Causes of Salt Poisoning in Dogs
A large amount of salt in your dog’s blood can cause sodium poisoning if your dog eats enough of it and has no fresh water to drink. These are some of the ways your dog can get sodium poisoning:
Also the consumption of many items that may be found around the home can cause salt poisoning.
How common is salt poisoning in dogs?
While the exact numbers of dogs that develop salt poisoning are not known because many pet owners never bring the dog to the vet for treatment, the numbers are not minuscule. Vets regularly have to deal with salt toxicity in dogs in most cities. Almost every breed of dog is susceptible to salt toxicity. The amount of salt that can kill a dog is roughly 3-4 grams/kg of body weight.
Treatment of Salt Poisoning in Dogs
Your dog will likely be admitted to the hospital for oxygen, IV fluid therapy, and electrolytes to manage dehydration. The salt level will have to be brought down gradually because a sudden change in sodium levels can cause a heart attack or cerebral edema (brain swelling). It can take days to bring the levels down to an acceptable range depending on how high your dog’s sodium levels are. If cerebral edema is already present, your dog may be given a medication such as dexamethasone or mannitol to reduce the inflammation. The veterinarian will most likely keep your dog in the hospital for observation. Curious about which health plan is right for your dog? Head over to Forbes breakdown of the best pet insurance providers.
Worried about the cost of Salt Poisoning treatment?
Pet Insurance covers the cost of many common pet health conditions. Prepare for the unexpected by getting a quote from top pet insurance providers.