Making Your Own Electrolyte Water for Dogs

Under certain circumstances, dogs may require supplemental liquids to counteract unbalanced levels of electrolytes and fluids in their bodies. Electrolytes are salts and metallic components that dissolve within blood serum. The positive electrolytes are sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium. They are combined in cells and tissues with the negative electrolytes, which are chloride, bicarbonates and phosphates. Disproportionate electrolytes can result in illness. Ask your veterinarian if your dog might benefit from rehydration with store-bought or homemade electrolyte water.

  1. Dehydration

    • Overheating, overexertion and illness can deplete fluids and electrolytes, leading to dehydration. The only effective treatment for dehydration is to replenish lost fluids and lost electrolytes with liquids that contain appropriate proportions of water and minerals. Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance may cause severe problems, so ask your veterinarian to assess your dog̵7;s condition. If symptoms are mild, you may be advised to buy or make a solution to help restore your dog̵7;s natural electrolyte balance.

    Preparation and Treatment

    • Recipes vary for homemade electrolyte-enriched water; but when preparing any recipe, you must measure ingredients accurately to avoid administering an ineffective or harmful treatment. If the recipe you choose is acceptable, your veterinarian can specify the amount your dog needs and how often to give it. This will depend on your dog̵7;s weight and the seriousness of dehydration. Dehydration is excessive loss of water from body tissues that may occur when dogs lose more fluid than they take in.

    Dr. Oz Recipe

    • Rest and water are important for an ill or dehydrated dog.

      Dogs with gastrointestinal illnesses causing vomiting or diarrhea may lose fluids and require rehydration. Dr. Oz recommends a simple, natural electrolyte recipe that includes 1 liter of water, one-half teaspoon of baking soda, 2 tablespoons of agave nectar and one-half tablespoon of sea salt. Combine all ingredients in a water bottle and slowly give your dog the amount recommended by the veterinarian.

    Holistic Nutritionist's Recipe

    • Recipes for electrolyte replacement water are very similar to each other, with the same basic ingredients but slightly different types of water, salt and sweeteners. Dr. Jane Hull is a holistic nutritionist whose recipe calls for 1 quart of purified or natural spring water, 2 to 4 teaspoons of raw, unprocessed sugar or 1 to 2 teaspoons of powdered fruit sugar (fructose), and 1 teaspoon of Himalayan or Celtic sea salt. The first step is to boil the water; then add sugar or fructose and finally add the salt. Stir the mixture and let it cool. Refrigerate what you do not use, but do not keep the electrolyte solution for more than 48 hours, Dr. Hull says. It is best to just prepare a new batch.

    Homeopath's Recipe

    • Pet caretakers can use electrolyte-enhanced water to replenish their dogs̵7; fluids, according to author and homeopath Kaetheryn Walker, M.A., in her book Homeopathic First Aid for Animals. She recommends giving your dog a homemade solution ̶0;rather than pay for expensive brands at grocery stores which also have preservatives and chemicals in them.̶1; The recipe requires 1 quart of clean water (no chlorine or fluoride), 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey, and 1 teaspoon of common table salt. Mix the ingredients well and refrigerate any unused portions in a clean container. Warm the electrolyte water to room temperature before giving it to your dog.