Many dog owners use Pedialyte for dogs showing signs of dehydration. For those of you wondering what is Pedialyte, it is a formulation containing electrolytes like potassium, magnesium and sodium chloride, and is used to treat infants and babies that are dehydrated. However, others often wonder whether dehydrated dogs can drink Pedialyte, and if so, how much Pedialyte can they have.
Pedialyte is safe for dogs because the ingredients are healthy for humans and dogs alike, and there are no ingredients that are dangerous to dogs. While Pedialyte may be a drink formulation made for humans, dogs can benefit from it as well and may enjoy many of the flavors.
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Pedialyte Treats Dehydration in Dogs
Dogs can become dehydrated from playing too hard, getting too much exercise, or just hanging outside during a hot day. They can also get dehydrated from diarrhea and/or vomiting. Another problem that often causes dogs to become dehydrated is not drinking enough water.
Most of the time, dogs love to drink water and they will drink enough to keep themselves hydrated. However, there are occasions when they become ill which may cause them to stop drinking. This will lead to dehydration and you should try giving them flavored Pedialyte as an alternative to water. In addition, the electrolytes in Pedialyte will help replenish their levels of potassium, sodium, and magnesium.
Symptoms of Dehydration in Dogs
You can tell if a dog might be dehydrated if they are displaying any of the following symptoms:
- Heavy panting
- Moving slowly and acting lethargic in general
- Hollow-looking eyes
- Dry skin patches, particularly in the facial area
- Excessive vomiting
- Not eating or drinking
If the last two symptoms persist for more than 24 hours, your dog is likely severely dehydrated and you should contact your veterinarian for treatment. Your veterinarian may recommend trying to give them Pedialyte or they may be require that you take the dog in for an examination. If this is the case, your veterinarian can give you dog fluids intravenously.
How Much Pedialyte Can Your Dog Safely Drink?
It is never a good idea to give your dog regular dosages of any over-the-counter treatments (including Pedialyte). If your dog is dehydrated and you are planning to give Pedialyte to your dog, you should weaken the solution by mixing it half and half with water. Give this diluted solution to your dog in place of their regular water in order to replenish those lost electrolytes.
There are also special formulations that are similar to Pedialyte and are made specifically for dogs and cats. You can find these in any pet store that sells quality pet-care products. If you don’t have any Pedialyte (including the version specifically for dogs and cats), you can give your dehydrated dog a half-and-half mixture of apple juice and water.
Yes, Dogs Can Have Pedialyte in Moderation
It is important to make sure that your dog is well-hydrated at all times. If you notice that your dog is panting heavily or displaying other signs of dehydration, you need to act immediately. Pedialyte mixed with water is one of the most common treatments for dehydration and is often recommended by vets as being the first treatment for dehydrated dogs.
