Pedialyte for dogs: is it safe? (2024)

FAQs

Pedialyte for dogs: is it safe? ›

The short answer is that in small quantities, Pedialyte is likely safe for most dogs, but there are many reasons why you should not give your dog Pedialyte. Your first action should be calling your vet instead. Most importantly, there are no scientific studies at this time advocating for its use in dogs.

Instead, she recommends giving your dog unflavored Pedialyte, which contains sugar and electrolytes. Compared to flavored solutions, unflavored products rarely contain sugars that are harmful to dogs, such as xylitol, which is found in some human products like toothpaste and chewing gum.

Some dogs may be more inclined to drink it plain while others prefer it diluted in water. Unless otherwise directed by your veterinarian, you may offer your dog a few laps of solution to drink every 1-2 hours. The recommended dose is approximately 2-4 mL of Pedialyte per pound of body weight.

Recipe for electrolyte fluid replacement for dogs:

Mix 4 cups of water + 1 tablespoon dextrose or honey + 1 teaspoon salt. Bring the water to a low boil and add the dextrose/honey and salt. Stir until it dissolves. Remove from heat.

What is Pedialyte? Pedialyte is an oral electrolyte solution that is specifically designed to replace vital minerals and nutrients that are lost when a child has diarrhea with or without vomiting.

Boosts immune health: Chicken broth is full of vitamins that support your dog's immune system. It contains healthy minerals and amino acids, including calcium, gelatin, silicon, magnesium, and phosphorus. Adding chicken broth to your dog's diet is also a great way to boost hydration.

“While Pedialyte in small amounts is likely not dangerous for dogs, the electrolytes in the drink are formulated for humans, not animals,” Dr. Mandese points out. “In larger amounts, the high concentration of additives, such as sodium and glucose, could potentially be dangerous, especially in smaller animals.”

A ⅛ cup of fluid per hour is enough to rehydrate small pets while a ¼ cup of fluid per hour is good for larger canines. If your pet is showing signs of severe dehydration, call your vet right away. Monitor your dog's condition – Check to see if your pet will feel better within the next few hours after getting hydrated.

Pedialyte should be added to your dog's water or given via a syringe if they refuse to drink water. You can also add Pedialyte to your dog's food to encourage them to stay hydrated.

Here's some sweet news: honey is non-toxic to dogs and completely safe in small quantities. Honey might even be beneficial to your pup because it's rich in antioxidants, which help protect your pet's body cells from damage.

What do vets do to hydrate dogs? ›

An IV is the most efficient method to rehydrate. This will need to be done in a clinic with a catheter, and is closely monitored. Fluid taken in too quickly can have negative results. Dehydration left untreated can cause shock, illness, and can even result in death.

If your pooch is mildly dehydrated provide your pet with small amounts of water to drink every few minutes or offer your dog pieces of ice to lick. To help restore your dog's electrolyte balance you could also provide your pup with Ringer's lactate (an electrolyte replacement fluid).

Adding flavor to their water. Some dogs may be more inclined to drink water if it's flavored with a small amount of chicken broth or apple juice. Offering ice cubes. Many dogs enjoy chewing on ice cubes, which can help to encourage them to drink more water.

Pedialyte is intended to rehydrate people of all ages, from toddlers to adults. It's often recommended to people recovering from the stomach flu, other viruses, and athletes. In contrast, Gatorade is recommended for adults, specifically athletes, and it's meant to meet their athletic needs.

As long as the Ensure does not give him an upset stomach or diarrhea, he can have as much as he needs. Obviously, avoid the chocolate flavor (the strawberry might provoke allergy, so I'd avoid it as well).

You can offer the pedialyte in a bowl several times a day. If he is refusing to drink from the bowl then you can syringe 10-20mls every 2 hours or so into his mouth. Be sure to do it slowly so there is no risk of aspiration. You can offer him water at the same time as well.

Karo Syrup or Pancake Syrup, either syrup can be used to help increase the blood sugar in a weak puppy that has not been eating well. Even though an adult dog can fast itself for days and maintain a good blood sugar (glucose) level, young pups under 4 months of age do not yet have the ability to do this.