Dog Ate Epsom Salt : (9 Menacing Health Risks)

It can be very alarming to learn that your dog has eaten some Epsom salt. Once you learn that your dog has eaten Epsom salt, you are likely to have many questions: including on what is likely to happen next, whether the salt will harm the dog, and what you need to do. This article has the answers.

If your dog ate Epsom salt in a huge quantity, then he is at risk of salt poisoning. This may manifest through symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, excess urination and thirst. In the worst cases, it can lead to spasms, seizures, coma and ultimately even death.

If the dog happened to have just a few licks of Epsom salt, the worst you may see is some diarrhea and maybe nausea, with unusual thirst and urination.

That is also the case if the dog just happened to take a few laps of dilute bath water with Epsom salt in it.

But if the dog ate Epsom salt in huge quantity, then its life is at risk. You therefore need to rush it to the vet as soon as possible. At least call the pet poison hotline for dog Epsom salt ingestion advice.

Thus if you had the will Epsom salt hurt dogs question, that is what you need to know.

If a dog eats lots of Epsom salt, it can suffer a great deal of harm. The Epsom salt toxicity dogs experience manifests as classic dog salt poisoning. It can lead to terrible outcomes, including even pet death.

What Is Epsom Salt?

Epsom salt is a compound that comes into being as a result of the reaction between magnesium, sulfur and oxygen. Its chemical name is Magnesium Sulfate.

It has lots of real-life day to day applications. People typically add it to baths, in order to get relief from muscle, neck, back and headaches.

There are even cases in which dogs use it – externally, in baths – to get relief from arthritis, various injuries’ pain and stiffness.

It is present in many products as an additive. Examples of products in which you often find Epsom salt include body lotions, window frosts and certain fertilizers.

Is Epsom Salt Safe For Dogs?

The question as to whether Epsom salt is safe for dogs is one that comes up quite often.

Alongside it come related questions like, can I put Epsom salt in my dog’s bath? Can dogs have Epsom salt baths? Can I give my dog an Epsom salt bath? And so on.

So, indeed and in general terms, are Epsom salts safe for dogs? Or if not, will Epsom salt hurt dogs?

The true position is that Epsom salt is only safe for dogs if they soak in Epsom baths. In that case, it can be beneficial.

But Epsom salt is very toxic to dogs, if they happen to ingest it.

To reiterate, if dogs soak in Epsom salt baths, it is safe for them. But if dogs happen to ingest (eat/drink) Epsom salt, it is toxic to them.

Thus if you had questions like, is Epsom salt OK for dogs and can Epsom salt be used on dogs, now you know the answer.

Epsom salt baths are safe for dogs. But Epsom salt ingestion is extremely harmful for dogs.

That is why even when using Epsom salt to relieve a dog’s pain, you are advised to only dip the part of the dog with a problem into the salt bath. That is as opposed to fully immersing the dog in the Epsom salt bath.

The objective is to minimize the risk of the dog accidentally ingesting the Epsom salt bath water.

Will Epsom Salt Hurt Dogs?

Epsom salt can hurt dogs, if they happen to ingest it. It can lead to salt poisoning, which even has the potential to kill a dog.

But Epsom salt won’t hurt dogs if they happen to, say, soak in Epsom salt baths. That distinction is important.

Thus when someone poses the will Epsom salt hurt dogs question, it is necessary for them to be more specific.

They should be more specific about the context within which they are asking the will Epsom salt hurt dogs question.

Are they asking the will Epsom salt hurt dogs question within the Epsom salt baths context? In that case, the Epsom salt baths are unlikely to harm dogs (if the dogs soak in the Epsom salt baths).

But one may be asking the will Epsom salt hurt dogs question within the Epsom salt ingestion context. In that case, the Epsom salt can hurt the dog greatly (if the dog happens to ingest it).

Thus that sort of clarity when answering the will Epsom salt hurt dogs question is critical.

Epsom salt bath for dogs fleas problems can be an effective solution.

Similarly, Epsom salt baths for dogs arthritis, stiffness and general pain problems can provide some relief.

But then again, some of the purported uses of Epsom salts for dog problems are questionable. Using Epsom salt for dog yeast infection is questionable.

So is using Epsom salt for dogs constipation problems or using Epsom salt for dog cyst problems.

Epsom salt dog wound treatments and using Epsom salt for dogs ears problems is questionable too.

But for things like arthritis pain, stiffness and certain injuries’ pain relief, Epsom salts are proven to be quite effective.

Can Epsom Salt Kill Dogs?

Epsom salt can kill a dog.

If a dog happens to eat lots of Epsom salt, there is a risk of it dying from salt poisoning.

Thus if you had the are Epsom salts toxic to dogs question, now you know the answer. Epsom salts can be toxic to dogs, if dogs happen to eat them.

