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Can dogs eat salt? What harm does salt do to dogs?

Pet Knowledge
This article is provided by Veterinarian Dr. Emma Watson
Dogs can eat salt in moderation. Moderate intake of salt is beneficial to dogs, because the sodium ions and chloride ions in salt are important substances for maintaining the electrolyte balance and water balance in the dog's body, and also help to promote the dog's metabolism. . However, excessive salt intake is indeed harmful to the health of dogs. It may affect the health of the coat, and may also cause diarrhea or dehydration, tear stains, or increase the burden on the kidneys. The owner should mix the food reasonably and control the salt intake to ensure the health of the dog.

1. Affects the health of the hair:

Excessive salt will affect the health of the dog's hair, causing the hair to fade, fall off, and even cause skin diseases.

2. Diarrhea or dehydration:

Excessive salt will also make dogs thirsty, thereby increasing water intake, which may lead to problems such as diarrhea and dehydration.

3. Tear stains:

Excessive salt will cause tear stains in dogs. This is because dogs’ tear glands and sweat glands are not developed and cannot excrete excess toxins from the body through sweating like humans. Salt, too much salt will cause the dog to shed more tears, thereby stimulating the secretion of the lacrimal glands and forming tear stains.

4. Increase the burden on the kidneys:

Excessive salt will also put a burden on the dog's kidneys, and in severe cases may even lead to kidney failure. Because excess salt in a dog's body needs to be metabolized by the kidneys, long-term excessive salt intake will overburden the kidneys and affect their normal function.

When owners feed their dogs, they must control their salt intake and avoid giving their dogs salty food. Under normal circumstances, dog food already contains the salt and trace elements that dogs need, and there is no need to add additional salt. If the owner wants to increase the taste of the dog, he can choose some low-salt snacks or canned food, but he must control the intake and not rely too much on it.


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