Pedialyte is a fluid replacement designed to rehydrate children and adults.
Is it OK for dogs?
Pedialyte is designed for human consumption, so veterinarians generally do not recommend using it in dogs. However, there have been anecdotal reports of it helping dogs with diarrhea.
In some cases, pets have also shown interest in the Pedialyte, and owners have begun using it as a treat.
What is Pedialyte?
Pedialyte is designed to promote rehydration and electrolyte replacement in ill children.
It meets the requirements of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Committee on Nutrition to help prevent dehydration in infants and children.
Pedialyte is lower in sugars than most sports drinks, containing 100 calories per liter compared to approximately 240 in Gatorade. It contains more sodium (1,035 milligrams per liter vs. 465 mg/L in Gatorade) and potassium (780 milligrams per liter vs. 127 mg/L in Gatorade).
Pedialyte does not contain sucrose, because this sugar has the potential to make diarrhea worse by drawing water into the intestine, increasing the risk of dehydration. In its flavored formulations, Pedialyte uses the synthetic sweeteners sucralose and acesulfame potassium.
Pedialyte has become a hydration alternative to sports drinks for some athletes.
Pedialyte has become a popular drink for people suffering from hangovers, with one-third of its sales coming from adults.
There has been a 57% increase in its use by adults since 2012. As a result, Pedialyte has begun a marketing campaign promoting the use of Pedialyte by hungover adults.
Pedialyte is similar to rehydration fluids used by the World Health Organization (WHO) such as “New Oral Rehydration Solution” (N-ORS), which are used during the outbreak of illnesses such as cholera and rotavirus.
Similar products include Lytren, NormaLyte, Gastrolyte, Ricelyte, Repalyte, Resol, Cordial, Hydralyte, Drip Drop, and Kinderlyte.
Can I Give My Dog Pedialyte
Now that you know how important electrolytes are to the health of our dogs, you may be wondering whether Pedialyte is safe to give to your dog.
Small amounts of the classic, unflavored Pedialyte solution can usually be administered orally to dogs in a short period of time.
Fixed time to replace fluids and electrolytes lost through light vomiting or diarrhea.
However, Pedialyte is only a supportive therapy for treating symptoms associated with dehydration and electrolyte deficiency. It does not stop the ongoing loss of fluids and is not a cure for the underlying disease. It will also not correct severe dehydration or treat significant electrolyte imbalances.
If a pet is sick and dehydrated enough to need Pedialyte, they really should see a veterinarian for treatment, including more effective methods of hydration therapy, such as:
the administration of liquid. Injections. Therefore, Pedialyte should only be administered under the direct supervision of your personal veterinarian.
Your veterinarian can allow it at home. Pedialyte for mild, self-limiting cases of vomiting or diarrhea.
However, there are other veterinarian-approved electrolyte replacement products such as K9 Thirst Quencher or Rebound Oral Electrolyte Solution that can also be recommended.
At other times, your veterinarian may advise you to avoid Pedialyte altogether, as it can worsen the gastrointestinal disease or delay other treatments.
For example, your veterinarian may recommend withholding food and fluids for several hours to calm the stomach if your dog is vomiting. In this case, using Pedialyte can lead to more vomiting by further irritating an already inflamed stomach lining.
Puppies (or dogs) with parvovirus, which causes severe vomiting and bloody diarrhea, red and white blood cell destruction, and even death.
To improve the prognosis, sick puppies should see a veterinarian before receiving Pedialyte at home. No published research has been conducted to validate the safety and effectiveness of Pedialyte in pets. It is specifically designed to meet the electrolyte needs of children, not dogs, whose needs are slightly different.
For example, the sodium content in Pedialyte is higher than the corresponding dog requirement.
If your vet allows you to offer Pedialyte to your dog, the unflavored form will be preferred over the flavored varieties raw berries, mixed berries, grapes, gum, and coconut), no taste is necessarily better than any other, although your dog may have his own preferences.
While real grapes and raisins are poisonous to dogs, the grape flavor in Pedialyte is artificial and not.
They do not contain any real grapes. However, the unflavored version is less likely to cause more nausea or irritation to a sick animal’s gastrointestinal tract, making it a better option.
Risks of Giving Pedialyte to Dogs
Here’s why it’s best to call your vet rather than trying to treat your dog at home with Pedialyte.
Sick and Dehydrated Dogs Need a Veterinarian – Not A Pedialyte
If your dog is dehydrated enough to need additional care beyond simple water, then you should be seeking veterinary care.
Take your dog to the vet for treatment if your dog has a serious electrolyte imbalance. Your veterinarian will be able to hydrate and rebalance your dog much more effectively and safely than you can at home with Pedialyte.
They can also determine the cause of dehydration, which might need more serious treatment. If you are concerned enough to be considering giving your dog Pedialyte, then you should be calling your veterinarian.
Pedialyte Can Cause Vomiting Dogs Worse in Some Cases
Attempting home remedies may delay veterinary care, making a worse overall prognosis in some pets. Even more damaging, providing Pedialyte to a vomiting dog who continues to vomit can actually make dehydration and electrolyte imbalances worse.
