Gatorade is a favorite drink for those who do sports or even for weekend warriors who need to rehydrate. This is a drink that’s filled with electrolytes and other good things. But is it good for dogs?
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What is Gatorade?
Gatorade is a drink that was developed at the University of Florida to help athletes who were getting sick working out in the heat. The drink was designed to replenish electrolytes and carbs lost through sweating.
Gatorade contains water, sucrose (sugar), dextrose, citric acid, natural flavor, sodium chloride, sodium citrate, monopotassium phosphate, and flavoring/coloring ingredients.
If this is a great way for humans to rehydrate, what about dogs? Can they drink it, too?
Dogs Need Water
While Gatorade isn’t toxic to dogs, water is the best hydrator for them. Not only that, but Gatorade does contain some artificial flavors and colors which are not really healthy for dogs.
In addition, the drink contains sugar and sodium, which at high levels can make dogs sick. Water is truly the best drink to give your dog. Sugar can cause a multitude of problems such as weight gain, obesity, tooth decay, and more. On a regular basis, sugar can even to diabetes. This is why sugary drinks and foods are not healthy options for dogs. Salt, too, causes numerous health problems in dogs.
If you’re out on a walk and there’s no water on hand, but you have some Gatorade, it’s OK for your dog to have a few sips of the drink, but not to guzzle it down. The best option is to plan head and take water along on walks for both you and your dog.
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Ask a Vet Live NowCan My Dog Drink Gatorade After Being Sick?
Sometimes human doctors recommend Gatorade for adults or kids who have had vomiting and diarrhea. The drink can help provide the electrolytes lost from being sick. This works fine for us, but not for dogs.
When dogs are dehydrated from vomiting and diarrhea, they really need water to rehydrate. Gatorade is not good for dogs in this situation.
Make Sure Your Dog Has Plenty of Water
Your dog really needs water available at all times. This should be provided in a clean water bowl, with the water changed regularly. When you go for walks and exercise with your dog, be sure to take a long a water bottle and bowl for your canine companion. It will keep him hydrated and help him cool down.
And any time your dog has diarrhea and vomiting that are concerning or seem excessive, be sure to call the vet right away. Avoid giving your dog Gatorade and follow the vet’s instructions to help your dog feel better.
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Kyoko
Kyoko is from a family of 3 and moved to New York with her parents and siblings when she was 13. Kyoko is fond of spending a great amount of time with pets, specifically her beagle Luna and cat Missy. Her boyfriend often complains that she spends too much time giving attention to their animals. Kyoko has written dozens of articles concerning pets and is aiming at owning a pet shop one day!
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