Why it is poisonous to dogs
In winter, pavements and yards are spread with salt or other substances that melt ice. They get between a dog's toes and onto its paw pads, which start to sting, dry out and crack. At home the dog licks its paws and swallows the salt.
Licked-off salt can irritate the mouth and stomach: the dog vomits, has diarrhoea and drinks a lot. It is more dangerous if a dog eats salt from a bag or a heap by the entrance: then the body's salt balance can be upset, which affects the nervous system.
After a winter walk it is worth rinsing your dog's paws in lukewarm water and drying them. If your dog vomits, staggers, trembles or has cracked pads, contact a vet.
What to watch out for
- The paw pads can become irritated, dry and cracked.
- Licked-off salt can cause vomiting and diarrhoea.
- The dog can become thirsty and drink a lot.
- After eating salt from a bag or heap, staggering, trembling or seizures can follow.
The forms it comes in
The same substance can turn up in different places.
-
Salt on the paws
Not safeIt irritates the pads, and the dog licks it off.
-
A bag or heap of salt
DangerousIf your dog ate salt straight from a bag or heap, contact a vet straight away.
What it can cause
Signs that can appear after eating it. Each page explains what to look out for and when to hurry to a vet.