My dog ate salt / rock salt / ice melt — what should I do?
Depends on the dose — check the calculator
What to do now
- Risk depends on how much salt your dog ate per kg of body weight (0 mg/kg → YELLOW, 2000 mg/kg → RED). Use the PawPanic calculator with your dog's weight and the amount.
- If you can't estimate the amount, assume the worst and call your vet or a poison hotline.
- Remove any remaining material and keep packaging/labels — the vet will want product names and amounts.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control expert tells you to.
- Note the time it was eaten, roughly how much, and your dog's weight.
Why it's a problem
Sodium ion toxicosis causes dangerous brain swelling.
Symptoms to watch for
Vomiting, excessive thirst, wobbliness, tremors, seizures.
When: Within 3 hours
⚠️ Ice melts may also contain calcium/magnesium chloride that irritate the gut and paws.
Frequently asked questions
Is salt / rock salt / ice melt dangerous for dogs?
It depends on the amount and your dog's weight. Sodium ion toxicosis causes dangerous brain swelling. Use the PawPanic calculator or call your vet.
What are the symptoms if my dog ate salt / rock salt / ice melt?
Vomiting, excessive thirst, wobbliness, tremors, seizures.
How soon do symptoms appear after a dog eats salt / rock salt / ice melt?
Within 3 hours
Is there anything else to know about salt / rock salt / ice melt?
Ice melts may also contain calcium/magnesium chloride that irritate the gut and paws.
What should I do if my dog ate salt / rock salt / ice melt?
If you can't estimate the amount, assume the worst and call your vet or a poison hotline.
Who can I call for help?
ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661, both 24/7 (fees may apply), or your nearest emergency vet.
Dose guidance
Merck: signs at 2-3 g/kg, lethal ~4 g/kg in dogs. PawPanic: any amount = YELLOW, >=2 g/kg = RED.
Sources
Last verified against these sources: 2026-10-13. Where sources disagree, PawPanic uses the more conservative guidance.
Also known as: table salt, rock salt, sea salt, de-icer · Category: Chemical · Last reviewed 2026-10-14