Salt lamps have become very popular in recent years. They put off a soft, warm glow that makes the room feel cozier. It’s also thought that salt lamps can do other things such as clean the air in a room, improve your mood and even help people sleep.
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But happens if your dog eats a salt lamp?
What is a Salt Lamp?
Salt lamps, also known as Himalayan salt lamps, are room lamps that have a decorative function. They’re made from pink salt chunks that comes from the Himalayas. Many also believe the lamps, due to their pink salt, provide several health benefits.
The lamps are beautiful, but can a salt lamp be dangerous for your dog?
Salt Lamps & Dogs
In researching this article, you’d be surprised at the number of issues we found of dogs that have eaten salt lamps. What on earth would make a dog eat a salt lamp? It turns out that they, like us, can become hooked on salt. And salt can be toxic to dogs.
If a dog likes the taste of salt, they may go over to the lamp and lick it quite often. They may even like it so much they decide to eat the lamp. When salt is eaten in large amounts it can cause salt toxicity in dogs (and cats).
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Ask a Vet Live NowSalt Toxicity in Dogs
Salt toxicity only occurs when a dog has eaten a large amount of salt. When this happens, the dog’s kidneys are not able to remove salt from the dog’s blood by excreting it through urine. When the salt levels increase, it causes dehydration which can lead to muscle and nerve problems. It can also cause behavioral issues, and more.
You may notice these symptoms if your dog has eaten a salt lamp:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Trouble walking
- Behavioral issues
- Difficulty seeing
- Seizures
- Coma
- High fever
- Increased heart rate
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle spasms
- Breathing difficulty
If your dog has eaten a salt lamp and is showing these symptoms, then call the vet immediately. This could be a life-threatening emergency.
Treatment of Salt Toxicity in Dogs
At the vet’s, they will perform a physical exam of your dog, as well as run lab work. Treatment will probably include supplemental oxygen and IV fluids to treat dehydration. When sodium levels are this high, the vet will take care to slowly lower the sodium in your dog. Going too fast could gas a heart attack or even brain swelling. This process may last as long as three days. In addition, the vet will treat any other symptoms as they develop.
Your dog has a very good chance at a full recovery if he receives prompt medical care. And if your dog loves salt that much, it’s a good idea to either move any salt lamps where he can’t get them, or put them in rooms and close the door to keep your dog out.
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Kyoko
Kyoko is from a family of 3 and moved to New York with her parents and siblings when she was 13. Kyoko is fond of spending a great amount of time with pets, specifically her beagle Luna and cat Missy. Her boyfriend often complains that she spends too much time giving attention to their animals. Kyoko has written dozens of articles concerning pets and is aiming at owning a pet shop one day!
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