Electrolytes are body salts – that is: minerals dissolved in, and circulating in, body fluids. When dissolved, electrolytes take on an electrical charge to act as “ions”. Electrolytes are essential for performance dogs, particularly in the warmer months of the year. The increased level of panting needed to keep body temperature down depletes fluid and salt from the body. Due to the added stresses placed on dogs by regular training, racing, travelling, and barking, it is often difficult for them to obtain sufficient electrolytes from the feed alone, so supplementation is required. Without adequate supplementation of the important electrolytes potassium, sodium, chloride and magnesium, problems such as dehydration, loss of performance and muscle cramping may occur.
The mineral Sodium is the main extra-cellular ion – the main ion found outside cells. It regulates blood pressure. Both sodium and chloride are the main electrolytes in extracellular fluid. They do not become depleted following racing, as greyhounds do not sweat. These electrolytes are present in most greyhound electrolyte supplements in low concentrations. The mineral Potassium is the main intracellular ion – the main ion found inside cells. The electrostatic gradient (difference in electrical charge between the inside and the outside of cells) maintains the function of cells such as muscle and nerve cells Electrolytes are normally lost in sweat (in humans and horses, not in greyhounds), urine and faeces. Electrolyte balance is strictly regulated by dietary intake, kidney function, cell metabolism and fluid balance.