Pedialyte for dogs: is it safe?

If your dog’s under the weather and, shall we say, voiding fluids, you may be wondering if Pedialyte can help them out. But it’s important to understand that Pedialyte is not suitable for canine consumption and can actually make the situation much, much worse.. Here’s everything you need to know about Pedialyte for dogs, and alternative solutions to their dehydration.

🚨 If your dog is showing signs of severe dehydration, like lethargy or dry gums, seek immediate veterinary care for treatment.

What is Pedialyte?

Pedialyte is an electrolyte drink formulated for humans to replenish the minerals and salts lost through sweating, breathing, and eliminating waste. These electrolytes are needed to move nutrients throughout the body and help prevent dehydration. This formula is developed specifically for the human body and not for dogs.

Is Pedialyte safe for  dogs?

Although some Pedialyte formulas are not toxic for dogs, they are not safe for them either. All formulas contain higher levels of sodium and sugar than dogs need, and too much of these ingredients can lead to a myriad of health problems.

It’s also important to note that some formulas of Pedialyte contain the artificial sweetener xylitol, which is unsafe to dogs. Even trace amounts of this substance can be lethal. The best thing is to consult with your veterinarian before giving your dog any amount of Pedialyte.

Side effects of giving Pedialyte to dogs

If given to a dog that is vomiting, Pedialyte can actually cause the vomiting to worsen. Using it as an oral electrolyte solution for electrolyte replacement can lead to a more severe imbalance in electrolytes. Pedialyte can also have prolonged side effects because of its high sugar content such as developing diabetes or heart disease.

“I generally do not recommend Pedialyte for the aforementioned reasons. In fact, for a vomiting dog, until they are examined by a professional veterinarian, I recommend nothing by mouth. Anything orally exacerbates the vomiting, further worsening the electrolyte and fluid imbalance.”

- Dr. Bruce Armstrong

👉 Watering down Pedialyte will not dilute any of the side effects that it may cause. You should not give your dog any concentration of Pedialyte unless under direct guidance by your veterinarian.

When should you give Pedialyte to  dogs?

Pedialyte should only be given to your dog if directed by your vet. Most times, they will recommend a custom formula for an electrolyte replacement that is tailored to their species. If you suspect that your dog is dehydrated or has been vomiting or has had diarrhea for more than 8 hours, seek veterinary medical attention immediately.

“There are prescription and OTC ready-made liquids or powders formulated and safe to administer to sick and dehydrated dogs and puppies instead of Pedialyte.”

-Dr. Bruce Armstrong

What causes dehydration in dogs?

Canine dehydration occurs when a dog has lost more water than they have taken in.

Because dogs don’t sweat like people do, it’s very difficult for them to lose enough water to be considered dehydrated. Instead, most dehydration in dogs is caused by vomiting or diarrhea that has been prolonged. Dogs are also more susceptible to dehydration if they are infected with the parvovirus or have a fever from another illness.

Signs of dehydration in dogs

There are several different ways to tell if your dog may be dehydrated. Of course, if you’re unsure, it’s always a safe bet to check with your vet. Here are the signs of canine dehydration:

• Skin elasticity. If your pup’s skin doesn’t bounce back into place after pinching it, they may be showing early signs of dehydration.
• Dry gums. When a dog is dehydrated, their gums will become stickier than usual with thick saliva. You can also press on the gums to see if they take a long while to turn back to pink.
• Dry nose. A dog’s nose should always be at least a little wet. Dryness, cracking, or nosebleeds can be indicative of dehydration or other causes like allergies and sleep deprivation.
• Loss of appetite. Dogs tend to lose their appetite when they’re dehydrated. Not eating can lead to serious complications and should be addressed by a vet.
• Panting. Dogs rely on panting to cool themselves down. If they’re overheated or dehydrated, they breathe faster in an attempt to regulate their body temperature.

👉 If you suspect your pet has mild dehydration, give them clean water in small quantities. Too much water at once may cause them to vomit leading to further electrolyte imbalances.

If your dog is showing the following symptoms of dehydration, they may have severe dehydration and need a vet’s care immediately:

• Sunken eyes. A dog’s body will prioritize fluid for vital organs, leaving their eyes sunken during periods of severe dehydration.
• Shock. It is possible for a dog to go into shock from the lack of oxygen, which will present as a weak pulse or difficulty breathing.
• Collapse. If your dog faints from the sharp drop in blood volume, get them help ASAP.

How can you keep dogs hydrated?

While Pedialyte isn’t recommended for dogs, there are safe alternative ways to keep them hydrated and healthy. This includes:

• Keeping fresh water nearby. As long as they have access to clean water, most healthy dogs will drink when they’re thirsty.
• Using ice cubes. Ice cubes as a treat can keep your dog hydrated and cool. They’ll enjoy the crunch, too!
• Wet dog food. Dogs that aren’t particularly water-motivated can also get their hydration from wet food, which is also used to make meals more enticing to picky eaters.
• Chicken broth. So long as it’s low in sodium and doesn’t contain harmful ingredients like onions or garlic, chicken broth can boost hydration in pups and replenish amino acids lost in sickness.

👉 When determining how much water a dog needs every day, a good rule of thumb is one ounce per pound of body weight. If your dog is active, they’ll need more.

It can be concerning when our pups aren’t drinking as much as we think they should be, but as long as you keep water readily available and consult your vet if they’re showing adverse symptoms, you can trust they’ll be getting the fluids they need to live a happy, healthy life.

Frequently asked questions

Will Pedialyte help my sick dog?

There are no scientific studies showing that there are any added benefits for giving your dog Pedialyte. Because of the amount of salts and sugars it contains, it typically does more harm than good.

How much Pedialyte should I give my dog?

Pedialyte should only be given when directed by a veterinarian to do so. Please consult with your vet before giving any amount to your dog.

Is Gatorade safe for dogs?

As another electrolyte replacer that has been formulated for humans, Gatorade should not be given to dogs unless under vet supervision.

What is the best way to treat diarrhea in dogs?

The best way to treat diarrhea is by withholding food for 8 to 12 hours, and keeping fresh water on hand. If the diarrhea has not cleared up by then, consult with your veterinarian as this may be a sign of a serious condition.