Pedialyte for Dogs: Is It Safe? Vet-Approved Health & Safety Guide – Dogster (2024)

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Pedialyte for Dogs: Is It Safe? Vet-Approved Health & Safety Guide – Dogster (1)

REVIEWED & FACT-CHECKED BY

Dr. Lauren Demos

DVM (Veterinarian)

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

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The most common way to treat dehydration in children and adults is with Pedialyte. It’s an over-the-counter, drinkable electrolyte solution that replaces electrolytes and minerals lost by dehydration. In small quantities, unflavored Pedialyte is safe for most dogs, but it’s rarely the best way to rehydrate them.

Instead of relying on Pedialyte and other human solutions for dehydration, you should strive to give your dog the healthiest treatment. This often involves encouraging them to drink fresh water or, if necessary, taking a trip to the vet. This guide explores the dangers of dehydration and the safety of Pedialyte for dogs so that you can determine the route that you need to take for your pooch.

Pedialyte for Dogs: Is It Safe? Vet-Approved Health & Safety Guide – Dogster (2)

What Is Pedialyte?

Formulated to contain water, electrolytes, potassium, and sodium, Pedialyte is an over-the-counter solution for dehydration in humans. It’s mostly given to children suffering from vomiting, diarrhea, or an illness but is also popular for adults, including athletes. There are several flavors available, making it a much tastier drink than plain water, and can be bought in ready-made bottles or powdered form.

Is Pedialyte Safe for Dogs?

Although it’s formulated specifically for humans, Pedialyte can be given to dogs. You need to take precautions, though. For one thing, you should only give your dog the plain, unflavored variety. Any flavorings can contain additives that are harmful to dogs. You also need to carefully monitor your dog’s reaction and only give them a tiny amount or none at all if they have other health issues.

Most of the time, a healthier treatment for your dog’s dehydration is giving them plain water or treating the cause of the dehydration, be it vomiting, diarrhea, or fever. Pedialyte should never become the only drink available to your dog; they need regular access to fresh, clean water.

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Risks of Giving Pedialyte to Dogs

In small doses, Pedialyte isn’t harmful to most dogs. However, it isn’t necessarily safe either. Some dogs can have a bad reaction to the formula, and it can make existing health issues worse. You need to know the potential dangers to determine whether Pedialyte will be beneficial to your dog. Ideally, consult your veterinarian before offering it to your pup.

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1. Formulated for Humans

The biggest and most obvious issue regarding Pedialyte for dogs is that it’s a human formula. It’s designed to meet the electrolyte and mineral requirements of humans and isn’t designed to be given to dogs. There are high amounts of sodium, sugar, and other ingredients that are harmful to dogs and should be avoided.

While small amounts of the unflavored Pedialyte might be okay, it’s still not intended for canine consumption. The sugar and salt content alone are dangerous for dogs, especially if they already have health issues, such as kidney problems or diabetes.

2. Gastrointestinal Upset

Vomiting and diarrhea are common causes of dehydration. In humans, Pedialyte is often used to counteract the loss of electrolytes due to these issues. For dogs, however, Pedialyte can further upset their gastrointestinal system and make them vomit more. Unfortunately, this will only increase the severity of your dog’s dehydration, and they’ll be worse off when you get them to a vet.

Pedialyte for Dogs: Is It Safe? Vet-Approved Health & Safety Guide – Dogster (5)

Pedialyte for Dogs: Is It Safe? Vet-Approved Health & Safety Guide – Dogster (6)

What Causes Dehydration in Dogs?

Dehydration is just as common in dogs as it is in humans. It can be an even bigger problem if they don’t have free access to clean water. You might assume that dehydration can only occur during the summer, but that isn’t always the case. While hot, sunny days are among the most common causes, dehydration can also be caused by several other reasons:

  • Vomiting or diarrhea
  • Fever
  • Diabetes
  • Excessive panting

Minor cases of dehydration can be treated by making sure your dog drinks enough water. Sometimes, though, the underlying cause—e.g., a health issue like vomiting—needs to be treated before you can successfully rehydrate your sick puppy.

How Do You Know if Your Dog Is Dehydrated?

Your dog cannot tell you that they’re thirsty or dehydrated, so they must show it in other ways. As a pet owner, you know when your dog isn’t feeling their best due to your familiarity with their behavior while they’re healthy.

Since many things can go wrong, recognizing the warning signs of common ailments will allow you to take measures to help your dog recover. For dehydration, you’re looking for the following signs:

  • Loss of or no appetite
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Excessive thirst
  • Loss of skin elasticity
  • Dry, sunken eyes
  • Dry nose
  • Sticky gums
  • Lethargy
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Alternatives to Pedialyte for Dogs

Pedialyte is one of the first things that comes to many people’s minds for recovering from dehydration. It’s a simple and often tasty way to restore electrolytes without having to gulp down plain water. With the danger that it poses to some dogs, though, it’s better to choose a healthier alternative that won’t put them at risk.

1. Clean Water

The simplest home remedy is to encourage your dog to drink plenty of clean, fresh water. Pedialyte might seem like an easy cure-all—especially if you’re out at the local park—but when it comes to dogs, simplicity is often the best option.

Keeping a bowl filled with water nearby or carrying a bottle if you’re on a walk will ensure that your dog has access to water throughout the day. Whenever you’re out of the house, keep a silicon travel bowl with you. It should be part of your walking-the-dog kit, along with water, treats, and poop bags.

