My Dog Licked Epsom Salt What Should I Do?

Epsom salt is an old-fashioned remedy that actually works on a wide range of health issues. However, what happens if a dog licks Epsom salt?

Has your dog licked Epsom salt? Are you worried the Epsom salt will make your dog sick? If so, then you’ve come to the right place. We understand it can be scary when something like this happens.

In this article, we’ll take a look at Epsom salt and whether or not it can make a dog sick. Let’s get started!

What is Epsom Salt?

Epsom salt, also called magnesium sulfate, is a chemical substance that consists of oxygen, magnesium, and sulfur. This amazing home remedy takes its name from the town of Epsom in  Surrey, England. This is the place Epsom salt was first discovered.

While the name of this home remedy contains the word “salt,” Epsom salt is completely different from table salt. Unlike table salt, Epsom salt has a bitter taste that humans don’t like. It does look very similar to table salt and can be dissolved in water (such as a bath). You may sometimes hear Epsom salt referred to as “bath salt.”

Epsom salt has been used for hundreds of years to treat everything from constipation, insomnia, and arthritis, and more. The active ingredient in bath salt is magnesium.

What’s more, Epsom salt is easy to find. Just head over to your local grocery store, drug store, or department store, and you’ll most likely find Epsom salt for sale.

Humans continue to use Epsom salt to this day. And it’s also used to treat animals! However, what happens if a dog licks Epsom salt?

Epsom Salt & Dogs

The good news is that Epsom salt is not toxic to dogs. However, if a dog licks enough of the salt, it’s possible he could develop diarrhea. That’s because Epsom salt can have a laxative effect.

If your dog has licked a very small amount of Epsom salt, he should be OK. However, do watch to see if your dog develops diarrhea and/or other gastrointestinal issues. If these last longer than 24 hours, then it’s best to call the vet.

The vet will have medications available to stop diarrhea (and other symptoms) and will be able to ensure your dog has not become dehydrated from repeated bouts of diarrhea.

The prognosis is excellent for dogs that drink Epsom salt! Other than some tummy trouble, your dog should be just fine and make a full recovery!