If you have any reason to suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, please contact your veterinarian or one of the other resources listed:
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center 24-hour hotline at (888) 426-4435
• Pet Poison Helpline® 24-hour animal poison control service at (855) 764-7661

Salt

Ingestion of large amounts of salt can cause sodium ion poisoning in pets. Products of concern include table salt, homemade play dough, paint balls, de-icing salts, sea water and baking soda.

salt

In addition to dogs and cats, birds are also indicated for this toxicity.

Signs and symptoms of toxicity: Vomiting is most often the first clinical sign of toxicity. Others signs may include diarrhea, depression, lethargy, tremors, seizures, shortness of breath, and disorientation. These signs have been reported within 3 hours of ingestion.

Toxic Consumption: Toxicosis may occur with 2-3 g/kg of sodium chloride ingestion. Consumption of 4 g/kg can be fatal.

Dogs: Sodium Chloride Toxic Consumption
X-Small
Yorkie, Chihuahua
Small
Pug, Boston Terrier, Poodle
Medium
Beagle, Scottish Terrier
Large
Boxer, Cocker Spaniel
X-Large
Retriever, German Shepherd
XX-Large
Great Dane, St. Bernard
1 – 10 lbs.
(0.45 – 4.6 kg)
11 – 25 lbs.
(5 – 11.4 kg)
26 – 40 lbs.
(11.8 – 18.2 kg)
41 – 70 lbs.
(18.6 – 31.8 kg)
71 – 90 lbs.
(32.3 – 40.9 kg)
91 – 110 lbs.
(41.4 – 50 kg)
dog1 dog2 dog3 dog4 dog7 dog6
> 0.05 Tbsp > 0.5 Tbsp > 1.3 Tbsp > 2 Tbsp > 3.5 Tbsp > 4.5 Tbsp
Cats: Sodium Chloride Toxic Consumption
Most Cats Large Cats
1 – 10 lbs.
(0.45 – 4.6 kg)
11 – 25 lbs.
(5 – 11.4 kg)
cat1 fat cat
> 0.05 Tbsp > 0.5 Tbsp

References:
– Osweiler, G, et al. (2011). Blackwell’s five-minute veterinary consult clinical companion. Small Animal Toxicology. [Kindle version]. Retrieved from Amazon.com

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