Can Dogs Drink Gatorade

Gatorade is a popular drink that is often advertised as a thirst quencher because it contains electrolytes. Thus, a question you may ask is “Can dogs drink Gatorade?”

Can Dogs Drink Gatorade?

The simple fact is, no! Dogs should not have more than an ounce or two of Gatorade, though I wouldn’t even give your dog Gatorade at all if I were you. Gatorade simply contains too much sugar and should be avoided. While your dog probably won’t die if he drinks a little Gatorade, it’s not healthy for him either.

Dogs shouldn’t consume sugar-free Gatorade either. Why? Well, sugar-free Gatorade contains a sugar alternative called sucralose, which is not poisonous but can cause your dog to have diarrhea if you’re not careful.

You also have to consider the fact that Gatorade also has a fair amount of sodium, which, if you don’t think your dog should have much of it, may be another reason to avoid Gatorade.

Healthy Alternatives To Gatorade

If your dog is dehydrated, try giving it some water. Water should do the trick unless the dog is moderately or severely dehydrated. If that is the case, please take your dog to the vet.

You could also give your dog some electrolyte water or even a small amount of coconut water if you wish; they are both fairly rich in electrolytes.

However, coconut water isn’t the best choice, as it doesn’t contain a healthy balance of electrolytes, but it won’t hurt if your dog has an ounce every now and then.

How Much Gatorade Can A Dog Drink?

Personally, I wouldn’t give your dog more than an ounce every week. The simple fact is, sugar is horrible for dogs when it’s in excess and can cause a lot of health conditions like diabetes.

If you’re dealing with zero-sugar Gatorade, I simply wouldn’t give your dog any if I were you. It’s just not worth the side effects.

How Can I Tell If My Dog Dehydrated?

So, now we know that dogs can’t drink Gatorade, why they can’t, and healthy alternatives for your dog if he’s dehydrated, but how can you tell if your dog is dehydrated?

Let’s find out.

Your Dog Is Panting A Lot

The first and most obvious sign that your dog is dehydrated is that he is panting.

If you see your dog panting a lot, this is a general sign that he is dehydrated and needs water.

If Your Dog’s Gums Are Dry & Sticky

Another way to tell if your dog is dehydrated is if their gums are dry and sticky.

Dry gums are generally a sign that their mouth is dry and that the dog is dehydrated.

While you’re doing that, also test their capillary refill time. Now, it sounds daunting, but trust me, it’s easy to do.

Gently push on your dog’s gums and then let go. If everything is fine, it should only appear white for a second, but if your dog is dehydrated, then it can take a lot longer to go back to its original color.

Your Dog’s Skin Isn’t Elasticity

Another way to tell if your dog is dehydrated is if its skin isn’t elastic.

Gently hold some of your dog’s skin on the shoulder blades, lift up, and then let go If it goes back to its original position, then that is a general sign that your dog isn’t dehydrated, though if it takes a while to go back to its original position, this is a good sign that your dog is dehydrated.

Other Symptoms

So, what are some other symptoms? Let’s look at them.

Vomiting with or without diarrhea
Tiredness
Loss of appetite
Sunken, dry looking eyes
Dry nose
Thick saliva

How To Treat A Dehydrated Dog

My dog is dehydrated! What do I do? First, give your dog some water to drink.

If your dog is too dehydrated, he will have a loss of appetite, which means he won’t get all the water content he would usually get in his food.

If your dog isn’t vomiting, you may have to use an electrolyte fluid like Pedialyte. Check with your vet for dosage recommendations.

Dehydration is often a symptom of a larger problem, so if you think your dog gets dehydrated often, contact your vet for assistance.

How To Prevent Your Dog From Getting Dehydrated

How do you prevent your dog from getting dehydrated? Generally, just having water at all times will help a lot.

Your dog may need more water on some days, while he may need less water on others. It all has to do with the temperature and how active your dog is in general.