A method of managing dehydration in an animal includes administering a first electrolyte solution having an SID range at or below 25 mEq/l. After administering the first electrolyte solution, the animal's health condition is observed to determine the effect of the first solution. If the animal's health condition has not sufficiently improved, a second solution comprising the first electrolyte solution supplemented with a second electrolyte supplement is administered to the animal wherein the second electrolyte supplement raises the SID of the second solution to at least 50 mEq/l.