Does My Dog Need Salt? Both sodium and chloride are heavily involved in cellular function, acid-base balance, fluid balance and nerve signal transmission. Salt deficiency may cause abnormalities in heart rhythm, restlessness, dry mucus membranes, excess fluid intake and excess urination, among other issues (2).
How do you know if your dog is lacking salt?
Clinical signs of sodium deficiency include restlessness, tachycardia, polydipsia and polyuria, dry and tacky mucous membranes and haemoconcentration (Drochner et al, 1976). Dogs' minimum dietary requirement for sodium has been established at 5mg/kg bw/ day (Drochner et al, 1976; Morris et al, 1976).
What causes low sodium levels in dogs?
Etiology: Hyponatremia almost always results from an increase in total body water (TBW), and not from loss of sodium. Abnormalities in antidiuretic hormone (ADH) are commonly part of the etiology of hyponatremia. Diagnosis: Diagnosis of hyponatremia focuses on the cause of the increase of TBW.
Can I add salt to my dogs food?
No, salt is not recommended for dogs. Too much salt can cause vomiting, diarrhea, muscle tremors, incoordination, and seizures in dogs.
