Sports drinks are all the rage for us humans, which may have you wondering, does your dog need electrolytes, too? It is important to keep your dog’s hydration needs in mind, whether they are engaging in high-intensity exercise or simply spending time outdoors in hot weather. Staying well-hydrated helps your dog regulate their body temperature, blood pressure, and improves their stamina during exercise.

So, is supplementing electrolytes helpful for dogs, or could it do more harm than good?

Understanding Dogs and Electrolytes

Electrolytes are critical to many species—including dogs and humans—and play a role in many functions of the body, such as the function of muscles, nerves, the kidneys, the heart, blood pressure regulation, bone formation, brain function, and more. Most of the time, the body maintains the balance of electrolytes through diet and internal control mechanisms.

Dogs pant to keep cool, which is very different from how humans cool off through sweating. In this process, dogs lose water when they pant, unlike humans, who lose both water and electrolytes through sweat. Still, dogs can be at risk for dehydration during intense exercise and/or in hot weather as they continuously pant and lose water.

Some dogs are less efficient at keeping cool through panting if they have health conditions including obesity, breathing problems, and/or brachycephalic syndrome. These dogs are at a higher risk of overheating and dehydration as they are not able to pant as effectively and may need to pant harder and longer in order to properly cool off.

The more dogs pant to maintain their body temperature and keep cool, the more water they lose. That’s why it’s vital that dogs have access to fresh water at all times, especially during exercise and in hot weather. But since dogs aren’t losing electrolytes when panting, it’s not necessary supplement their electrolytes.

Why Extra Electrolytes Can Be Harmful for Dogs

Sometimes dogs will have elevated levels of certain electrolytes if they have been panting excessively or become dehydrated, so it could be harmful to offer them additional electrolytes in these situation.

For example, many performance drinks intended for humans may also contain ingredients that are unhealthy or even dangerous for dogs like sugar, xylitol, and/or caffeine. In most situations, fresh cool water is all they really need to rehydrate. If your dog is too overheated or sick to drink on their own, never force a dog to drink water. This is a sign that they are more critically ill and need immediate veterinary care.

When Might Electrolytes for Dogs Be Necessary?

Some of the most common causes for electrolyte imbalances in dogs are the loss of digestive fluids, such as through vomiting or diarrhea. They may also lose electrolytes if they have certain conditions like:

Dogs that are malnourished, eat an unbalanced diet, or have high levels of intestinal parasites may also have abnormal electrolyte levels. If your dog is sick with any of these conditions, they may need supportive care that includes electrolyte supplementation. Usually, once the underlying medical condition is resolved, the body will be able to maintain a normal balance of electrolytes.

Like with any medical issue, it is best to consult a vet before giving a dog electrolytes, as they don’t typically require supplementation. If your dog is sick, your vet will measure their electrolyte levels through a blood sample and can provide more targeted treatment to rebalance their electrolytes if needed.

How to Prevent Dehydration in Dogs

While electrolytes may not be the right answer to proper dog hydration, there are many safe ways to keep your dog hydrated.

The Final Say on Dogs and Electrolytes

Dogs do not routinely need electrolyte supplementation in hot weather or after exercise. This is because when dogs pant to cool off, they lose pure water, unlike humans who also lose electrolytes when we sweat. The best ways to keep your dog comfortable and safe in hot weather are to provide cool, fresh water, hydrating snacks, and to keep them out of the heat as much as possible.

Dogs with certain illnesses may require electrolyte supplementation or other treatments to readjust elevated electrolytes, but this should only be done under veterinary supervision, where their electrolyte levels can be carefully monitored. Be sure to see your vet right away if you are concerned that your dog is overheated or too sick to eat and drink on their own.

If you want to know how to get a dog to drink water, remember that a healthy dog gets thirsty and is stimulated to drink when the water ratio in the blood drops to a certain level. Normal dogs drink about twice the amount of water they need to return their water ratio to optimal levels for overall health.

If your dog won’t drink water, how much water should a dog drink a day depends on their size. Dogs need about one ounce of water (1/8 cup) for every pound they weigh. That means a ten-pound pooch should have about a cup of water daily. A lack of enough water can cause dog dehydration.

Some dogs have preferences about water taste and temperature, and they even get picky about the bowl. All that affects dog water intake. Read on to learn how you can encourage him to drink enough.

Why Water is Important for Dogs

Knowing how to get a dog to drink water is vital because water is the most important nutrient. Sixty percent of a dog’s body weight is water. The dog water intake ratio is even higher in puppies. 

