To assess the efficacy in dogs of an experimental solution (Solution A) containing high concentrations of bicarbonate and potassium, for the treatment of acidosis, acetazolamide was used to create a stable non‐respiratory acidosis. A total of 24 dogs was used, being divided into two control groups and two groups receiving acetazolamide. One control group and a group receiving acetazolamide had a balanced electrolyte solution (Normosol R) administered at a flow rate of 38.2 ml/kg/h for 2 h, and the other control and acetazolamide groups received Solution A. Blood‐gas, acid‐base, electrolyte and various biochemical measurements, as well as arterial and central venous pressure measurements were performed before fluid administration and up to 24 h after administration.Both fluids resulted in partial correction of the acidosis. Solution A returned acid‐base balance closer to the values of control dogs by the end of 2 h of fluid administration than did Normosol R. Despite the high concentration of potassium in Solution A (20 mmol/1) there were only marginal elevations in plasma potassium values. Administration of an average of 80 mmol of bicarbonate to normal dogs resulted in an average increase of only 2.7 mmol/1, whereas in dogs with acidosis the increase was 6.4