Can Dogs Have Pedialyte?
Pedialyte is a well-known replenishment drink that is given to infants and children to help restore electrolyte levels in cases of vomiting or diarrhea.
Many people use this drink not only to help their children feel better but to also make their dogs feel better as well.
Yes, Pedialyte has become a valuable resource for pet owners dealing with dehydration as a result of diarrhea and vomiting.
While it is very effective, many people do wonder whether or not Pedialyte is okay for dogs.
Why Would You Give Pedialyte To a Dog?
Some dog owners may wonder why anyone would give their dogs Pedialyte to begin with.
Pedialyte is a very effective replenishment drink that helps to replace lost electrolytes from diarrhea and vomiting. Its proven effectiveness with babies and young children is just as equally effective with dogs.
Often times when dogs are dehydrated it can be very difficult to get them to drink water. If left untreated, dehydration in dogs can be a very serious issue.
Thus, drinks such as Pedialyte are very effective in treating incidents of dehydration in dogs in a quick and effective manner.
Is Pedialyte a Safe for Dogs?
In general, Pedialyte is safe for dogs to consume.
Many dog owners use Pedialyte as an effective form of hydration for their fur babies after bouts of diarrhea or vomiting as sometimes drinking water is not enough to replace the electrolytes that have been lost.
Applicable Pedialyte dosages for dogs vary according to the weight and mass of the dog.
Remember to always consult a vet before trying any at home remedies.
In general, about ½ cup of diluted Pedialyte is recommended for a dog of around 40-50 pounds.
If a dog is not willing to drink the Pedialyte voluntarily, the use of a feeding syringe is recommended.
There are a variety of Pedialyte flavors on the market. Some dog owners prefer to keep it basic by using the unflavored variety.
However, some dog owners find that their dogs are more willing to drink the flavored Pedialyte.
When diluting the Pedialyte, it is best to do so only with water as other liquids especially those that contain sugar can actually increase dehydration in dogs.
What Can Cause Dehydration In Dogs?
The following are just some of the things that can cause a dog to be dehydrated:
- Exercise
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- High Temperatures
- Not Enough Fluid Intake
- Excessive Urination
Signs of Dehydration in Dogs
In order to take advantage of the hydrating effects of Pedialyte, pet owners must be aware of signs of dehydration in their dogs.
What to look for:
- Loss of skin elasticity
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting with or without diarrhea
- Weakness
- Low energy levels and lethargy
- Thick saliva
- Panting
- Collapse
- Sunken eyes that look dry
- Dry nose
- Dry, sticky gums
There are some simple ways to tell if a dog is dehydrated. The skill pull test is very reliable. Upon pulling a dog’s skin it should bounce back immediately. If it does not, then there is a great chance that the dog is dehydrated.
The gum test is also a very effective method of determining dehydration. Simply press the dog’s gums. If the pink color does not return within a few seconds, the dog is dehydrated and methods need to be taken to address the dehydration issue at once.
Conclusion
It has been proven that Pedialyte is a reliable treatment for rehydration of dogs.
Using Pedialyte in the correct dosages is safe.
It should be noted that while Pedialyte is effective, pet owners should seek the assistance of a veterinarian in cases where dehydration is quite severe.