Hydralyte seems to work miracles for us when we have diarrhea, vomiting, fever, or heat exhaustion, but is Hydralyte safe for dogs?
You may turn to Hydralyte if your dog needs urgent care from a sudden similar illness, or lets face it, Aussie dogs can suffer heatstroke from overdoing it in the summer months.
To give you a quick answer – Yes, dogs can have Hydralyte if it’s all you have available right now, but there are better options for dogs.
How Does Hydralyte Work?
Hydralyte works by replenishing lost fluids, electrolytes, and minerals in the body. When a person (or dog) becomes dehydrated, they lose these essential elements through sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, or other conditions. Hydralyte contains a balanced mix of electrolytes, including sodium, potassium, and magnesium, as well as glucose, which helps facilitate the absorption of these electrolytes and fluids by the body.
The electrolytes in Hydralyte work to maintain proper fluid balance, regulate muscle and nerve function, and support overall body function.
What that means to you (or your dog) is why Hydralyte can help alleviate symptoms of dehydration and support the body’s natural processes so quickly.
But that doesn’t answer the question. To understand how safe Hydralyte is for a dog we must understand the ingredients.
What are Hydralytes Made From?
Whether you have the Hydralyte sachets or icy poles (“Ice Blocks”), the main ingredients are Sugars, sucralose, Sodium benzoate, Potassium sorbate.
Whereas these can be an immediate fix for your dog’s diarrhea, vomiting, or heat exhaustion, you’ve probably guessed already sugar isn’t great for your dog. Sucralose as the second main ingredient is an artificial sweetener, so again not great for dogs. The other two ingredients are preservatives, which although suitably safe for humans are not something you want to give your dog in excess.
What we can conclude from the ingredients is Hydralyte will be safe for your dog in a small moderation, enough to give them a little respite before you get them to the vet, but if the symptoms continue you should use one of the dog-friendly alternatives below.
Alternatives to Hydralyte
A dog-friendly alternative to Hydralyte is Lectade. The ingredients are similar, but without anything problematic to your dog (such as the preservatives). Being formulated specifically for your dog means they offer a great deal more safety.
Lectade is available at most pet stores, and as they come as sachets it is well worth keeping some in the cupboard just in case – especially if your dog likes to run around a lot regardless of heat or you believe they’re prone to sickness or diarrhea. You can get an oral solution if you prefer, but the sachets are more convenient.
Having a safe way of rehydrating and replacing your dog’s electrolytes could literally be a life saver.
Pet Circle is a good place to buy (my store of choice).
What about Gatorade?
You may have heard Gatorade is a similar alternative to Hydralyte, especially as it’s such a popular drink in America. Some vets will actually use Gatorade as a short-term solution, but it’s important to note the drink is formulated for humans and may cause your dog problems if you overdo it.
You can consider Gatorade safe for your dog in an emergency situation, if you do not have anything else available, but get your dog to the vet as soon as possible or use a product designed specifically for dogs.
What are your thoughts? Have you given Hydralyte to your dogs?
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