Who doesn’t love to snack on salty foods while on the beach? While it is always fun being in the sun, both salty foods and saltwater can pose salt poisoning risks for your furry friend. Dogs can be poisoned by sea salt – sea salt from saltwater and from sea salt that is used in the kitchen. In both cases, it’s important to watch your dog so they don’t eat too much salt. Let’s learn about the dangers of sea salt below:
Are Dogs And Sea Salt A Dangerous Combination?
Dogs can have salt but only in small quantities. Salt is an essential nutrient in their diet, about 13mg/kg of body weight per day. While it is needed, they can experience poisoning if they have an excessive amount. Dogs can experience sea salt poisoning if they drink too much saltwater. Dogs can also experience salt poisoning from sea salt that you use to season your food. There is a difference between table salt and sea salt. Table salt is iodized salt that has been collected from rocks. Sea salt is collected from vaporized sea water, this is the same salt that you can put on your food.
Hypernatremia can occur when dogs consume too much salt or sodium. Hyponatremia occurs when your dog does not have enough salt in its body. Your dog consumes salt in their diet and in their environment. Consult your vet for dietary help in your dog’s diet. Monitor your dog when they are in salt water. Certain fruits and vegetables are great healthy alternatives to salty dog treats.
Sea Salt Poisoning Symptoms in Dogs
It does not take long for your sneaky snacker to develop symptoms and damage when he or she consumes an excessive amount of salt, either from saltwater or table salt. Therefore, you need to act as soon as possible. The following are symptoms of salt poisoning:
- Vomiting / seizures
- Tremors / shivering
- Excessive passage of urine
- Diarrhea
- Uncontrollable thirst
- Swollen abdomen
- Stiffness or incoordination
Sea Salt Poisoning Treatment
It is possible that your dog will need to be held for further monitoring and care. Veterinary care may include IV fluids, electrolyte monitoring, and supportive medications. Based on the health condition of the dog, the amount of sodium in the blood, and the time since the ingestion, the treatment and prognosis can be determined.
Salt poisoning can take a long time to resolve, so do not panic if your dog needs to be hospitalized for further treatment. It is difficult to flush the body of excess salt. Additional complications can occur if sodium levels drop too quickly, so it is best to let your veterinarian observe your canine companion until they are feeling better. If you have any questions or concerns regarding poisoning, call Pet Poison Helpline® at (855) 764-7661 and your vet for expert advice to keep your dog happy and healthy.
