Homemade Solution for Dehydrated Dogs - Electrolytes for Dogs (2024)

When a dog is dehydrated, they will be in an immediate need of rehydration. Dehydration can be due to loss of electrolytes during exercise, hot ambient temperatures or even as a side effect to illness. When the dehydration is mild, we can use our homemade solution for dehydrated dogs from AnimalWised. This is a way to provide fluid and electrolytes for dogs that will restore their body back to normal levels. However, if the dehydration is acute, the dog's health may be in serious trouble. Their organism can begin to shut down, requiring emergency veterinary medical intervention.

Discover more about how to treat dehydration in dogs at home. We also explain how you can tell if the dehydration is serious and whether you need to take them to a veterinarian

Dehydration occurs when the liquids eliminated from the body far outweigh the liquids ingested by the dog. This elimination can occur more obviously in the form of urination, defecation and even saliva. However, water is also used for maintaining every aspect of the dog's body. With insufficient fluid levels, all bodily functions will cease.

Two of the main reasons why a dog is dehydrated are overexertion and hot ambient temperatures. When a dog is exercising, they may get too excited and neglect drinking their water. This can be exacerbated by hot ambient temperatures such as summer weather. Similarly, some dogs may be deprived of water during the summer and the heat dehydrates them quickly.

Some dogs are more prone to dehydration than others. For example, Pugs and other brachycephalic dog breeds can have a lower tolerance to exercise, meaning they can become exhausted more quickly. Regardless of breed, certain health conditions such as obesity, kidney disease and others can cause a dog to become dehydrated more easily.

When the dog is acutely ill, other factors affect hydration of the dog. Vomiting and diarrhea in the dog, as well as elevated temperatures, can increase the likelihood of becoming dehydrated, especially if canine develops heatstroke. When a dog has diarrhea and vomiting at the same time, we need to be particularly careful. Since vomiting often means the dog cannot hold anything in their stomach, they may not be able to drink any more water to rehydrate.

Typical symptoms of dehydration in dogs include:

• Loss of skin elasticity
• Dry gums/pale mucus membranes
• Dry tongue
• Depression
• Lethargy

Another sign that should raise alarm is increased capillary refill time. When you press your dog's paw pads and it takes a long time to return to its previous color, this indicates a decrease in blood supply. The same can be seen in the mucus membranes of the dog's mouth. You can take a look at our article on the signs of dehydration in dogs to see a more detailed explanation of the symptoms.

Loss of body fluids leads to a electrolyte loss. Electrolytes in dogs are electrically charged minerals that are present in blood and other fluids, which play important roles in the body, such as regulating our pH and numerous other chemical reactions.

Electrolyte loss can lead to a change in pH balance as well as an alteration in multiple chemical reactions within the dog's body. Given that chemical reactions are central in physiology, a loss of electrolytes can lead to a serious state of imbalance within the body, something which can be fatal.

Rehydrating the dog requires not only the replenishment of water, but the important electrolytes (also known as salts) which have also been lost. You can purchase electrolyte solution at pet stores and pharmacies. Pedialyte is a common brand which is available in oral solution.

Ideally you should have Pedialyte or other solution brands at home in case of emergencies for your human family. However, it is not necessarily the best option for your dog. While it can be used in small amounts, it is not directed for veterinary use. The high amounts of additives such as glucose can be overwhelming for the dog, something which can be particularly dangerous when in a state of emergency.

For this reason, we can make an alternative at home which uses amounts suitable for dogs. Our step-by-step method provides the equivalent of a dog Pedialyte for dogs recipe which you can make at home. Also bear in mind, even respected brands such as Pedialyte have a shelf-life, especially once they are opened.

Oral rehydration solutions that are also suitable for our pets can be found in pharmacies (check with the pharmacist and your vet first). If you'd rather make your own homemade solution, you'll need the following ingredients:

• 1 litre of natural mineral water
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1 small teaspoon salt
• 1/2 small teaspoon baking soda
• The juice of half a lemon

It's very simple to make:

• Boil a litre of water in a deep pan.
• Once brought to the boil, turn off the heat and pour it into a heatproof container (not plastic).
• Add all the ingredients and stir well.

This solution should replace the dog's water. It only has a 24-hour stability period so it should be thrown away the following day. However, it is easy enough to make again.

When you have created the oral solution to treat your dehydrated dog at home, you will need to let it cool before you can give it to your dog. If the dog is able to drink on their own, you can give it to them by simply filling their normal water bowl with the rehydration solution. The dog should then drink and receive the benefits.

If the dog is weak from illness, you may be able to give the solution to them with a syringe. Fill the syringe (without a needle) and squirt it slowly into the dog's mouth. You can rub their throat to help stimulate swallowing, if necessary.

In situations where they dog will not drink or keep any of the rehydration solution down, we are facing a veterinary emergency. We need to take the dog to the veterinarian where they will be able to administer their own solution intravenously. They will also be able to carry out any of the necessary treatments to help the dog regain their strength. Dehydration which has progressed significantly, will cause the dog's organs to shut down. If not treated in time, it is possible it will be fatal.

When you see your dog is dehydrated, giving them homemade oral rehydration solution can help. However, there are many different factors you need to consider. Here are some tips to help you know what to do:

• There are many canine diseases which can cause dehydration, so it is imperative that you take your dog to a vet for a thorough examination.
• Home treatment with an oral re-hydration solution does not substitute the supervision of a veterinarian.
• If symptoms of dehydration are severe and the animal is severely affected, you should go to the vet urgently. In severe cases, fluid replacement is required intravenously.
• If your dog does not drink the solution, you should go to the vet who will be able to offer alternative re-hydration treatment.

For more general symptoms of sickness in dogs, including dehydration, take a look at this AnimalWised video below: