Can You Give Dogs Pedialyte?

Whether it’s a hot summer day, or your dog has an upset tummy, keeping them hydrated is a top priority. However, is Pedialyte the right choice for dogs? This common go-to for human dehydration might seem like a quick fix, but before pouring a bowl for your pup, it’s essential to understand if and when you can use it safely.

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What is Pedialyte? 

Pedialyte is an over-the-counter human oral solution taken to prevent or reduce dehydration. It also helps manage electrolyte imbalances. Electrolytes are minerals in the blood that help cells communicate and perform bodily functions. Examples of electrolytes include sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, and magnesium. Here are some specific things electrolytes achieve:

• Ensuring the heart’s rhythm and electrical signals work properly

• Helping the digestive system function properly and absorb nutrients

• Keeping a body well hydrated by aiding in the transfer of fluids between the bloodstream, tissues, and cells

• Transmitting nerve impulses that result in muscle contractions, which allow your dog to move, jump, and run

• Helping to maintain the right pH that bodies need so enzymes and hormones function properly

Electrolytes are essential, but there’s a fine line between the right amount and too much. If the level of electrolytes is too high, serious abnormalities in nerve function, muscle contraction, and fluid balance can occur. 

Is Pedialyte safe for dogs?

There are varying opinions regarding giving Pedialyte to dogs. However, there is a consensus among vets that it is safer to give a bowl of fresh water to a dehydrated dog than to offer them Pedialyte. Read on to understand why they disapprove of giving dogs Pedialyte. 

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Potential risks 

There are several reasons why you should not give your dog Pedialyte. 

• No scientific studies substantiate why we should give Pedialyte to dogs or that it is safe. 

• Pedialyte is made for humans. Manufacturers formulate it to meet the electrolyte balance requirements of people, not dogs. For example, most drinks for humans are higher in sodium than dogs need. 

• Pedialyte could make your dog worse off. If you suspect they are dehydrated, you should first call your veterinarian. Administering Pedialyte when you don’t know what’s wrong with your dog or what their electrolyte level is could be dangerous. 

• If you do not dilute Pedialyte properly, your dog will likely develop diarrhea, leading to further dehydration.    

• Pedialyte contains other ingredients besides electrolytes, including natural sugar, flavoring, and artificial sugar. If you give your dog flavored Pedialyte, one of the artificial sweeteners is sucralose, which isn’t safe for them to consume. 

• Dogs with allergies or heart problems can have severe reactions to Pedialyte.

• Giving a dog electrolytes can increase their blood pressure.

• The natural sugar in Pedialyte can increase the blood glucose level of dogs with diabetes.

Can Pedialyte ever be given to dogs? 

Some shelters and rescues that cannot keep their sick puppies with parvovirus overnight will advise caretakers to offer them small amounts of Pedialyte. Usually, a vet has examined these puppies and approved them for outpatient treatment. If you are in that situation, always give them small amounts at a time to encourage them to drink more slowly. Drinking too quickly can cause the puppy to consume too much of the solution at once, which can lead to further vomiting and stomach cramps. For rehydration, ice cubes are an excellent way to administer some water without causing vomiting.

Signs of dehydration in dogs

Before you contemplate any treatment, make sure your dog is actually dehydrated. Common signs include the following:

• Loss of skin elasticity (when pinched, the skin does not fill out again)

• Decreased production of urine

• Dark, yellow-colored urine

• Panting

• A tacky feel to the gums

• Sunken eyes

• A dry nose

• Lethargy

Causes of dehydration in dogs

In some cases, dehydration can be an emergency, in others, you can monitor and treat it at home. The following are some examples of conditions that can cause dehydration:

• Illness

• Intense physical activity

• Hot weather (sweating)

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Not drinking enough water

• Excessive urination

For example, if your dog has been engaged in intense physical activity and appears slightly dehydrated but recovers quickly with a bowl of water, there’s probably no cause for concern. 

What can you give a dog for dehydration? 

If your dog has one or more dehydration symptoms, but it seems mild, a bowl of fresh water is always the best option. However, if your dog is showing signs of severe dehydration, a trip to the vet is the first step towards proper treatment.

When to see a vet 

If your dog shows signs of dehydration, assessing the severity and responding quickly is essential, because dehydration can escalate and lead to serious health issues. You should take your dog to the vet for the following reasons.

• Your dog is severely vomiting. 

• Your dog is vomiting fluids and unable to keep down even a tiny amount of water. 

• Your dog is vomiting food each time they eat or drink.

• Your dog’s vomiting is accompanied by diarrhea, which can mean they’re losing fluids twice as fast.

• Your older dog seems dehydrated and has a chronic illness.

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FAQs

Can you test for electrolyte imbalances in dogs?  

Yes, your vet can take a blood sample from your dog and measure serum electrolyte levels. This determines the concentration of individual electrolytes in a dog’s blood to check for imbalances.

How much water is normal for my dog to drink?

Various factors determine how much water a dog should drink. It depends on their size, age, activity level, diet, health, and environmental conditions. However, the basic rule of thumb is one ounce of water per pound of body weight, per day. Puppies will need more water, as will active dogs or dogs in hot climates. Additionally, dogs who eat dry kibble should drink more water than dogs eating wet food. Dogs with medical conditions, such as kidney disease or diabetes, will also drink more. 

What are some home remedies for dehydrated dogs?

For mild dehydration in dogs, you can encourage them to drink small, frequent sips of water to avoid causing stomach upset. If your dog is not drinking enough, you can likewise offer them moist or canned food for extra hydration. Lastly, avoid using salt-based solutions or adding salt to food, as it can worsen dehydration.

References

Goucher, Taylor K., et al. “Evaluation of Skin Turgor and Capillary Refill Time as Predictors of Dehydration in Exercising Dogs.” American Journal of Veterinary Research, vol. 80, no. 2, Feb. 2019, pp. 123–128, https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.80.2.123.

Maharaj, Nandini. “Pedialyte (Electrolytes) for Dogs: Uses, Side Effects, and Alternatives.” American Kennel Club, American Kennel Club, 17 Apr. 2024, www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/pedialyte-electrolytes-for-dogs/.

Otto, Cynthia M., et al. “Evaluation of Three Hydration Strategies in Detection Dogs Working in a Hot Environment.” Frontiers in Veterinary Science, vol. 4, 26 Oct. 2017, https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2017.00174.