Can Dogs Eat Salt (Large Amounts)?

When a dog ingests too much salt, their body tries to correct the imbalance by drawing water out of its cells and into the bloodstream to dilute the sodium. This process rapidly dehydrates the body's cells, causing severe damage, particularly to the brain and nervous system. This can lead to a host of neurological problems and can be fatal if not treated immediately.

• Salt poisoning can happen from more than just table scraps. Common sources include:
• Salty Human Foods: Chips, pretzels, popcorn, and cured meats.
• Ocean Water: Dogs that spend a day at the beach can ingest a dangerous amount of salt water.
• Homemade Play-Dough: The high salt content in play-dough is a frequent cause of poisoning.
• Rock Salt: De-icing salt used on sidewalks and roads in the winter can be licked off paws.

• Symptoms can appear quickly and are a sign of a medical emergency. They include:
• Extreme thirst and urination
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Lethargy and weakness
• Stumbling and lack of coordination (acting "drunk")
• Muscle tremors and seizures
• In severe cases, salt poisoning can lead to coma and death. The risk is much higher if the dog does not have free access to fresh water to help flush its system.

This is a veterinary emergency. Contact your vet or an animal poison control center immediately. Treatment involves careful rehydration with IV fluids to slowly and safely bring the body's sodium levels back to normal.

Do not share salty foods with your dog. Their bodies are not equipped to handle the high sodium levels found in human snacks. Always ensure your dog has access to fresh, clean water, especially if there is any risk of salt ingestion.