Salt Water Poisoning: Dangers of Dogs Ingesting Too Much Sea Water

Many dog owners have witnessed the joy of their furry friend bounding into the waves at the beach, snapping at the incoming tide, or taking a hearty gulp of ocean water in the midst of play. But have you ever paused to wonder if drinking salt water is bad for dogs? If so, how much is too much? While the ocean offers endless fun for our four-legged friends, the saltwater they ingest might tell a different story.

In this article, we dive deep into the effects of drinking salt water on dogs and how much they can drink before it’s a concern. You’ll understand what happens when Fido takes a sip from the sea and how to ensure his beach day remains a safe one. We also address how to treat salt poisoning in dogs at home. 

Let’s jump in! 

My Dog Keeps Drinking Ocean Water, What Do I Do?

A dog that keeps drinking ocean water can be concerning as it poses potential health risks. Ocean water is salty and contains minerals that can be harmful when ingested in large quantities. 

Signs of saltwater poisoning in dogs include discomfort or illness, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive thirst. Be sure to seek immediate veterinary attention if any of these occur during or after a visit to the ocean. Always prioritize your dog’s health and safety by taking proactive measures to prevent them from consuming excessive salty water.

So what do you do to stop it? If your dog repeatedly drinks ocean water during beach visits, it’s essential to take action. Start by trying to discourage your pet from drinking salty water by offering fresh, clean water throughout your beach outing. Bring plenty of water along and a portable water bowl. Also, keep a close eye on your dog when near ocean water and redirect its attention to toys, treats, or games.

Is It Dangerous for Dogs to Drink Sea Water?

Yes, it is dangerous for dogs to drink seawater. While a few laps aren’t going to have much of an impact, your dog may continue to sneak drinks. Sea water is highly saline. Once a dog has a drink, it’ll likely make them even more thirsty, thus starting a spiral of even more saltwater drinking. When a dog drinks too much ocean water, excessive salt intake can lead to dehydration and nausea.

Dehydration can be life-threatening if not addressed promptly. Too much salt build up in its body causes cells to release their water content to try to balance out the sodium disparity. The high salt content can cause electrolyte imbalances, which may result in vomiting, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal issues. In severe cases, salt poisoning can occur, leading to neurological symptoms, seizures, kidney problems, and even death. 

What Exactly Is Salt Water Poisoning in Dogs? 

Salt water poisoning, also known as hypernatremia or salt toxicity, is a potentially life-threatening condition that can affect dogs when they ingest excessive amounts of salt. When canines drink ocean or seawater, the high levels of sodium overwhelm their kidneys’ ability to filter and excrete it efficiently. As a result, the body tries to dilute the excess salt by drawing water from surrounding tissues into the bloodstream, leading to dehydration and an electrolyte imbalance. 

So, why is sodium important and dangerous at the same time? Sodium helps regulate blood volume, blood pressure, pH, and the electrical conductivity of cells. It helps balance the amount of water inside cells and is essential for muscles and nerves to do their job. The kidneys regulate how much sodium is in a dog’s body. When there’s too much sodium the balance of water to sodium is off and hypernatremia can occur.

How Much Salt Water Will Make a Dog Sick? 

The amount of salt water that is toxic and can make a dog sick varies depending on the size of the dog and the concentration of salt in the water. In general, a relatively small intake of ocean water can lead to mild symptoms of saltwater poisoning. The more a dog drinks, the greater the risk of severe symptoms. Even a few gulps of salt water can be problematic for smaller dogs, while larger dogs might be able to tolerate slightly more. But there’s no “safe” amount of salt water for canines, so it’s best to prevent them from drinking it altogether. 

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of a Dog With Salt Water Poisoning? 

The primary signs and symptoms of a dog with salt water poisoning include increased thirst, vomiting, and diarrhea. These symptoms can come on within three hours after drinking the water. Depending on how much the pup ingests it may become very dehydrated quickly, leading to excessive drooling, dry and tacky gums, and lethargy. As the condition worsens, the dog may experience muscle spasms, difficulty walking, seizures, and confusion. In extreme cases where they don’t get fresh water for hours, saltwater poisoning can sometimes lead to death.

The duration of saltwater poisoning and its symptoms are difficult to predict. In mild cases where the dog has consumed a small amount, symptoms may resolve with rehydration and care within a few hours or a day. However, in more severe cases, the recovery process can take several days or even longer. Seek veterinary attention if your dog shows any signs of salt water poisoning to ensure you’re administering proper treatment. Your vet will advise you on what to do at home or recommend being seen by them for evaluation. 

How Do You Treat Salt Water Poisoning in Dogs at Home?

To treat saltwater poisoning in dogs at home, offer your pup sips of fresh water every 20-30 mins. This will help it rehydrate calmly, as drinking too much freshwater too fast can also cause stomach upset. Be sure to monitor your pet closely and if it has rapidly increasing symptoms or is refusing to drink, contact your vet right away. 

IV (intravenous) fluids are often needed in severe cases to regulate water intake more rapidly so that dehydration doesn’t lead to bigger problems. Your vet will also monitor the dog’s electrolyte levels and potentially administer medications to manage symptoms such as vomiting or seizures.

What Are the Best Ways to Prevent a Dog From Drinking Sea Water? 

The best way to prevent saltwater poisoning is to keep a close watch on your dog during beach visits and provide them with plenty of fresh, clean water to discourage them from drinking out of the ocean. Carry a portable water bottle and bowl with you and offer it to your dog consistently throughout your time at the ocean or keep it on the ground close to you. Forcing water play breaks every 15-20 minutes can help keep them hydrated with fresh water and prevent overdoing it.

Engaging your dog in activities like fetch or tug-of-war at the beach is a good way to keep it occupied and less tempted to drink salt water. You may also want to focus on beach time only and not allow your pup to enter the water.

Also, keeping your dog on a leash helps prevent drinking sea water since you have better control over it versus running off-leash. But well-trained dogs are attentive to voice commands, so don’t be afraid to let your dog off-leash and redirect it with a command when attempting to drink ocean water. 

Another tip for keeping your pup from ingesting salt water is to be sure to rinse it off with fresh water after time at the beach. This will remove any salt residue from its fur in case it licks itself.

Taking these preventive measures helps ensure their safety and enjoyment during beach adventures.

Suggested Reading: Some dogs love the beach for the sunshine too. Learn how to protect your pup from the sun.

Avoid Salt Water Poisoning the Next Time You Take Your Dog to the Sea

Have fun and relax the next time you’re at the beach with your dog by using the tips in this article to avoid saltwater poisoning. Your pup can still enjoy the ocean! We also recommend looking for freshwater options near you for your dog to enjoy like rivers or inland lakes.

Suggested Reading: Michigan has a lot of freshwater lakes, big and small, with dog beaches. Check out our favorite pet-friendly beaches in Michigan that won’t make your dog sick!