How much sodium should dogs get in their diets?

According to this report by The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, a 33-pound dog who eats 1,000 calories a day should not consume more than 200 mg of sodium per day. Generally speaking, if your pup is healthy and doesn’t need sodium restriction in his diet, foods with at least 0.5% of sodium content are the ones you want to focus on.

What happens if my dog overdoses on sodium?

If for some reason your dog consumes too much salt in a short time and there’s no water available, he’ll experience the destruction of brain cells as his body tries to release water to even out the levels of salt in the blood. This can lead to headaches, dizziness and even seizures.

Should I supplement my dog’s diet with sodium?

Because sodium is such an important mineral, many pet owners feel like they should supplement their dog’s diet with salt. However, if you’re feeding your pup a regular diet and purchasing from reputable brands, there’s no need for supplementation.

What do I do if my dog begins to show symptoms of dehydration or Hypernatremia (sodium overdose)?

If your dog starts showing signs of excess sodium in her blood, or hypernatremia, which include disorientation, seizures, vomiting, diarrhea or coma, take him to the vet immediately. She or he will take a detailed history of your pet and perform a full physical examination, as well as laboratory tests. The treatment usually consists of correcting your dog’s electrolyte balance, which is done via fluid therapy. In any case, you’ll want to follow your vet’s guidelines and recommendations closely.