How much salt is safe for dogs?

Hey everyone, I’ve been wondering about how much salt is okay for dogs to eat. I know dogs can have a little, but I read somewhere that too much salt can be really bad for them. Does anyone know the specifics? Like, how much is too much? And is it okay to give them salty snacks occasionally?

Yeah, I read somewhere that salt can be toxic to dogs if they eat too much. Something like 2-3 grams per kilogram can be harmful, and 4 grams per kilogram can even be lethal. Definitely need to watch out for that!

@Val
Wait, what does 2-3 grams per kilogram mean? Like, how do you even measure that?

Jesse said:
@Val
Wait, what does 2-3 grams per kilogram mean? Like, how do you even measure that?

Good question! It basically means how much salt per kilogram of your dog’s body weight. So for a 10 kg dog, 20-30 grams could be harmful. Hope that helps!

Jesse said:
@Val
Wait, what does 2-3 grams per kilogram mean? Like, how do you even measure that?

FYI, 20 grams is like a tablespoon of salt. Just to give you a visual!

I give my dog a pinch of salt sometimes with their food, and they seem fine. Is that okay?

Aris said:
I give my dog a pinch of salt sometimes with their food, and they seem fine. Is that okay?

Yeah, a pinch every now and then is fine. Just don’t make it a daily thing. Too much salt can cause issues like excessive thirst, vomiting, or even seizures.

Aris said:
I give my dog a pinch of salt sometimes with their food, and they seem fine. Is that okay?

Exactly. Also, salty snacks like chips should be avoided—they’re just not good for dogs!

What should I do if my dog eats something salty by accident? Like, if they get into chips or something?

Wendell said:
What should I do if my dog eats something salty by accident? Like, if they get into chips or something?

First, take away the salty snacks right away. Then, call your vet ASAP. Don’t try any homemade remedies—it’s best to let the vet guide you.

Wendell said:
What should I do if my dog eats something salty by accident? Like, if they get into chips or something?

Yeah, vets can handle it better. My vet once told me to just keep my dog hydrated and bring them in if they seemed off.

What are the signs of salt toxicity? Just in case I need to know…

Madden said:
What are the signs of salt toxicity? Just in case I need to know…

Some signs include excessive thirst, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle tremors, or even seizures. If you notice these, get to the vet fast!

Madden said:
What are the signs of salt toxicity? Just in case I need to know…

Don’t forget swelling or fluid retention too. That can happen if they’ve had way too much salt.

Does pet insurance cover emergencies like salt poisoning?

Koa said:
Does pet insurance cover emergencies like salt poisoning?

Some plans do! Spot Pet Insurance, for example, can cover emergency treatments like this. You should check your plan for details.

Koa said:
Does pet insurance cover emergencies like salt poisoning?

I have Spot, and it’s been a lifesaver. They even let you customize your plan based on your budget!