My dog is dehydrated and doesn't always drink water, can I give her Soy Milk?

Question

I did the old skin pinch and found that my dog is pretty dehydrated. I try all day to coax her into drinking water, but she doesn't seem to get enough. One day I gave her "Cat Sip" which is fake mile for Cats, she loved it and drank it all. I don't want to keep giving it to her because I know that it's made for Cats. Would it be unhealthy to give her Soy Milk? It's non-dairy, and I read the ingredients, it seems to be soy, and vanilla flavoring.

Answer 1

I'd check with my vet first. Your dog needs water, plain water, just as you do.

Answer 2

Your dog may or may not be dehydrated - it is sometimes difficult to tell. Has it been unusually hot in your area? Have you noticed her water dish has been empty for a long time? Perhaps she's drinking more than usual and not getting what she needs from the water? Is she peeing more (often)? What does her pee smell/look like?

If she is dehydrated, you will require the assistance of your vet to discover why she is in that condition. It may also be necessary to give liquid via IV.

I would avoid soy products with your dog - many dogs are allergic to it and it could cause some tummy upset and loose stool. If your dog is dehydrated, you definitely don't want that.

Plain clear water is generally best for your dog, unless specified by your vet.

Give your vet a call and see if they have any suggestions. They may ask you to come down so they can have a look at her.

I am giving my dog the "pinch" test right now, and depending on where I tent the skin, it stays longer than others. Perhaps my eye (and yours) is not as discriminating as a professional (I know my guy is not dehydrated).

All that said...perhaps she is just not thirsty...

If in doubt - see the vet.


I wanted to also add this -

Soy is a common ingredient in many pet foods. It is used by the manufacturers to boost the claimed protein content and add bulk so that when animals eat a product containing soy they will fell more sated. Tofu is suitable for humans, but most forms of soybean do not agree with a dog or cat's digestive system. Like many other pet food ingredients, soy is virtually unusable by an animal's body. Being obligate carnivores, cats have little ability to digest any nutrients from soy. The problem is worse for dogs because they lack the essential amino acid to digest soy products. Soy has also been linked to bloat and gas in many dogs.

Answer 3

NO soy milk would not be good for dogs.
Many are allergic to soy and it is one of the things I look for NOT to be in any dog food I buy. It could cause diarrhea or upset stomach.
Plain water is best and if she is not drinking I would say vet appointment to find out what type of problem she is having.

Answer 4

No way, there's not nearly enough actual cocoa in there to really hurt him. Maybe if he drank the whole carton he might barf. My dog ate 40 chocolate cookies I made once, with about 12 oz of raw cocoa nibs. There was no vet here to go to (to remote), so we just had to wait it out, but she was totally fine, didn't even barf (and she's about 40 lbs). She did have loose stools for a day or so afterwards though, so I might prepare for that if I were you.

Answer 5

Try Pedialyte. It's for babies to keep them hydrated when they have vomiting and diarrhea. It's safe for dogs. In fact one of my dogs ate some macadamia nuts and was very sick and almost died. I called the vet to find out what could be done. She said the only thing was to keep her hydrated and to hope for the best. I asked about Pedialyte and she said that would work. That was the only thing my dog would drink for 3 days. I got the unflavored kind. You can also get some puppy formula supplement.

Answer 6

I would have her examined by your vet as to why she is dehydrated such as liver or kidney issues.Giving her milk is not going to fix an underlying problem.You can also try feeding her canned quality dog food as it has more water in it but see your vet.

Answer 7

You say your dog is a girl right?Well actually dogs are allowed to drink milk.Especially pregnant dogs.You can also give her chopped vegetables and fruits to help her gain the nutritions she is lacking,and as you know these things contain water.

Answer 8

If your dog is dehydrated and refusing water, you need to get the poor pooch to a vet ASAP

Answer 9

I mix about 1/2 cup of chicken broth to 2 and 1/2 cups of water when i think that he needs to be drinking more. he will chug it then. gotta be careful (esp with larger dogs) that he doesnt drink too much too fast.

Answer 10

When it is extremely hot out, I give my dogs Pedialtye in their water bowls. It is not bad for dogs and helps them to stay hydrated.