Summer Time is Approaching- Support Your Animals with Good Hydration and Homeopathics

Electrolytes for Livestock Have Been Life Savers!

Electrolytes have been life savers on our farm. It’s the first thing we try whenever we sense our animals are “off” in any way. We then observe the animals and decide if we need to take any further action. Most of the time, the electrolytes alone will resolve the situation- it’s been that powerful. I also use homeopathic remedies as an added insurance since they are easy to administer and inexpensive to have on hand.

The importance and power of electrolytes was brought to my attention again when I listened to a chiropractor on a podcast. He talked about how IV saline is one of the most common treatments in the emergency room (for humans). He mentioned how he was on a flight when one of the passengers had a stroke and was in the bathroom struggling. He went to help and gave him electrolytes. He had spent 8 years formulating the electrolytes he had with him. This stabilized the passenger and prevented the flight from being diverted. If proper hydration is that beneficial in emergency situations, a species appropriate hydration formula will most likely be helpful to have on hand for our animals.

So back to electrolytes (hydration formulas), summer and heat stress 🙂 

For Livestock

For livestock, I always have a few bags of Bounce Back by Manna Pro I get from Tractor Supply on hand along with 60cc blunt tip syringes. I can’t tell you how much heartache and vet bills I’ve saved by always having this on hand. Electrolytes are obviously great for heat stress but if they have digestive upsets and have diarrhea, it’s always been beneficial for us to give them electrolytes. We also had a pretty intense situation where one of our alpacas got attacked by bees. His gums started looking pale and we gave him electrolytes and homeopathics. He came back and fully recovered. Bounce Back has worked for us and it’s inexpensive and convenient in smaller packets- but anything similar should work (link below). Electrolytes can be used proactively as well.

Dogs and Cats

We haven’t had to use hydration formulas for our dogs or cats in the past 18 years on the farm, but I have been researching to see what is available. I can’t recommend anything specific as I haven’t used any purchased formulations for our dogs or cats. I have always used homemade bone broth if any pup or kitty looked off. But I did learn something interesting about “electrolytes” for dogs. Since dogs don’t sweat like humans, they benefit from a hydration formulation that encourages them to drink more, including simple sugar for energy, B vitamins and antioxidants. They don’t need electrolytes like humans. I found one hydration formula in convenient packets (link below) but you can have some frozen or powdered bone broth on hand for this purpose as well. I found a cat recuperation formula, so this may be worth looking into.

Bonus for Humans

For Humans, Hydrate electrolyte replaces all the minerals, vitamins and amino acids you lose in sweat and is the one formulated by the chiropractor mentioned above (link below). I have no affiliation with this company but have stocked up on these myself for my beekeeper husband. He is in a bee suit in Texas. I don’t want him to get heat exhaustion and be depleted. There are definitely many more options for electrolytes. I have used and like Seeking Health Optimal Electrolytes (and this brand in general, excellent formulation by Dr. Ben Lynch).  

Homeopathics for Heat Exhaustion I Use Most:

I will usually add a few of these homeopathic pellets in the electrolyte mix and squirt it all in their mouth. I usually add these in each time I give them electrolytes which is usually 3-4 times a day depending on the situation. You can easily purchase these online.

Veratrum Album 30c

Carbo Vegetabilis 30c

Product Names/Links Mentioned in the Article

Bounce Back Manna Pro for Livestock (this one works and is the one I always have)

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/manna-pro-bounce-back-4-oz-single

Dog Hydration Formula Option 

Dr. Rachel’s Replenish Rapid Rehydration Drink Mix – Replenish Dog 

Cat Hydration Formula Option

Virbac Recuperation Formula for Cats

For Humans (these two do not use stevia as some are sensitive including me)

Nature Wins Hydrate Complete (Strawberry Lemonade) | The World’s Most Complete Hydration 

*Husband has used and says he can feel re-energized 🙂

Optimal Electrolytes unflavored is my personal preference as I don’t like flavored drinks. 

https://www.seekinghealth.com/