With pets that have vomiting and diarrhea, it’s best to call your vet.
Oftentimes, they will recommend coming in to be seen, but sometimes they may recommend withholding food for 8-12 hours and assessing for vomiting and diarrhea.
If vomiting recurs or your dog shows signs of lethargy, they must go to the vet. If no vomiting is seen during that time, then slowly introduce a bland diet.
Most vets would agree that withholding food and starting a bland diet is likely far more beneficial than giving a dog Pedialyte.
Pedialyte Is Formulated For Humans — Not For Dogs
Lastly, Pedialyte is not formulated based on canine electrolyte balance.
Most human energy drinks tend to have higher sodium than what is indicated for dogs.
A higher level of sodium can be harmful to dogs.
Pedialyte also has extra sugar in it, which may be harmful to diabetic dogs or dogs with diseases who are predisposed to electrolyte imbalances.
Patients with vomiting, moderate to severe dehydration, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, or other diseases that make your pet sensitive to sodium or sugar intake should definitely avoid Pedialyte.
Without knowing why your pet is sick, it would be difficult to determine the benefit of adding Pedialyte to their water.
Can Dogs Drink Gatorade? – Is It Safe?
Hydration for dogs is just as important for you as it is for your dog.
When we lose vital minerals during exercise no amount of water will be able to replenish what has been lost. Gatorade is known to replenish electrolytes and contains sodium and potassium which helps if you have lost fluids quickly over a short period of time.
The question remains can your dog drink Gatorade.
The quick answer to this question is yes.
Gatorade for dogs can be given in small amounts. Here are some general symptoms your dog can display when they are dehydrated according to AKC
. If your dog is exhibiting any of these symptoms, we highly advise you to reach out to your vet. We aren’t a substitute for professional veterinarian help.
- Loss of skin elasticity
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting with or without diarrhea
- Reduced Energy Levels and lethargy
- Panting
- Sunken, Dry looking eyes
- Dry Nose
- Dry Sticky Gums
- Thick Saliva
Gatorade can also be used after your dog loses fluids from its hindquarters.
Since Gatorade contains sugar and sodium you will need to take caution when giving your dog Gatorade. There are also other alternatives like Pedialyte that have less sugar, but it isn’t always readily available. It should also be noted that while Pedialyte has less sugar but it has more sodium and potassium.
Before you give anything to your dog talk with a vet first.
How To Give Your Dog Gatorade
- Introduce it slowly and you will want to dilute it with water.
This will help reduce the sugar and sodium content within the sports drink.
This is easier than trying to give your dog a few small sips at a time. It should also be noted that when you are giving your dog water and they are dehydrated it can be hard for them to keep the water down.
Have around a 50% mixture of both water and Gatorade and don’t fill up their dog bowl fully as this can upset their stomachs which can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
You can also freeze Gatorade for dogs and let it thaw out overtime in their water bowl.
- Moderation is Key
Remember moderation is the most important aspect when you are giving them Gatorade. You shouldn’t give your dog a sports drink every day.
This only should be done if you feel that your dog is getting dehydrated or has diarrhea. This applies to all sports drinks and isn’t solely for Gatorade.
- Contact your vet
Before you give your dog anything new asking a vet is the quickest and most reliable source for information.
If your dog was experiencing digestive issues while Gatorade can help in the short term it might be a long-term illness affecting your pooch. While we can’t diagnose that issue a vet can.
Is It Safe to Give Pedialyte to Dogs Like It Is Safe to Give Melatonin to Them?
When it comes to giving dogs melatonin, information from veterinarians is essential. However, giving dogs Pedialyte is generally safe as a way to prevent dehydration. But it’s important to consult with a vet before giving anything other than water to your pet. Research led to this giving dogs melatonin information.
Dog Dehydration Treatment
- Get out of the heat. As soon as you think your dog is dehydrated, move out of the heat. Ideally, you’ll want to move to an air-conditioned space (be it your home or car), but if that is not possible, at least move to a shady spot.
- Assess your dog’s condition. Carefully examine your dog by looking for the signs of dehydration and performing the dehydration tests discussed below.
- Head to the vet or start rehydrating your pooch. If your pooch appears to be severely dehydrated, contact your vet at once. Serious dehydration is a medical emergency, which you don’t want to take lightly. But, if your dog’s dehydration appears to be relatively mild, just start rehydrating your pooch.
You can do so by simply offering water, but you can also offer an electrolyte solution (such as unflavored Pedialyte) to your dog to help replace any electrolytes that have been lost.
Ideally, you’ll contact your vet first and solicit his or her advice about the amount you should offer, but a general rule of thumb is 1/8 cup per hour for small dogs or ¼ cup per hour for large dogs. - Monitor your pet to ensure he continues to recover nicely. Keep an eye on your pet for the next several hours and make sure he starts to act normally again. If you feel like he is experiencing any lingering effects at all, contact your vet immediately.
- Hang out indoors for the rest of the day. It’s a good idea to take it easy for the rest of the day (and maybe even the next day) after your pup suffers from mild dehydration. Just chill out on the couch with the AC cranked up and let your pooch catch up on his favorite TV show.
