Pedialyte Dosing for a 16-Pound Dog with Diarrhea and Vomiting
For a 16-pound dog with diarrhea and vomiting, administer 10 mL of Pedialyte per kg of body weight after each episode of diarrhea and 2 mL per kg after each episode of vomiting, given in small, frequent amounts of 5 mL every minute via syringe. 1
Calculating the Dose
For a 16-pound dog (approximately 7.3 kg):
- After each diarrhea episode: 7.3 kg × 10 mL/kg = 73 mL of Pedialyte
- After each vomiting episode: 7.3 kg × 2 mL/kg = 15 mL of Pedialyte
Administration Technique
- Use a syringe to administer small amounts (5 mL) every minute to prevent triggering more vomiting
- Gradually increase the amount as tolerated
- Monitor closely during administration to ensure the dog is tolerating the fluid
Rehydration Principles
Oral rehydration therapy is the primary treatment for dogs with vomiting and diarrhea 2. When administering Pedialyte:
- Focus on replacing ongoing fluid losses
- Administer slowly to prevent exacerbation of vomiting
- Continue until clinical signs of dehydration improve
Warning Signs Requiring Veterinary Care
Seek immediate veterinary attention if your dog shows:
- Persistent vomiting despite oral rehydration attempts
- Bloody diarrhea
- Lethargy or altered mental status
- Signs of severe dehydration (dry gums, sunken eyes, skin tenting)
- High fever
- No improvement within 24 hours
Additional Management Tips
- Withhold food for 12-24 hours but continue providing Pedialyte
- Once vomiting subsides, introduce small amounts of a highly digestible diet
- Avoid foods high in fat or simple sugars 1
- Do not administer any over-the-counter antidiarrheal medications without veterinary guidance
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Administering fluids too quickly, which can trigger more vomiting
- Using inappropriate fluids (sports drinks have excessive sugar content)
- Delaying rehydration therapy when signs of dehydration are present
- Continuing to feed regular diet during acute gastrointestinal upset
Remember that while Pedialyte can help with mild to moderate dehydration 3, severe cases or those with persistent symptoms require veterinary intervention, as hypernatremia and other electrolyte imbalances can be life-threatening if not properly addressed 4.