Is it safe to give gatorade to an active dog to help keep them hydrated in the summer heat?

Question

plain water just doesnt seem to do the trick for my 2 very active boxers. Even ice cubes dont help. Just wondering if gatorade was safe? I've seen a very expensive brand on the net, or if their was a more affordable brand that could be purchased at Petsmart or similar store.

Answer 1

Water is the safest thing. Sugar is damaging to dogs in the same way that it is damaging to diabetics. Excess salt is not excreted by dogs as they do not sweat (like humans). except through their pads. Don't load them up with salt, their bodies are pretty good at hoarding salt. The ONLY time you should give your dog excess salt/sugar is when your vet says to do so. They'll tell you to keep salt AND sugar away from your Fur Friends, except in small amounts occasionally.

Want them cool? Hose them down - if they don't like the process now, get them good and hot and then apply the hose gently to their backs and bellies - not their heads (which they always hate) - believe me, they will change their tune! My dogs run over to the hose when they have had enough Texas Sun during frisbee sessions. Under normal circumstances they hate being hosed down as much as any dog, but when they are hot, "Oh, Mumma, feels SOOOO good!" If you won't be near a water source, take some water with you - not just to drink, but to get them good and wet - the evaporation will make them feel great!

When I take them to frisbee/play sessions away from home, I put one of those big rubbermaid tubs in the back of the truck, fill it up with water and take it along as a 'Wash-a-paws'. It takes both me and my husband to lift it down to the ground, but it is worth the effort. My little border collie hops in after a few tosses, and does her hippo-act - just the tip of her nose sticking out. When she cools down to a slow simmer, she's back on the field! Cute!

Answer 2

It's got a lot of sugar which isn't great for the dogs (or people for that matter). But it also has a lot of electrolytes which help the body absorb water, so (contrary to previous answers) it does hydrate better than pure water.

I would recommend giving them water with some salt and a small amount of sugar added. Then the water would have some electrolytes but wouldn't be the sugar bomb Gatorade is. This trick is also good for humans trying to rehydrate.

Answer 3

VERY BAD!!! Go to the PetsMart.com and check out the COOLLY COLLAR. Just like for humans, only for dogs. You soak it in cool water, when it's obsorbed enough, put in around your dogs neck. It cools them off while they play. My little ones wear them all the time. Water is best for them to drink. Gatorade has too many things in it that the dogs system can't take.

Answer 4

No, you should only give water to your dog. That's a safety for dogs. And gatorade is for people that's in sports.

Answer 5

Use cool water only and be very careful with your dogs. Boxers have pushed in faces which make panting and cooling off more difficult. Hose them down frequently and don't exercise them during the day....wait until night or very early in the morning. They heat stroke easily!

Answer 6

Gatorade actually isn't better then water,,it doesn't hydrate better, (even with people ) If anything it will make an athlete dehydrate quicker!

Answer 7

NO absolutely not!Sugar is bad for dogs.The best thing to do is keep them out of the sun and heat and give them water only.My dog is inside so theres no problems at all.

Answer 8

No, do not give your dogs sugar water.

Short nosed dogs generally do not do real well with the heat. Keep them inside when it is very hot.

Answer 9

Pedialyte (for children) is often recommended by vets to stave off dehydration. Provide some along w/ plenty of fresh, cool water.

Answer 10

Check with your vet first but maybe Pedialyte will be better. They do give it to dogs when they have bad diarrhea to keep them hydrated. Please check though before you give your dog anything because s/he may have some special considerations.