Can dogs have Pedialyte?

When we’re dehydrated, our bodies lose important fluids and minerals, like sodium, potassium and calcium — especially if that dehydration causes diarrhea and vomiting. Drinking Pedialyte, an electrolyte solution made for people, can help combat dehydration. But can Pedialyte help dehydrated dogs, too?

‍Dr. Wendy Mandese, DVM, a clinical assistant professor and course coordinator at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, answers all of our questions about giving dogs Pedialyte. (And why it’s not a great idea.)

‍Is Pedialyte safe for dogs?

The most important question is whether Pedialyte is safe for dogs to drink. The answer is, well, not really, says Dr. Mandese. 

“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 can I give my dog instead of Pedialyte?

If your dog is dehydrated, it’s much more effective to give them water instead of Pedialyte. “In humans, Pedialyte and other similar drinks are used to replace water and electrolytes when they are lost from causes such as vomiting, diarrhea or heavy exercise,” Dr. Mandese says. “Because dogs don’t lose the same proportion of electrolytes after exercise (they do not sweat), the best thing to offer them is water. A healthy dog will be able to maintain their hydration with free access to water.” (The good news is water is a cheaper and easier option than Pedialyte).

What to do if your dog accidentally drinks Pedialyte

If you’re here because your dog already drank Pedialyte, keep a close eye on your pup for a possible negative reaction. If your dog experiences increased or continued vomiting, contact your vet immediately. Pedialyte can be even more dangerous to certain dogs, including:

• Puppies with parvovirus (they need immediate veterinary attention)
• Dogs with diabetes (Pedialyte’s sugar content is too high)
• Dogs in congestive heart failure (Pedialyte’s sodium levels can lead to fluid retention and a worsening of the disease)

How to tell if your dog is dehydrated

“Signs of dehydration can include lethargy, tacky gums, sunken eyes and loss of skin elasticity,” Dr. Mandese says. “However, these are all signs of severe dehydration, and ideally, your pet would be evaluated before dehydration has become this severe.”

Your dog may become dehydrated from not having enough access to water, and in particular, not having enough access to water on hot days and/or during and after lots of activity. They also might become dehydrated after some vomiting or diarrhea from anxiety, like if they are boarding somewhere. If your dog is experiencing any of these symptoms, you should call your vet.

“It is very important to have your veterinarian determine the cause of your dog’s diarrhea and/or vomiting,” Dr. Mandese says. “While viral gastroenteritis, AKA the stomach bug, is common in humans, it is very uncommon in dogs. Viral causes of GI [or gastrointestinal] issues in dogs include serious illnesses such as canine parvovirus, AKA CPV or parvo, and distemper, which can be life threatening. Other causes include foreign body ingestion, dietary indiscretion or systemic illness. Call your veterinarian to ask about your dog’s GI signs and discuss a plan, which may include introducing a bland diet or going in for an emergency evaluation.”

In addition to these gastrointestinal issues, Dr. Mandese adds, dehydration can be caused by other conditions like kidney disease, diabetes, hyperthermia and other systemic illnesses. So, a visit to your vet as quickly as possible is always the best course of action.