After spending a long hot day outside, you may reach for your favorite flavored Gatorade to help you rehydrate, you may even be tempted to share a sip with your pup. But can Pugs drink Gatorade?
So Can Pugs Gatorade?
Yes, it’s fine to give your pooch small amounts of Gatorade, that being said, it contains high amounts of sugar and sodium, so you may not want to.
The only reason that you may be considering giving your dog a gulp is because they are dehydrated or panting heavily from being exposed in the heat too long.
Water should always be the go-to for your pup’s hydration.
But I know some pet owners like to share their food and drinks with their pooch.
So let’s take a closer look at what Gatorade is and the safest way to give it to your pooch.
Where Does Gatorade Come From?
Why was Gatorade developed and why do so many athletes drink it instead of water?
This drink was develoved over 38 years ago when a Gator football coach Dwan Douglas noticed his team losing weight during practices.
After careful research, they realized the players electrolytes were out of balance, and their blood sugar was low.
They realized that the solution was to give them water, but with salt and sugar in it. The salt would help replenish the salt they were losing in the sweat. And the sugar would help maintain their blood sugar without upsetting their stomach.
The solution worked and the Florida Gators rolled to an 8-2 record in 1966.
Today, it’s marketed as a sports drink, but it has become a popular sports drink by everyone. It has become a popular carbohydrate-electrolyte sports drink preferred by athletes and people everywhere.
Some people have even used it as a hangover cure.
So you might be wondering why people give it to their dogs?
Well, let’s take a closer look at what it does for our bodies.
Do Dogs Need Their Electrolytes Replenished?
Since humans need to replenish electrolyes after sweating, it’s easy to believe that dogs do to.
However, dogs don’t sweat as people do, but they do sweat on hot days, especially this breed.
Therefore they don’t need electrolyte replenishment.
Nutritional Facts
20 fl ounces of Gatorade:
- Protein: 0 grams
- Total Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 36 grams
- Sugars: 34 grams
- Sodium: 270 mg
Canine Dehydration
Canine dehydration is a common problem, especially for this breed. Dogs lose water when they urinate, pant, defecate, vomit or have diarrhea. Dehydration occurs when your dog’s body loses more fluid than it consumes.
Dehydration in canines also causes dogs to lose electrolytes such as; potassium, chloride, and sodium.
So it’s important to make sure your pooch is drinking enough water to replenish the fluids they lose. Some Pugs don’t drink enough water, because they know you’ll give them what you’re drinking if they just stare at you. They’ve been conditioned to eat and drink what you do.
Symptoms of Dehydration
I’m not a veterinarian, but according to AKC, the signs of canine dehydration can include the following symptoms:
- Thick saliva
- Loss of skin elasticity
- Dry, sticky gums
- Dry nose
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Panting
- Loss of energy and lethargy
- Sunken, dry looking eyes
If you believe your dog is dehydrated, you need to take them the vet immediately. They will administer fluids intravenously to help replenish the lost fluids.
How Do I Know If My Pug Is Dehydrated?
Knowing whether your dog is dehydrated or just thirsty, can be confusing for some breeds more than others. After all Brachycephalic breeds have wrinkly skin so it may be impossible to check elasticity.
This video by Dr. Jenna Questen will help you determine whether your dog is dehydrated.
Is Gatorade Safe For Pugs?
While Gatorade the sports drink is not toxic to dogs, it does contain high amounts of sodium and sugar that can be harmful if given large amounts.
Some dog owners give their dogs Gatorade because they believe that it helps improve diarrhea.
That being said, your dog’s body does not process foods and drinks as we do. Our organs are larger and more robust, while your four-legged friends are smaller.
Should I Give My Pug Gatorade?
Personally, I would avoid giving my pooch Gatorade, however, I know that there are people who want their dog to eat and drink anything and everything they eat.
If you do decide to give your pooch some, make sure you use moderation.
Avoid giving it to them on a daily basis. This should never be used as a substitute for water!
Do Pugs Like Gatorade?
Like people, some dogs will prefer some flavors over other flavors. I personally prefer Fierce Grape and can’t stand the taste of other flavors.
Don’t be surprised if your pup doesn’t like all the flavors available.
How To Give Gatorade To Your Pug
If you’ve decided that you want to give Fido some Gatorade to help them rehydrate, it’s best to dilute a small portion with water.
Use a 50/50 mix of water and Gatorade for your pooch. This will help decrease the amount of sugar and sodium your pup consumes.
Other Options to Consider
If you feel like your pooch isn’t drinking enough water and needs more nutrients, consider electrolyte water, Pedialyte, or coconut water.
Coconut water is known to be a great option and it has less sugar than Gatorade!
Final Word On Giving Pugs Gatorade
The best option to keeping your dog hydrated is fresh, clean water.
While sports drinks for humans are not toxic to dogs, they are not necessary.
Make sure your Pug has access to water when you’re out on a walk or exercising. This breed doesn’t do very well in hot temperatures, so make sure you exercise them early in the morning or in the evening.
If your pooch starts showing signs of dehydration, make sure you contact your veterinarian immediately.
References And Further Reading
In Depth Outdoors – Electrolyte Supplements For Dogs?? Maybe Not
Pepsico – The Facts About Your Favorite Beverages