Ellen’s K9 Korner

06/28/2025

Truth !

06/04/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EFC6z7Kev/?mibextid=wwXIfr

05/30/2025

Good summer info if you like to visit the beach

SALT WATER TOXICITY AND YOUR CANINE
By Megan Davis DVM
Suburban Animal Hospital

As summer weather approaches many owners are tempted to take their dogs to the beach or on the boat. You know the risks of heat stroke and what to watch for; but do you know about salt toxicity? This can be a common but serious problem in Southwest Florida. Knowing the symptoms could be life saving for your pup.

Initial signs are usually diarrhea and occasionally vomiting. The animal will likely also have excessive thirst. This then progresses to lethargy (which could easily be dismissed as simply being tired from a day out). Pets become uncoordinated (walking like they're drunk), anxious and confused. They may develop tremors and, in severe cases, the dog starts have seizures which may be fatal.

Salt toxicity doesn't just occur from intentional drinking of seawater. Dogs can also ingest large amounts from jumping into the water and many cases I've seen were from playing fetch with balls in the water or at the water’s edge.

If you suspect salt toxicity in your dog, you should seek veterinary care immediately. The vet is likely to recommend bloodwork to determine the sodium level in your pet’s blood then fluids to try and flush it out. Depending on severity this often needs to be done slowly as lowering the sodium level too quickly can cause swelling of the brain; thus hospitalization may be necessary.

The best way to prevent this is by providing lots of access to fresh clean water and have your dog take frequent breaks in the shade. Monitor them closely so you can disrupt them if they start drinking from the ocean. And be sure to rinse the saltwater off their fur when you get home.

05/26/2025

04/16/2025

Love this rescue ❤️❤️❤️

04/07/2025