Even if a dog happens to drink lots of bath water with a high concentration of Epsom salts, it can end up dying as a result.

Earlier, in answering the is Epsom salt good for dogs question, we saw that it is only good if dogs soak in Epsom salt baths.

Then in answering the will Epsom salt hurt dogs question, we saw that Epsom salt is indeed capable of hurting dogs: if they ingest it.

In answering the will Epsom salt hurt dogs question, we reiterated that Epsom is unlikely to hurt dogs if they soak in its baths.

In fact, an Epsom salt bath could soothe your dog’s ailments. There are many benefits of Epsom salt for dogs: but only if the dogs soak in Epsom salt baths.

But still while answering the will Epsom salt hurt dogs question, we made it clear that Epsom salt can hurt them – even kill them – if they happen to ingest it.

What exactly makes Epsom salt toxic to dogs (if they ingest it)? The exact mechanism is one in which, when the dogs ingest Epsom salt, they end up with high salt levels in the blood.

Therefore the high salt level in blood causes water to be drawn from their body cells (to balance it out).

When the cells have water drawn from them, they shrivel and stop functioning as they should. This is what can eventually kill a dog.

What Are The Signs Of Epsom Salt Poisoning In Dogs?

Earlier, in answering the will Epsom salt hurt dogs question, we saw that it can hurt them – by causing salt poisoning – if they happen to ingest it.

This leads to a question on the signs of Epsom salt poisoning in dogs.

The signs of Epsom salt poisoning in dogs include excess thirst and urination, diarrhea, nausea, loss of appetite and lethargy.

If things get worse, further signs include involuntary muscle twitches, spasms, seizures and coma.

What Is The Right Way To Give A Salt Bath To A Dog?

The most important thing, when it comes to giving a dog a salt bath is to ensure that you minimize the chances of the dog actually ingesting the salt bath water.

Therefore it is best to only soak the part of the dog that has a problem in the bath water: rather than immersing the whole dog.

It is also ideal to dilute the water greatly.

So those are the key things to observe, while setting up an Epsom salt bath for dogs.

The answer to the can dogs drink Epsom salt water question is a categorical ‘no’. Therefore when setting up an Epsom bath for dogs, do everything you can to minimize the chances of the dog taking in the water.

You may also need to research, to identify the best types of Epsom salt to use in dog baths.

Suppose, for instance, you are considering using Lavender Epsom salt. Try to find an authoritative answer to the is Lavender Epsom salt safe for dogs question.

Only then can you make a decision on whether or not to use the Lavender Epsom salt for dogs baths.

The same applies if you are considering using Dr. Teal’s Epsom salt. Research on the Dr teal’s Epsom salt safe for dogs subject.

Of course, you may be having further questions related to the broader one on how to give a dog an Epsom salt bath.

Those include, are bath salts poisonous to dogs? In particular, is Epsom salt bad for dogs? Can dogs soak in Epsom salt? Is it okay to soak a dog’s foot in Epsom salt and so on.

On the whole, the dog salt soaks/baths are okay: as long as the dog doesn’t ingest the salt.

What Happens If A Dog Drinks Water With Epsom Salt In It?

If a dog drinks water with Epsom salt in it, he may end up suffering from salt poisoning.

We said as much earlier, while answering the will Epsom salt hurt dogs question.

It is best to separate dogs and Epsom salt bath water.

Even if you are using the supposedly better Lavender Epsom salt bath for dogs, you need to do everything you can to ensure that the dogs don’t lap in the salt bath water.

Earlier, we also addressed the are Epsom salt baths safe for dogs, can you use Epsom salt on dogs and can Epsom salt harm dogs questions.

In all those cases, we saw that Epsom salt is alright, as long as the dog doesn’t ingest it. That is also what we reiterated, while addressing the can you use Epsom salt on a dog issue.

Thus Epsom salt baths are beneficial for dogs. But if a dog happens to drink water with Epsom salt in it, that can be very problematic.

So, what if my dog eats Epsom salt (or drinks water with it)? The dog may end up suffering from salt poisoning, which can be fatal.

In more specific terms, the dog may experience excess thirst and urination, nausea, lethargy, loss of appetite and perhaps watery diarrhea.

If the whole thing gets worse, you may start seeing spasms and seizures with the dog eventually going into coma.

Therefore a dog drinking Epsom salt water is a very serious affair. That is especially so if the dog laps up lots of the Epsom salt water, and the water happens to have been very concentrated.

Remember, in addressing the will Epsom salt hurt dogs subject, we saw that it can actually kill them.

My Dog Ate Epsom Salt – Should I Be Worried?

If your dog ate Epsom salt, you have a reason to be worried.

The extent to which you need to worry naturally depends on the amount of Epson salt eaten.

