Electrolytes Benefits for Dogs

Electrolytes are super important for your dog's health and overall balance. Find out in this article why & when you should give electrolytes to your dog.

The weather has been mostly beautiful during the evening time in Houston so now the dogs and I are back to walking as well as (occasionally) slow running since one of my dogs LOVES to run!

So, when taking her out in the evenings, just for her happiness - we go on a light run even though I am NOT fond of dogs been taken for running or jogging and this is because it pulls their neck and throat area too much and puts stress on their thyroid gland. Even if with the harness, still the second next point applies.

When the owner is running, the dog cannot tell the owner that he or she wants to stop, it is much harder for the dog to stop the owner when the dog is tired and exhausted vs. when you and your dog are going on a walk then the dog can clearly stop and indicate that he or she is ready to go back home or needs hydration.

And definitely a no-no for running or even jogging with brachycephalic breeds! NO! As in, big time..NO!

Just something to think about and be mindful of.

Anyways, now today's topic - I always keep high quality doggie electrolytes at home that I buy right before we start summer months. I am very particular about electrolytes when it comes to my dogs' health and well-being and in this article, you will find out why I care so much about electrolytes and why I teach about the importance of electrolytes balance to other dog owners. 
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What Are Electrolytes? -

Electrolytes are key in keeping your dog healthy and in preventing myriad of issues down the road. Electrolytes are essential minerals that your dog's body needs to stay healthy and in optimum shape. 

Electrolytes include sodium, potassium, chloride, magnesium, calcium and they are minerals that have either a positive or negative electrical charge in water, blood or in bodily fluids. Electrolytes are important for muscle function, relaxation and contraction, preventing muscle spasms, for hydration, for proper fluid balance in the body, proper nerve function, balance pH levels and better bone health plus much more! 

As you can see, electrolytes are super important for your dog's health and if there is loss of electrolytes due to sweating, urine, vomiting or diarrhea, then the electrolytes need to be replaced to prevent dehydration and other possible health complications. 

Symptoms of Electrolytes Imbalance in Dogs - 

-lethargy

-dehydration

-diarrhea or constipation

-irregular heart rate

-muscle pain, muscle cramps and weakness

-seizures

-imbalanced blood pressure and blood sugar levels

-irregular nerve function

Benefits of Electrolytes for Dogs -

• During summer months in most places, the temperature can get pretty hot for dogs. Electrolytes will help your dog with crucial minerals that he or she might be losing through sweating, vomiting, diarrhea and urine.

 

• Electrolytes help nourish the kidneys in your dog - one of the most important organs when it comes to your dog's health and well-being.

 

• Electrolytes help balance fluids in your dog's body - by protecting the hydration and minerals in your dog's tissues and cells.

 

• They also help maintain proper fluid balance in the blood - thus preventing exhaustion, nausea, vomiting (due to over-heating), diarrhea (which causes loss of nutrients and electrolytes from the body) and also help prevent heat strokes in dogs.

 

• You MUST add electrolytes to your dog's regimen during summertime, or if your dog is an elderly dog, working dog (like hunting dog or guard dog or police dog), when going on vacations (to prevent any health issues that might happen during the trip), hiking, trekking, or is dealing with some sickness like cancer, lethargy or adrenal fatigue, muscle loss, weight loss, and so on.

 

• Electrolytes will also help improve your dog's appetite, help prevent dehydration, help combat stress on the body and prevent muscle spasms.

 

• Oddly, electrolytes will also help prevent your dog from excessive thirst (and urination). This is because once the body gets the essential minerals needed for hydration, the need for excessive water consumption goes away.

 

• Lastly, if your dog is on meds, they can really dehydrate the body. Make sure to add electrolytes to his water bowl or food, and you will see a remarkable turn-around in his or her health.

Personally, I have started giving electrolytes to all my dogs - even my youngest one gets it added to her food. Just a pinch for maintenance is enough and only about 2-3 times a week for all my dogs during the hot summers. And on days when it's very hot like when we have 'extreme heat warning' and high humidity, they all get it regularly.

Another thing I recommend is to make sure you add electrolytes to your dog's food as some dogs may not like the taste of water with electrolytes. You definitely don't want to waste the product and you definitely want your dog to get the benefits - so be creative. You can even add small scoop of electrolyte powder in some mashed banana or pumpkin puree or whatever your dog loves and let him lick it.

So, I hope this has helped you with some great summer tip that can help your dog stay fit, now and in the future..:) Make sure to buy doggie electrolytes - do not give your electrolyte powder to dogs as doggie electrolytes are pretty different combination of minerals than what is for humans.

For any questions or comments that relate to this article, please post below and I will reply. Please do NOT send in e-mails.

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-Somyata