Just like humans, dogs can become dehydrated quite easily. Unfortunately, for canines, they ca not reach any sports drink to quench their thirst quickly. Because dogs mostly have access to fresh water, extreme dehydration can demand more actions than that. If your dog has become dehydrated, you can wonder if it is safe to give Pedialyte to the dog. While there is no definitive answer from veterinarians, giving your dog Pedialyte in moderation is generally safe. If your dog is severely dehydrated, it is best to take them to the vet.
What is Pedialyte?
Pedialyte is the name of the brand for an electrolyte solution that is used to help replenish fluids in the body. It is often used when someone is dehydrated, has diarrhea, or vomits. However, if you give your dog Pedialyte, they can easily replenish lost fluids and essential materials. Do note that Pedialyte comes in a wide variety of tastes and flavors, some of which are absolutely unnecessary for your dog.
Can you give Pedialyte to a dog?
Yes, you can give your dog Pedialyte to help with dehydration; however, you should always consult your veterinarian first. Pedialyte is safe for most dogs, but taking extra precautions is necessary not to harm your four-legged friend. For the most part, you won’t find any scientific evidence that brands like Pedialytes should be prescribed to dogs. In other words, you won’t find an article that advocates for giving Pedialyte, which is more beneficial than just dripping water into your dog’s bowl. Consequently, there are no major risks of giving Pedialyte to a dehydrated dog, but you should mind the risks associated with that, as follows.
Risks of giving Pedialyte to Dogs
We found no specific reports of risks, but we do caution that this product was not designed for dogs. If dog owners choose to give their pet Pedialyte, they should watch for any adverse health effects. If they observe any adverse effects, they should discontinue using the product and seek medical attention. First of all, dogs that are sick and dehydrated need to see a veterinarian first, not seek ready-made solutions.
If your dog is dehydrated enough to need anything beyond water, seek veterinary care immediately. However, if you’re unsure about your dog’s well-being, contacting an online veterinarian is a smart idea. With Online Vet, you can talk to a certified veterinarian 24/7 without any limitations and discuss the use of Pedialyte for dehydration. This service focuses on personalized veterinary care that is best tailored for boosting your pup’s health and well-being.
However, in situations when your dog is extremely dehydrated, Pedialyte can make vomiting and diarrhea even more severe in some cases. That’s because when you prefer home remedies that delay immediate veterinary check-ups, it can lead to an overall worse prognosis in some pets. While that doesn’t necessarily mean that Pedialyte is harmful to canines, checking up with your veterinarian is a better option than relying on home remedies, especially when your dog is severely dehydrated.
Mind the design
While Pedialyte has a decent electrolyte formula for adults and children, it’s not exactly designed and based on canine electrolyte balance. One danger you should remember is the higher sodium level, which can be detrimental to your dog’s health in the long run. Because high levels of sodium can be harmful on their own, let’s not forget about sugar content. If your dog is diabetic, extra sugar will only harm the electrolyte imbalance your dog already has.
In the cases when your dog has severe dehydration and is vomiting, additional sugar is something you should absolutely avoid not to intensify the symptoms. If you are unsure if your pet is sick, it’s a dubious decision to give Pedialyte without consulting your veterinarian beforehand.
Final remarks
If you think that your pet is sick and dehydrated mildly, giving a bit of Pedialyte probably would not hurt. We found no specific warnings regarding giving Pedialyte to dogs, but we caution that this product was not designed for dogs. And if your dog has dehydration symptoms occasionally, it’s worth subscribing to the petcube.com emergency fund service. With it, you get $3,000 in emergency for up to 6 pets, in addition to unlimited access to online vet chat.
Not only do you get covered for severe dehydration cases, but you also get a chance to contact a certified veterinarian to consult whether to give home remedies, such as Pedialyte. If you choose to give your dog Pedialyte, you should watch for any adverse health effects. If you observe any adverse effects, you should discontinue using the product and seek medical attention.