Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
Along with beach walks and swimming, taking your dog on the boat and watching them dive into the water is something many pet owners enjoy. They feel it creates a bonding moment and helps their pet get some well-needed activity and exercise, but what many people are unaware of is that it can be deadly.
With just a small amount of ingested saltwater, pets can become lethargic and have gastrointestinal upset like diarrhea and vomiting, but when large amounts are gulped down, it’s a matter a life and death. It can cause swelling of the dehydration, kidney failure, comas, brain swelling, seizures, and death.
The body will attempt to balance the level of salt in the blood. This attempt to empty the blood and rid it of salt can cause the brain to swell rapidly, which triggers seizures.
If your pet is experiencing excessive thirst, lack of appetite, GI disorders, lethargy, or seizures, it’s imperative to seek emergency veterinary care immediately.
There is a drug that, if administered quickly, can help the brain, and IV fluids can also help to balance out the electrolytes. It’s best to seek care urgently because these situations are delicate and escalate rather quickly.
Animal Oasis Veterinary Hospital wants to spread the word on the importance of keeping your pets safe. Dogs don’t know the difference between fresh and saltwater. They lap up the water, and before their owner knows it, they are extremely ill. These situations are dire, and it’s often best to keep your fury children home when you’re boating or visiting the beach. There are also many incidents of shark attacks on dogs, so keeping them cool and hydrated in the safety of their home environment is optimal in most cases. If you think making them drink freshwater will balance out the salt intake, it does not. The only thing that ensures their wellbeing is not to take them in saltwater.
Animal Oasis Saltwater Intoxication
Treatment Details
Oxygen, IV fluid therapy and electrolytes will be administered to manage dehydration. It’s imperative to gradually bring down the salt level to avoid heart attacks and long term brain disorders. It can take several days to rebalance the salt and electrolytes in the blood. Sometimes enemas are used to help achieve optimal results. Brain swelling can be improved by a few different drugs, such as Mannitol and Dexamethasone. It will take a few days of care in most cases.
Again, it’s best to avoid all saltwater play with your pets, and equally as important to avoid feeding your pets salty foods for the same reasons.
Contact Animal Oasis Veterinary Hospital to schedule a wellness exam, vaccinations, and calming medications for your pets today!
Animal Oasis Veterinary Hospital in Naples offers the most up to date and progressive veterinary services for your pets. Ranging from laser surgery, ultrasound, dental X-rays, radiology, full pharmacy, and in house diagnostics, Animal Oasis Veterinary Hospital provides your pets with the necessary options for treatment.
We look forward to giving you the best customer experience. From fresh cookies, coffees, and sodas in our front lobby, to the nice, warm smiles to welcome you as you enter, and our flat screen televisions in each exam room for your enjoyment, we know you will love it here. Thanks for giving us this opportunity to earn your business.
the blood. Sometimes enemas are used to help achieve optimal results. Brain swelling can be improved by a few different drugs, such as Mannitol and Dexamethasone. It will take a few days of care in most cases.
Again, it’s best to avoid all saltwater play with your pets, and equally as important to avoid feeding your pets salty foods for the same reasons.
Contact Animal Oasis Veterinary Hospital to schedule a wellness exam, vaccinations, and calming medications for your pets today!
Animal Oasis Veterinary Hospital in Naples offers the most up to date and progressive veterinary services for your pets. Ranging from laser surgery, ultrasound, dental X-rays, radiology, full pharmacy, and in house diagnostics, Animal Oasis Veterinary Hospital provides your pets with the necessary options for treatment.
We look forward to giving you the best customer experience. From fresh cookies, coffees, and sodas in our front lobby, to the nice, warm smiles to welcome you as you enter, and our flat screen televisions in each exam room for your enjoyment, we know you will love it here. Thanks for giving us this opportunity to earn your business.
ANIMAL OASIS VETERINARY HOSPITAL
239-431-9667
www.aovethospital.com