Among our four-legged friends, some gluttons don’t care what they eat as long as they swallow it without even chewing it. There are also gourmet dogs – lovers of spices, salty and smoked foods. Even if you do not give your pet pickles, the likelihood of eating them is high if he belongs to this category of animals. What should you do if your dog steals and eats a pickled cucumber? How dangerous is this, and can a pet get poisoned? Is it possible to give pickles to dogs?
Are there any benefits to pickles?
Theoretically, you can give your dog a piece of pickled cucumber. The product is non-toxic to animals and does not pose a mortal danger. Fresh cucumbers are a source of potassium, iron, magnesium, vitamins, and fiber. After cooking, some of these essential substances remain in the vegetable. An additional bonus with salting is the increase in potassium and sodium content.
A small amount of pickles (given occasionally) can benefit your dog. Among the effects, it should:
- Improved digestion;
- Increased appetite;
- Prevention of muscle spasms;
- Strengthening the immune system;
We are improving the composition of beneficial intestinal microflora.
Regular table salt is sodium chloride. A lack of sodium ions in a pet’s body disrupts the conduction of nerve impulses in muscle tissue. The dog will get tired quickly, and physical activity will weaken. In addition, sodium maintains osmotic pressure in biological fluids, promoting water molecule retention and preventing cell dehydration.
Owners who feed their dog’s natural food must remember that a large amount of potassium ions enter the pet’s body, which “expels” sodium. The animal should receive a small portion of table salt as a source of sodium ions from the outside.
Please note: sodium chloride in veterinary practice. Indications include disorders such as flatulence, inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, delayed delivery of the placenta after childbirth, and prevention of acidosis.
The harm of pickles for dogs
It is not the pickles that harm the dog, but their quantity. Firstly, there is an excessive intake of table salt, which can cause salt poisoning. Secondly, various ingredients that are dangerous for four-legged friends to the brine during canning or pickling. Garlic and onions pose the greatest danger. Many spicy additives and herbs can be toxic.
Which pets are from salty foods?
Pickles are especially dangerous for dogs suffering from diseases of the following organs:
- Kidneys;
- Heart;
- Joints;
- Pancreas.
- Salty foods for pets with gastrointestinal disorders.
Depending on whether we are discussing natural items or industrial food that does not contain salt, the groups of animals should be provided with either fresh food or industrial food.
How much salt can a dog have?
The daily dosage of table salt is calculated individually for each dog based on its size, dietary habits, age, existing diseases, and other nuances. On average, pets of miniature breeds add about 0.15-0.25 g of salt per 100 g of food. Large representatives can increase the dosage to 1.5-1.7 g / 100 g.
An amount of salt of three or more grams per 1 kg of a pet’s body weight is considered fatal.
Signs of salt poisoning
Symptoms of salt poisoning resemble those of other intoxications. If you are unsure that pickles or other products are the culprit, you should contact a veterinarian (take the dog to the clinic or call a doctor at home).
Signs of salt poisoning in a pet:
- Drooling with or without foam;
- Vomit;
- Bloody diarrhea;
- Muscle contractions, cramps;
- Rapid breathing;
- Cardiopalmus.
The animal’s body temperature rarely rises. Sometimes, itching of the skin, apathy, and depression.
Not all of the listed symptoms may occur. The severity depends on the severity of the poisoning. If intoxication is severe, death is possible.
How can you help your dog with salt poisoning?
First aid consists of flushing the animal’s body with water – drinking plenty of water and enemas. If the pet refuses to drink water, it uses a probe, but a specialist carries out these measures. Laxatives, medications that protect the gastrointestinal system from irritation caused by sodium chloride, and cardiac medications that boost organ activity are all examples of how these medications. As fast as possible, the primary objective is to eliminate any excess salt that may be present in the dog’s body and, if possible, to avoid any adverse effects.
