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Post by hooligan on Jul 6, 2013 16:45:08 GMT -5
Following on from the sunscreen discussion and Monica's e-mail re keeping dogs healthy and properly hydrated during the summer . . .
We've never paid much attention to electrolytes, other than to drink Gatorade, etc., on a hot day. And I have no clue about how to supply a dog with a proper dose of electrolytes. Does one buy it in powder or pill form? What is the correct amount to give? We've come across some homemade recipes online -- what should we look for in these?
Jack trains hard, and on a hot day like today, he is absolutely whacked and panting hard at the end of the sessions. We try to let him drink relatively small amounts of water at intervals rather than lap it up in one huge go, but I'd feel better (I think) if he also had some electrolytes to balance his intake.
Anyone experienced with this and able to give advice?
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Post by dobermoms on Jul 7, 2013 22:04:18 GMT -5
Great question......
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Post by atikocut on Jul 7, 2013 22:39:55 GMT -5
I imagine that you can buy a supplement for that... I know there is an electrolyte supplement for horses that people sometimes give during summer, we just meausre accoridng to body weight and put it in their food... I can't say for sure if this is okay for dogs though...
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Post by susanw on Jul 8, 2013 8:17:11 GMT -5
Monica did mention electrolytes in that e-mail she sent out and suggested having packets on hand but didn't specify amounts, etc. I would think there should be instructions for dosing according too weight, etc.
She also suggested freezing boullion in ice cube trays to offer as treats. I imagine with the salt content in boullion that would also act as an effective electrolyte source. I was just thinking about making some today as Quin has always loved crunching ice cubes.
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Post by atikocut on Jul 8, 2013 10:44:02 GMT -5
I actually made those on the weekend! Havent given one to Tuula yet, but I imagine she'll love them
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Post by hooligan on Jul 8, 2013 11:40:35 GMT -5
Monica did mention electrolytes in that e-mail she sent out and suggested having packets on hand but didn't specify amounts, etc. I would think there should be instructions for dosing according too weight, etc. She also suggested freezing boullion in ice cube trays to offer as treats. I imagine with the salt content in boullion that would also act as an effective electrolyte source. I was just thinking about making some today as Quin has always loved crunching ice cubes. Good thought about the bouillion, Susan. We've always avoided giving this to Jack because of the high salt content, but of course, doing so would make sense in in the summer. Do commercial electrolyte formulations include more than just sodium chloride, though? I'll ask next time we go to the pet store (where, if they carry them for dogs, they will no doubt be an outrageous price).
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Post by Dobereich on Jul 8, 2013 16:32:45 GMT -5
You can give Pedialyte to your dogs, sold in small bottles for infants at your local drug store. But there is a pet brand that is sold in packets, you just add a packet to water. And yes, there should be more then just salt and sugar in it. The problem is when a dog is dehydrated, they cannot drink enough to re-hydrate, and in fact, they can dilute their electrolytes to fatal levels. Its called Water intoxication. thebark.com/content/danger-water-intoxication . Scary stuff! There were several reported cases of this last year, and yes, dogs died of it. www.rehydratetabs.com/products.php this is just one company... not happy that they don't seem to have a product over-view. But a true electrolyte balancer should have sodium, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and usually some sugar for energy, it would be nice to see the other electrolytes in the mix (hydrogen phosphate & carbonate, chloride, Sulfate). A quick fix can be water, salt, sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), and honey. Usually just a teaspoon of the salt and 1/2 tsp of baking soda is enough to a liter of water with a couple tablespoons of honey. But I have heard many claim great success in giving dextrose instead of sugar or honey.
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Post by hooligan on Jul 9, 2013 21:50:28 GMT -5
Thanks, Monica. We'll definitely look into this. Now that he's four, Jack actually gets tired in the heat . . . sometimes. LOL.
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Post by khultslander on Aug 8, 2013 9:16:12 GMT -5
Coconut water is also safe for pets. A naturopath suggested it to me and my boy really liked it. Just mixed some in with his water.
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