Hydration Day is on June 23rd and Macahl Animal Health, manufacturer of Oralade, is reminding vets to consider oral hydration to help with hydration in dogs during the warmer weather.
Our routines are gradually changing, with people starting to return back to work and travelling on staycations across the UK. Alongside the warmer weather, it means that more pets are at home or travelling in warm cars, increasing the risk of dehydration.
Anthony Mackle, from Oralade, Macahl Animal Health explains: “Many dogs will not show signs until they are 5% dehydrated, so it is likely that subclinical levels of dehydration are fairly common in the hot weather. As we know, dogs rely on panting as a method of evaporative heat-loss and lose more water this way when it is hot.
“Given that there are clear links between dehydration and heat-stroke, and in some cases kidney disease, we want to highlight the importance of pets taking on enough fluids to help reduce these risks.”
Recent studies have shown that oral electrolytes could be an effective method of pre-hydration in working dogs, with results also showing that it could lower peak body temperatures*. Further research is still needed into the impact of electrolyte fluids on body temperature, however the benefits of rehydration have so far been shown.
Oralade, which is a liquid formula for cats and dogs, could be recommended to owners, to have available to use during hot weather or long car journeys.
Anthony continues: “The advantage of rehydration fluids like Oralade, compared with water, is that it can increase voluntary fluid intake by more than 70%. It is also fast-acting because it absorbs quickly to help replenish essential electrolytes in addition to fluids. Plus, the formula is designed to support gastrointestinal health.”
Oralade could be considered for use as part of a multi-modal approach to hydration, particularly for conditions that benefit from increased fluid intake such as chronic kidney disease.
Veterinary professionals can find more resources and CPD on the veterinary portal here.
Macahl Animal Health has also put together a useful infographic to help vets communicate the signs of dehydration to owners.
You can read more articles on Oralade here.
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