In an attempt to keep ourselves from falling on ice, we may actually be harming our pets. Rock salt is the most common form of de-icer used on walkways and driveways.
While it can help melt ice quickly, pets can walk across the material and subsequently lick their paws to prevent irritation. Once ingested, rock salt can have some harmful effects. Here is what to do when your dog eats rock salt:
Call Your Vet — Immediately
The following information is a general guideline and should not be taken as expert advice. If you have a regular vet for your pet, most will answer questions over the phone without the need for an expensive office visit. It is important to consult with your vet if you are worried about the health of your dog.
Monitor Your Pet
If you know how much salt was ingested and it was only a small amount, your dog may only have a few adverse effects. Excessive drooling is a sign of nausea, and your pet may also have burns in his or her mouth. If you notice more severe symptoms, it could be time to act. You can try Famotidine which helps reduce the stomach acid. Get the highest rated Famotidine for Dogs shipped overnight from Amazon starting at $7.10.
Make sure your dog has water, as the rock salt can dehydrate him or her.
When Your Dog Ingests A Medium-Sized Amount Of Rock Salt:
In medium-sized amounts, your dog may vomit repeatedly. This is due to the irritation of the stomach lining. In large dogs, an adult dose of Pepto-Bismol may be given to help soothe the stomach, but, again, double-check with your vet first. Let the dog fast for around 24 hours until the vomiting ceases, then start him or her on a salt-free broth.
Large Amount:
In large amounts, rock salt can be deadly. It can affect the pancreas, liver, and kidneys, or it can severely dehydrate the animal. If your dog drank from a puddle of melted snow that contained rock salt, it is likely he or she ingested a large amount. Seek vet care immediately. If your dog is showing stomach pain, you can try some of these medications that help with stomach relief for dogs. You can find some options and have it shipped overnight starting at $7.49.
TalkLocal Makes Finding A Vet Fast And Free
To get in touch with a vet in your area who can tell you what to do when your dog eats rock salt, TalkLocal provides a free locator service. We’ll connect you with a local vet within minutes. Every second counts when your pet’s health is on the line.