If dog ate Epsom salt in very modest quantity (perhaps just a few licks), then you needn’t worry unduly.

Chances are that the dog’s body will be able to handle the salt. Even then, you need to observe the dog closely, for any unusual signs.

But if the dog ate Epsom salt in huge quantity, then you have an emergency on your hands.

This is actually the case even if the dog ate bath salts of any other type: besides Epsom.

The problem with Epsom salt and dogs is in the fact that they often get into contact easily.

Your dog may get exposed to Epsom salt while you are preparing an Epsom salt bath for yourself. So you find your dog ate Epsom salt in that context.

The dog may also get exposed to Epsom salt while you are preparing an Epsom salt for him (the dog). You thus find the dog ate Epsom salt in that scenario.

So that is the basis for Epsom salt pets at home exposure.

If you research on a question like, if I use Lavender Epsom Balt salts will it hurt my pets, you will notice one thing. You will notice that most resources talk about the possibility of the dogs accidentally eating the salt.

What does Epsom salt do for dogs? It causes them to suffer from salt poisoning, which can be fatal.

That is why a case in which your dog ate Epsom salt in any form should be cause for worry.

My Dog Ate Epsom Salt – What Is Likely To Happen?

If the dog ate Epsom salt in modest quantity, he may end up not suffering too much harm. Even then, you may notice unusual thirst, urination and perhaps nausea with a bit of diarrhea.

If the dog ate Epsom salt in a big quantity, he may be in great trouble. He may suffer full-blown salt poisoning, with symptoms like lethargy, loss of appetite, muscle twitches, respiratory problems and fast heart rate.

The dog may also start having seizures, and go into a coma.

Earlier, while exploring the will Epsom salt hurt dogs subject, we saw that the worst case outcome can be death.

Therefore, if the dog ate Epsom salt in large quantity, that remains an unfortunate possibility. But with urgent measures, you may increase the chances for better outcomes.

My Dog Ate Epsom Salt – What Should I Do?

If the dog ate Epsom salt in a large quantity, you need to rush him to the vet immediately. At least call pet poison hotline, explain that your dog ate Epsom salt, and seek guidance.

The same applies, even if the dog happens to only have drank lots of water with Epsom in it.

If the dog ate Epsom salt in a modest amount, you still need to observe him closely. Provide lots of drinking water. If you see any unusual signs such as difficulties breathing, muscle twitches or seizures, rush the dog to the vet.

What Treatment Is Offered To A Dog That Ate Epsom Salt?

Most dogs that eat Epsom salt are given treatment using IV fluids.  Thus if your dog  ate Epsom salt in a huge amount, and is suffering from bad salt poisoning, chances are that it will be put on IV fluid.

Those with respiratory problems may be put on oxygen. Therefore if your dog ate Epsom salt in a huge quantity, this may be necessary.

Electrolyte therapy may also be administered, to even out the effects that salt poisoning causes.

How Long Will A Dog That Ate Epsom Salt Take To Recover?

If a dog ate Epsom salt in modest quantity, recovery may take just a few days – three or so.

But if the dog ate Epsom salt in a huge quantity, to the point of requiring IV fluids and electrolytes, then the path to recovery may be long and difficult.

It may take as many as 3 weeks for the dog to start showing signs of being their former self.

And it could be as many as 2 months before you can think about complete recovery.

Final Verdict – Dog Ate Epsom Salt

If a dog eats Epsom salt, it is at risk of suffering from salt poisoning.

Signs of salt poisoning in a dog can include excess thirst and urination, lethargy, loss of appetite, nausea and diarrhea.

Worse cases of salt poisoning in dogs may manifest through breathing difficulties, fast heart rate, involuntary spasms, seizures and coma.

At worst, the salt poisoning that arises as a result of a dog eating Epsom salt can be fatal.

The same outcomes also apply if a dog happens to lap up bath water with (concentrated) Epsom salt in it.

If your dog ingested just a little Epsom salt, you still need to observe it closely for any unusual symptoms. In the meantime, provide plenty of water and rest.

If your dog ingested lots of Epsom salt, treat it as an emergency. Rush the dog to the vet. Or at least call the pet poison hotline, explain the case of dog eating Epsom salt, and get guidance.

Treatment for a dog that ate much Epsom salt typically entails the use of IV fluids for rehydration and administration of electrolytes.

With proper supportive care, some dogs with severe cases of salt poisoning are able to recover in due course.

As a pet lover, make sure to learn about pet more and give your pet dog a good and comfortable life!

Rajkumar Ravichandran

Welcome to Learn About Pet. My name is Rajkumar Ravichandran and I love all pets, travel, and amazing food. I write about my passion and personal experience caring for multiple pets in this blog! ❤️