In the recent years a DIY Christmas ornament craft has become very popular for both parents of little kids AND pets and while it is an adorable keep sake, it has also sadly caused the death of thousands of pets. Every parent and dog owner should be aware of how TOXIC and even deadly SALT DOUGH ornaments are for animals.
Many people create ornaments with custom hand or paw prints but the danger to our dogs usually comes later on when the item is hung on the tree.
Salt Dough is a simple recipe of water, flour and salt that you can form into the shape of your choice and create something to hang on the tree. While the ornaments are fun and easy to make, they are also commonly found by dogs and easily do serious damage to their health.
If your dog eats the dough, the extreme high levels of sodium in the blood (called hypernatremia) can cause seizures and, if left untreated, can cause death. Sadly, many dogs find these and take them off the tree when left unattended at home and in some cases owners don't even realize it is missing until it's far too late.
Symptoms of Salt Dough Toxicity include
Excessive Thirst
Incoordination / "Drunk" Walking
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Excessive Urination
Lethargy
Muscle Twitching/Tremors
Coma and Seizures (extreme cases)
If you know your dog has ingested salt dough, you may proceed with inducing vomiting at home, but only if...
It was consumed less than an hour ago (if more than 1-2 hours inducing vomiting is not effective, seek immediate Veterinary care)
Your dog is not showing signs of the poisoning yet
Your dog is otherwise healthy (no secondary medical conditions)
You have 3% non expired hydrogen peroxide (use this type ONLY)
You've called your trusted Vet team and let them know the situation
If you've checked off all of the above you can induce vomiting by giving them .5-1ml of 3% hydrogen peroxide for every pound of body weight. So if your dog is 50lbs, you can give 25-50mls orally with a syringe.
Only give the hydrogen peroxide once. Too much can result in bloody uncontrolled vomiting and becomes a whole separate issue!
Allow them to walk around, ideally outside, and let them get it all out of there system. Always have fresh water available for them.
If on hand, give Activated Charcoal by mouth with water afterwards to absorb any remaining toxins in their system.
Even if your dog seems fine afterwards, still contact your Veterinarian to let them know of the situation and for any suggestions they may have to follow at home while monitoring closely. Dogs that have been exposed to a toxic such as salt dough should absolutely be seen for a full Veterinary exam and blood work shortly after the incident to ensure the internal organs, such as the Kidneys, are working properly!
IF YOUR DOG ATE THE SALT DOUGH OVER 1-2 HOURS (Maximum) PRIOR TO IT BEING NOTICED, DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING AT HOME AND CONTACT YOUR LOCAL EMERGENCY VET CLINIC IMMEDIATELY. DO NOT MONITOR AT HOME. After 1-2 hours inducing vomiting will not be effective and it is already in their system.
These are very fun to make and are great long lasting keep sakes to make with your family! Just please ensure all your friends and family know to HANG THEM HIGH AND OUT OF REACH of curious dogs who may be tempted with naughty list behaviors like sampling off the tree!
Please share with all your dog-people this Christmas!🎄🐶💖
🐾 Chayse Fulton
Canine Health Canada Instructor
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