How to Make Emergency Electrolyte:
If your rat gets dehydrated due to illness or any other reason, its helpful to have a way to hydrate them and restore their electrolytes. A commercial drink like Pedialyte or Ensure works well here, but in a pinch you can also make your own electrolyte restoring drink from common kitchen ingredients.
You will need:
Mix the ingredients in a bowl, and once the sugar and salt have dissolved it is ready for use, Encourage your rat to drink this by offering some in a shallow bowl, or even offering it off your hands. In some cases you may need to syringe feed your rat liquids, and in this case a 1 ml syringe is best (you can find these sold online in bulk or ask for one at most pharmacies). Make sure that if you are syringe feeding you always go slowly and at your rats pace to prevent them from aspirating any liquid. Also note that in cases of severe dehydration your rat may need intravenous fluid, which can be given by your vet.
You will need:
- 6 teaspoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 5 cups of water
Mix the ingredients in a bowl, and once the sugar and salt have dissolved it is ready for use, Encourage your rat to drink this by offering some in a shallow bowl, or even offering it off your hands. In some cases you may need to syringe feed your rat liquids, and in this case a 1 ml syringe is best (you can find these sold online in bulk or ask for one at most pharmacies). Make sure that if you are syringe feeding you always go slowly and at your rats pace to prevent them from aspirating any liquid. Also note that in cases of severe dehydration your rat may need intravenous fluid, which can be given by your vet.