbalance.
If there is an electrolyte imbalance, your vet may suggest giving electrolyte solutions like Pedialyte for dogs.
What Can You Give a Dog for Dehydration?
Your dog needs fluids to manage dehydration … but not any fluids will do. Fluids need to address your dog’s need for electrolytes as well.
Here’s what you can give to your dog:
- Fresh, Clean Water. Start with small, regular sips to prevent vomiting.
- Electrolyte Solutions. These solutions should contain minerals like sodium, potassium, and chloride. Pedialyte is an electrolyte solution for humans that veterinarians can suggest for dogs if electrolyte levels are low.
What Is Pedialyte?
Pedialyte is commonly used to treat dehydration in humans, especially babies by replenishing fluids and electrolytes. Pedialyte contains a balanced mixture of electrolytes, including sodium, potassium, chloride, and sometimes also zinc, magnesium and calcium in liquid. It’s available as a liquid or powder. It should be noted, not all ingredients may be suitable for all dogs. Pedialyte comes in several different formulas. For dogs, use the basic electrolyte water formula.
Pedialyte For Dogs
Yes, in some cases. While Pedialyte is primarily intended for human use, vets may recommend it for dogs when dehydration and electrolyte imbalances are a concern to help restore the dog’s fluid and electrolytes. Pedialyte is often used to manage dehydration in puppies with parvovirus. It’s the dehydration of parvo that’s so dangerous, not the virus itself.
Homemade Pedialyte for Dogs
You can make your own version of Pedialyte for dogs. Here are two ways to give your dog electrolytes.
#1 Homeopathic veterinarian Dr Dee Blanco recommends this all natural, sugar-free hydrating formula:
Add 1 pinch of good sea salt (Celtic or Himalayan) to some sparkling water. The sparkling water helps transport the water into the cells, along with minerals from the sea salt. You can add coconut water or broth for some extra nutrients.
Dr Blanco recommends adding a pinch of sea salt to your dog’s regular water bowl when the weather’s especially hot.
#2 This one mimics the ingredients in Pedialyte …
Mix 1 quart of water with:
- 1/2 tsp of salt (sodium chloride)
- 1/2 tsp of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)
- 4 T of sugar
How To Give Pedialyte To Dogs
Pedialyte is given based on your dog’s size, health condition, and the severity of dehydration and depletion of electrolytes. This depends on each dog and each situation.So you’ll need to ask your vet how much Pedialyte your dog should have.
The usual approach involves diluting Pedialyte with water to reduce the concentration of sugars and electrolytes. It’s given gradually in small amounts to prevent vomiting. Using a syringe or dropper can make it easier to dose.
Can You Give Too Much Pedialyte To Dogs?
Yes, you can. It’s important to note that while electrolyte imbalances can affect a dog’s health, when dogs are given excessive electrolytes without a medical need, they can have adverse effects.
Here’s what might happen:
- Electrolyte Imbalance: This can cause an imbalance and lead to issues like hypernatremia (high sodium levels) or hyperkalemia (high potassium levels).
- Upset Stomach: A new substance like Pedialyte can cause stomach upset, vomiting or diarrhea. It’s important to introduce Pedialyte gradually and in small amounts to minimize reactions.
- Excess Sugar: Some formulations contain sugars to improve taste for people. While small amounts may not pose a problem, excess sugar can cause stomach upset.
- Kidney And Heart Issues: Dogs with pre-existing kidney or heart conditions may be sensitive to changes in electrolyte levels. Adding electrolytes through Pedialyte could affect these existing problems.
- Xylitol Toxicity: Some types of Pedialyte may contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs and can lead to severe health issues including hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), liver damage and even death. Always read ingredient labels carefully and never give your dog anything that contains xylitol.
- Allergic Reactions: Allergic reactions are always a possibility with new products. Signs of a reaction include itching, swelling, hives or difficulty breathing.
Pedialyte is not harmless and while it can be given to dogs to treat dehydration, it should be given with care to avoid creating a greater health problem if used inappropriately.
