Pedialyte For Dogs. Can Dogs Take Pedialyte?
Having the right balance of fluids and minerals is crucial for the body’s proper function. Dehydration in humans warrants the use of Pedialyte in most situations, as it assists in replacing the lost fluids and minerals such as sodium and potassium.
If your furry friend is unwell and shows the symptoms of dehydration, can you give them Pedialyte? Can dogs enjoy the same health benefits as humans do? Read on to find out.
What is Pedialyte?
It is an electrolyte solution popularly used by humans when dealing with dehydration. It assists in replenishing electrolytes and fluids lost from vomiting and diarrhea. This is a common remedy to treat mild dehydration and helps a person feel better quickly.
Pedialyte is made for humans as it contains high amounts of sodium and sugar than dogs need. These minerals can be toxic when they are excessive in a dog’s body, especially in aging dogs.
Canines with pre-existing conditions such as heart problems, kidney disease, or other life-threatening diseases can be more sensitive to high sugar and sodium levels.
Is Pedialyte Safe for Dogs?
Pedialyte is safe for treating dehydration in a majority of dogs. However, you must consult your vet before offering your dog the over-the-counter treatment.
If your canine is experiencing severe dehydration, Pedialyte might not be enough to treat the ailment, and using it can be fatal. In certain dogs, the condition can worsen as they may repel this type of treatment, hence losing more fluids in the process.
What is Canine Dehydration?
If there is an insufficient water level in a dog’s body, the body will compensate by drawing fluids from the cells. In the process, they can lose minerals such as chloride, potassium and sodium, affecting the body system. As a result, your dog may experience muscle weakness and, in extreme cases, become ill, which can be fatal.
Related: Can Dogs Drink Sparkling Water?
Symptoms of Dehydration
There are many signs and symptoms that you may notice when your dog is suffering from dehydration. They include:
- Sunken dry eyes
- Excessive panting
- Dry nose, mouth, and gums
- Loss of balance
- Loss of appetite
- Decreased urine output
- Hypotension
Causes of Canine Dehydration
Various reasons can make a dog dehydrated. They include:
Untreated dehydration in dogs can lead to heart problems and kidney failure. Dogs suffering from mild dehydration can recover quickly through home care and giving them plenty of fluids. In severe cases, Pedialyte may not be enough to treat the condition.
Using Pedialyte to treat severe dehydration can stimulate dogs to vomit, leading to increased dehydration. It will be best to take your pooch to a vet to get a proper diagnosis and effective treatment.
Related: Ask The Experts: Can Pool Water Make My Dog Sick?
What Can I Do if My Dog is Dehydrated?
Seeing your dog suffer from dehydration can be a devastating experience. You can administer some home remedies to help them recover, but sometimes that can worsen the situation. Only a vet can properly diagnose your dog and recommend the best way to treat it.
If the case is mild, your vet can recommend either Pedialyte or rice water. These forms of treatment will assist in recovering lost electrolytes. Rice water can help a dog that is experiencing diarrhea by making its stool firm.
Your vet might use fluid therapy known as subcutaneous fluids for moderate and severe cases of canine dehydration. This treatment often has a blend of balanced electrolytes, water and dextrose. It is a slow treatment administered below their skin for several hours.
Benefits of Pedialyte to Dogs
Maintaining balanced electrolytes and hydration is essential to a dog’s health. Water makes up a significant percentage of all animal’s bodies; hence staying hydrated is important. Additionally, it assists in transporting minerals and flushing toxins. Furthermore, it maintains blood pressure and many other functions.
For most functions to occur in a dog’s body, there needs to be a water balance. Electrolytes are crucial as they assist in the balancing and transmitting of electrical impulses.
The following electrolytes found in Pedialyte can aid in performing several vital functions in dogs’ bodies:
Potassium
It is an important electrolyte used for cardiac and muscle contraction. A deficiency of potassium in a dog’s body can lead to a condition referred to as hypokalemia. This is due to poor appetite, vomiting and weakness, leading to poor potassium concentration in the body.
Sodium
Dogs suffering from chronic kidney disease can get severe sodium deficiency known as hyponatremia. Low sodium levels in dogs can cause swelling in their brain and neurological impairment.
Chloride
It is essential as it binds with the other electrolytes to create salts. Chloride helps balance potassium and sodium in cellular activities that keep dogs healthy.
Risks of Giving Pedialyte to Dogs
While it is safe to give Pedialyte to a dog in small amounts, it has its risks. They include:
Pedialyte is Made for Humans, Not Dogs
It is not formulated based on a dog’s electrolyte balance. Pedialyte contains higher sodium levels than dogs need, which can be harmful, instead of treating them for dehydration. The sugar levels in Pedialyte are also relatively high, making them dangerous to diabetic dogs.
Can Make Vomiting Worse
Attempting home remedies before consulting with a vet can delay your dog’s recovery, making their situation worse in the long run. Therefore, the best action to take is to consult a professional.
Final Thoughts
Dogs can have Pedialyte just as humans do. If your dog is experiencing mild cases of dehydration, you can use small amounts of it in moderation. It is important to note that the solution is meant for humans, and the concentration of the electrolytes in it might be too high for your furry friend.
Further Reading:
- Anxiety Meds for Dogs: Over-the-Counter and Prescription
- Cushing’s Disease in Dogs: Symptoms & Treatment
- Dog Allergies: Symptoms & Treatment
- Can Dogs Drink Alkaline Water?
- Can Dogs Drink Gatorade?
- Dog Constipation: Common Symptoms & Treatment
- Worms in Dogs: Types, Common Causes & Symptoms
