When summer rolls around you know what that means… beach days! The beach is fun for everyone – including your furry friend. You can relax and bask in the sun and your pup can run through the sand and water and have a blast. Sounds like a perfect day, right? But what if your dog suddenly gets sick from drinking too much salt water or eating too many salty snacks? This means they can be experiencing sodium toxicity. It doesn’t stop there though. Dogs and cats can both be poisoned by salt and below are the symptoms and dangers to watch out for.
Sodium Toxicity Symptoms
Whether you take your dog to the beach, or your cat licks the salt off your countertop, you need to be aware of the dangers that can occur. It is best practice to monitor your pets, so they do not consume too much salt. Typically, your pet will attempt to combat excess salt by drinking fresh water, but if none is available, the symptoms can become apparent and worsen. Sodium toxicity in dogs can cause unpleasant effects, and even death, in rare cases. Sodium toxicity signs to watch out for:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Little to no appetite
- Increased thirst or urination
- Lethargy
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Coma
Call your veterinarian and Pet Poison Helpline® if your dog exhibits any of these symptoms after ingesting salt.
Sodium Toxicity Treatment
If your pet is exhibiting any of the symptoms mentioned above immediately call your vet and Pet Poison Helpline® at (855) 764-7661 to get your pet the help they need. You may need to take your pet to the clinic and there your vet will assess and prescribe the correct course of treatment. It is key to keep your pet hydrated with IV fluids and electrolytes. Your vet will slowly bring down your pet’s sodium levels. Sudden changes in sodium levels can cause brain swelling to occur. Your pet may be kept overnight for observation if they have severe clinical signs. After a few days and plenty of water, your furry friend should be feeling like normal. It is very important that your dog receives the correct medical care.