Conventional table salt, as used in the kitchen, is one of the most toxic substances for pets. Cats and dogs in particular often die from excessive salt consumption. 

Too much salt is toxic to cats, dogs, horses, cattle, rabbits and birds. The toxicity is moderate to life-threatening. If salt poisoning is suspected, the animal must be taken to the vet immediately.

 

Salt is hidden in many things in the household. These include objects that cats and dogs like to lick or chew on, such as rock salt for de-icers, modelling clay, Gotcha balls or bath substances containing sea salt.

A human can consume considerably more salt than a dog or cat. It is therefore very bad to feed animals from the lunch table. Human food, especially industrially processed products, contains a relatively high amount of salt.

Also be careful when on holiday or in seaside areas. If dogs frequently swallow seawater, they can also get salt poisoning. Dogs can still play in the sea as long as they always have fresh drinking water available.

 

Salt used to be used as an emetic, but today it is strongly discouraged!

 

Symptoms of salt poisoning

 

Vomiting, diarrhoea, listlessness, lethargy, staggering, water retention in the body, excessive thirst, frequent urination, tremors, cramps and coma. The salt damages the kidneys and can lead to kidney failure. Excessive salt consumption over a longer period of time usually causes the symptoms to appear unnoticed. It is not uncommon for salt poisoning to lead to death because it is recognised too late.

Treatment of salt poisoning

 

When an animal has salt poisoning, it tries to quench its unbearable thirst by drinking excessively. However, the rapid displacement of fluids in the body can lead to brain swelling. Treatment for salt poisoning consists of controlled intravenous fluids, monitoring of electrolyte balance, treatment of dehydration and brain swelling, and plenty of care and attention.

 

Prevention of salt poisoning

 

Always provide fresh drinking water.

Avoid industrially processed foods for human consumption, such as ham, sausage, cheese, crackers or biscuits. Only feed animal feed or salt-free food.

Place salty objects in the household out of reach of pets.