Safety guide
Is Salt safe for dogs?
Tiny amounts in food are fine, but large amounts — salty snacks, playdough, sea water — cause salt poisoning.
Dogs need a little salt in their diet, and the small amount in dog food is fine. The danger is a large intake at once: salty human snacks (crisps, pretzels), homemade playdough or salt dough, rock salt, and gulped sea water can all cause salt (sodium ion) poisoning. Too much sodium draws water out of the body's cells, leading to vomiting, diarrhoea, excessive thirst, tremors and, in severe cases, seizures and swelling of the brain. Always make sure fresh water is available, and keep salty foods and salt dough out of reach.
Symptoms to watch for
- Excessive thirst and urination
- Vomiting and diarrhoea
- Wobbliness, weakness or tremors
- Seizures or confusion in severe cases
What to do immediately
- 1Remove the salty item and provide fresh water (let your dog drink normally, do not force it)
- 2Note roughly how much salt or salty food was eaten
- 3Phone a vet — do not try to correct it yourself, as rapid changes can be dangerous
- 4Watch for vomiting, tremors or disorientation
When to call your vet
Your dog ate a large amount of salt, salt dough or salty food, or shows vomiting, excessive thirst, wobbliness, tremors or seizures — salt poisoning needs veterinary care.
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