Salt Water Ingestion
Salt Water Poisoning
We think it cannot happen to us…. But it can.
Poppy and her friend Annie had so much fun playing in the water last week. But Annie came out of the water and threw up, then had explosive diarrhea. I’ve honestly never seen anything like it.
My first thoughts were salt water ingestion, even though no one had noticed her drinking ocean water.
Common symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea. Amazingly a body will respond quickly to purge something like salt water in a hurry. This can actually lead to dehydration — fast. Electrolytes will get out of balance and your dog can become critically ill.
We gave small amounts of clean water in 15-minute intervals. At home, after a couple of intervals, I added Ningxia Red (a whole system supportive nutrient drink) to the water to add in some and she liked that. They know when they need added support.
We withheld food for a while to get her rehydrated and let the body systems reset with the Ningxia Red
Thankfully, Annie was just fine after expelling the water she ingested.
Here are a few reminders for all from this experience we had at the beach:
Salt water ingestion can actually become a life-threatening emergency. Especially if elimination issues are persistent, if the dog becomes lethargic, etc.
Educate yourself, watch for symptoms keep first aid supplies near by. Keep fresh water with you anytime you have dogs with you for outdoor activities.
If you are on vacation in a new town know where the emergency vet is (have the number saved in your phone for the local er vet and poison control). Know how to self test for dehydration, know how to evaluate your dogs gums and tongue, pulse, etc … just in case!
Know CPR.
I always have Ningxia Red on hand for many health benefit reasons and am grateful for my first aid knowledge and my fist aid kit(s)! But you could grab some Pedialyte or make a honey/salted water recipe for hydration. Keep something in your first aid kit at all times.
The beach and vacay are big fun. Keep them safe and healthy. Keep Fresh Waster On Hand!
Water Intoxication
Even a dog drinking from a garden hose, sprinkler, or pool can put your dog at risk of Water Intoxication. I
Symptoms of Water Intoxication: include staggering, vomiting, pale gums and dilated pupils. In severe cases, there may also be difficulty breathing, collapse, loss of consciousness, seizures, coma, and death. It is a medical emergency and it can happen very fast. If you know your dog has been playing in the water and see these symptoms seem immediate veterinary care.
Water intoxication causes hyponatremia, a condition in which sodium levels drop to dangerously low levels. Sodium is essential to support blood pressure and the function of muscles and nerves. Hyponatremia is a condition in which more water enters the body than the body can process. The excessive amount of water dilutes bodily fluids, creating an electrolyte balance.
In short, it’s a form of drowning!
Veterinary treatment typically involves IV fluids of electrolytes, diuretics, and medications to reduce brain swelling. With aggressive veterinary care, some dogs do recover, but sadly many do not.
Recipe for DIY Hydration after Salt Water Poisoning vomiting & diarrhea.
1 ½-2 cups water
1/8 to 1/4 tsp Himalayan Sea Salt
2 tsp raw honey
1/2 lemon juiced or equivalent lemon juice concentrate — you could also use a couple of drops of high-quality lemon essential oil.