Water lubricates the tissue and helps distribute electrolytes like salt throughout the body. Moisture is used in the digestion of food and carries away waste products in the urine and feces. 

Dogs must constantly replenish water to account for losing water during elimination, the exhalation of each breath, and through the evaporation of saliva during panting. About 75 percent of water loss is due to urination, and another 20 percent occurs through the respiratory tract, mouth, and skin. Anything that increases the fluid loss, like overheating or diarrhea/vomiting, or interferes with the body’s recouping moisture, may result in dog dehydration. 

Signs of dehydration become apparent with losses of as little as five percent of normal body water. A 12 to 15 percent loss of total body water results in shock and imminent death. Signs of dehydration include: 

• Loss of skin elasticity. “Tenting” the skin measures elasticity and dehydration. Grasp the loose skin at the pet’s shoulder blades and gently lift. With normal hydration, skin immediately springs back when released. When slightly dehydrated, the skin retracts slowly. More serious dehydration causes retracted skin to remain in a ridge.
• Dry gums. The pet’s mouth becomes dry, the gums feel tacky instead of wet, and saliva turns stringy and thick.
• Capillary refill time (how long it takes for blood to return to tissue). Gently press the flat of one finger against the dog’s gums to temporarily block blood flow. A normal capillary refill time takes less than two seconds for the white gums to return to their normal pink color. At seven to eight percent dehydration, capillary refill time delays another two to three seconds. Longer than a four or five-second delay indicates severe dehydration. 
• Sunken eyeballs.
• Involuntary muscle twitches.
• Weakness, or lethargy.
• Cold paw pads.

Common Reasons Why a Dog May Not Drink Water

Do you still wonder, “why is my dog not drinking?” There are several reasons, some normal and others serious, so review these common causes for dogs drinking less water.

• Wet food: Canned dog foods contain 72 to 78 percent water. Home-prepared foods also contain more water than commercial dry kibble. Dogs fed canned or home-prepared foods get some water this way instead.
• Dental disease: Dogs with sore gums, tongues, or teeth may avoid eating and drinking.
• Upset tummy: Nausea from eating the wrong thing, or from illness, may spoil the dog’s urge to drink.
• Illness: Any type of health challenge, from cancer to bladder infections may result in less water intake.
• Pain: Discomfort, including arthritis, could make it more difficult to reach the water bowl or cause dogs to delay drinking.
• Changes in routine: The loss of a pet friend, the absence of a favorite human, boarding, or other stressors like changing the diet can disrupt the dog’s water intake or prompt him to drink from other sources, like the toilet. Yuck!
• Dirty water bowls: Stale or dirty water from unwashed bowls smells and tastes bad and can reduce appeal.
• Medication side effects: Steroids, anti-seizure medications, and diuretics prescribed for health issues may result in dehydration. 

How to Get a Dog to Drink Water More Often

• Make sure water is always available in non-spillable bowls. Change the water daily to ensure it stays clean and fresh. Wash the bowl as well. That alone can help with getting a dog to drink water.
• Use multiple ceramic or metal bowls in different locations. Plastic bowls often hold unappetizing smells. Flat-faced dogs like Bulldogs appreciate shallow, wide bowls that are easier to access.
• If your dog acts reluctant to drink, offer him ice cubes to lick or add to the water bowl. Add low-salt chicken broth to enhance the water’s flavor. 
• Offer wet food or add water to dry kibble to increase fluids. 
• Pedialyte or Gatorade mixed 50/50 with water can counter the dehydration if he’ll drink it.
• Water fountains oxygenate water and make it smell and taste better to increase drinking. 
• Praise and reward your dog when they drink water.
• NEVER force-feed water—instead, get your pet to the vet clinic for professional help.

When to Call the Vet

Call the vet if you notice the dog has refused water for more than 24 hours. Severe dehydration can result quickly, especially if vomiting, diarrhea, or other signs accompany snubbing the water bowl. Three days without water can be deadly.

Your vet will examine the dog and address any causes. For example, a diet change or dental cleaning may be recommended, or fluid therapy or anti-nausea medication like Cerenia may be administered. 

Keep Water a Top Priority

If you worry that your dog refuses to drink enough, you’re right that hydration keeps canine bodies healthy and happy. When you understand why he might snub the water bowl, you can use these steps to help keep your dog a tail-wagging water baby. Your veterinarian should remain your first call for answers or help with any questions about your dog’s healthy drinking habits. 

Feature photo by Kampus Production/Pexels

Second image by Jonathan Borba/Pexels