Overview

Large salt ingestion from salty snacks, homemade play dough, rock salt, or salt lamps can cause dangerous sodium elevation (hypernatremia) in pets. Dogs are most commonly affected because they eat large amounts quickly. As sodium levels rise, water shifts out of brain cells and can cause severe neurologic signs, including tremors and seizures. Even products that seem harmless in small tastes become dangerous when eaten in quantity.

Symptoms

Vomiting, tremors, confusion, seizures

Typical onset

1-4 hours

What to do

Seek emergency care for moderate or large ingestions.