While it might seem boring for your dog to drink the same thing over and over, it’s the safest and most reliable solution. It’ll also help you keep your dog hydrated if they have an underlying medical issue that needs to be treated by a vet.

2. Veterinary Care

There are many cases when dehydration is a sign of another health problem, such as vomiting or diarrhea, which can be a result of underlying health issues that you shouldn’t try to diagnose yourself. Vomiting and diarrhea can be made worse by giving your dog Pedialyte. It also rarely fixes the underlying cause of your dog’s dehydration and can increase the severity of their clinical signs.

If your dog is severely dehydrated, you’ll need to take them to your veterinarian. While some cases of mild dehydration—such as sitting too long in the sun without water—can be dealt with by encouraging your dog to drink more, severe cases shouldn’t be treated alone at home. Your vet will be able to treat the underlying cause and help rehydrate your dog. Whatever treatment your veterinarian recommends, follow their advice for the best results.

Pedialyte for Dogs: Is It Safe? Vet-Approved Health & Safety Guide – Dogster (8)

Pedialyte for Dogs: Is It Safe? Vet-Approved Health & Safety Guide – Dogster (9)

Conclusion

In most cases, Pedialyte is safe for dogs, provided that they only have tiny amounts, and it’s the unflavored version. However, you should consider whether your dog has existing health issues such as diabetes or kidney problems due to the sugar and salt content. You also should avoid giving them Pedialyte if they’re vomiting because it can worsen the effects and increase their level of dehydration.

When in doubt, avoid giving Pedialyte to your dog. Clean water is always the best option for fighting dehydration. If they’re showing signs of severe dehydration, a trip to the vet is the first step to proper treatment.

Featured Image Credit: Aleks Khan, Shutterstock

Contents

  • What Is Pedialyte?
  • Is Pedialyte Safe for Dogs?
  • Risks of Giving Pedialyte to Dogs
    • 1. Formulated for Humans
    • 2. Gastrointestinal Upset
  • What Causes Dehydration in Dogs?
  • How Do You Know if Your Dog Is Dehydrated?
  • Alternatives to Pedialyte for Dogs
    • 1. Clean Water
    • 2. Veterinary Care
  • Conclusion

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Pedialyte for Dogs: Is It Safe? Vet-Approved Health & Safety Guide – Dogster (2024)

FAQs

Pedialyte for Dogs: Is It Safe? Vet-Approved Health & Safety Guide – Dogster? ›

Formulated for Humans

Do vets recommend Pedialyte for dogs? ›

“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.”

What is a good substitute for Pedialyte for dogs? ›

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.

How many ounces of Pedialyte can I give my dog? ›

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.

Does Pedialyte have xylitol? ›

Xylitol Toxicity: Some types of Pedialyte may contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs and can lead to severe health issues including hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), liver damage and even death. Always read ingredient labels carefully and never give your dog anything that contains xylitol.

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.

What is a homemade substitute for Pedialyte? ›

You can make your own oral rehydration solution at home instead of buying pre-made Pedialyte at the store or pharmacy. You'll need table sugar, table salt, and clean water to make Pedialyte at home. You can also buy oral rehydration packets and mix them with water to create your own oral rehydration solution.

What are good electrolytes for dogs? ›

7 Best Electrolytes Replacement Solutions for Dogs
Best OverallBluebird Provisions Dog Chicken Bone Broth
Best ChewsPawlific Electrolyte Chews
Best SprayRevive by Epic Pet Health
Best for RecoveryBullyade Natural Dog Supplement
Best LiquidPet-a-lyte
1 more row
May 26, 2023

Can dogs drink Pedialyte everyday? ›

Pedialyte Has Been Formulated For Humans—Not Dogs

The higher level of sodium can be harmful for 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.

Is there an adult Pedialyte? ›

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.

Do vets recommend Pedialyte? ›

If your dog is low on fluids, your veterinarian may recommend giving your dog Pedialyte to help replenish their electrolytes. When used appropriately, Pedialyte is a safe and effective way to help your dog rehydrate.

What is safer than Pedialyte? ›

Some natural electrolyte drinks may be healthier alternatives to Pedialyte and other rehydration drinks. You can have coconut water instead of Pedialyte. It is rich in natural electrolytes. You can also have fresh juices or smoothies with watermelon, spinach, celery, and bananas, which are rich in minerals.

What foods are good for hydrating dogs? ›

Strawberries, cucumber and seedless, rindless watermelon are great hydrating treats for dogs, as they each have more than 90% water content. Cantaloupe is another great option with 89% water content. On hot days you can serve frozen chunks of these moisture-rich fruits to help your dog cool down and replenish fluids.

Is Pedialyte the same as electrolyte? ›

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.

How to rehydrate your dog after vomiting? ›

9 Proven Ways to Rehydrate a Dog
  1. Give Your Dog Fresh Water. ...
  2. Try Adding Flavor to Their Water. ...
  3. Increase the Amount of Wet Food. ...
  4. Add a Broth To Their Food. ...
  5. Give Your Dog Frozen Treats. ...
  6. Offer Vegetables. ...
  7. Make Homemade Rehydrating Treats.
Oct 21, 2023

What helps a dog not throw up? ›

Plain rice:

Nothing is as soothing as plain rice for a dog's upset stomach. You can feed your nauseated dog plain rice a few times a day in little quantities.

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