If you suspect that your dog is dehydrated, you obviously know to give it water. However, in the hopes of helping a dog feel better and heal quicker, many people wonder if they can give their dog Pedialyte. Pedialyte is a liquid electrolyte solution that is intended for kids or adults, which can help remedy diarrhea or dehydration. It seems logical that it would be okay to give it to your dog, right? Here is the information that you need from the experts at PetMD.
Can I Give Pedialyte to My Dog?
The quick answer is yes, but only in small quantities. There is one reason that giving your dog Pedialyte is not recommended. If your dog is sick enough to need Pedialyte, you should be taking it to the veterinarian instead.
When you take your dehydrated dog to the vet, they will be able to quickly rehydrate your dog, while finding out how your dog got dehydrated in the first place. If the cause is serious, your vet can guide you to take the next steps in their care.
It should also be noted that at this time, there are no scientific studies that have been done on dogs regarding the efficacy of Pedialyte vs. regular water.
Risks of Giving Your Dog Pedialyte
Turning to home remedies instead of getting your pet veterinary care can cause a worse overall prognosis in some cases. One example would be if you give a vomiting dog Pedialyte and it only makes them vomit again. This only worsens their electrolyte imbalance.
Pedialyte Is Specifically Designed for Humans
The formulation of electrolytes and sodium found in Pedialyte is specifically designed for humans, not dogs. Pedialyte contains sugar, for instance, which is not good for dogs that are diabetic. It also contains a high level of sodium which can be harmful to dogs.
Keeping Your Dog Properly Hydrated
According to Whole Dog Journal, there is nothing better to prevent or relieve dehydration in dogs than plain, fresh water. Giving your dog Pedialyte is not a “better” choice. Always have fresh water available at all times and in all situations.
The Bottom Line
Providing your dog with clean, fresh water at all times is imperative for preventing dehydration. However, if your dog has diarrhea or has become dehydrated, you may want to try everything in the arsenal to make them feel better right away, including Pedialyte.
Giving a small amount of Pedialyte to your dog shouldn’t be a problem in most cases. However, if your dog seems to be suffering from its symptoms or is not healing right away, the best thing you can do is take your dog straight to the vet.
