For some of your pet’s most basic needs, having epsom salts on hand is a great, affordable solution. Since it has been around for thousands of years, the main use of epsom salt, a mineral compound of magnesium, sulfate, and oxygen, is as a natural detoxifier.
It is believed that the combination of magnesium and sulfate opens up the body’s detoxification pathways, facilitating the removal of toxins and promoting the body’s ability to heal itself. It has long been a cornerstone of healing in historical cultures and is still employed today.
If you keep your dog from drinking the bath water they’ve been soaking in, epsom salt is safe.
Here’s the deal:
The Causes of Epsom Salt Poisoning in Dogs
It’s extremely unlikely that your dog will frequently encounter an Epsom salt bath unless you leave him unattended with one or in one.
Of course, unless he develops opposable thumbs, opens your bathroom cabinets, and decides to eat your supply of Epsom salt.
(Of course that would never happen, but you might want to keep it toward the back of the cabinet just in case. ).
Therefore, how does Epsom salt poisoning occur in dogs?
The primary offender is an excessively salty dog bath that your dog decides to take. A high salt content in the Epsom salt water your dog drank would be a recipe for poisoning.
The second, less likely scenario is leaving an untrained dog or puppy near an open bag or carton of salt.
You’re probably thinking, “But why would I do that?”
Here’s the thing: Veterinarians often recommend Epsom salt soaks for dogs.
Epsom salt baths are given to dogs to ease arthritic pain, stiffness, or problem areas from an injury. Fleas can also be killed by soaking your dog in a salt bath that has been diluted because it completely dries them out.
When your dog consumes a significant amount of their salted bathwater, salt poisoning can become a problem. They’ll probably be fine if they lick the tub a couple of times and have a small amount.
However, this is part of the rationale for only soaking their trouble spots and not completely submerging them in the treated water.
We use Epsom salts in our swimming pool because they have many health advantages. Apart from increasing our intake of food, the best way to increase our levels of magnesium is through the easy absorption of dissolved salts through our skin. Magnesium should be consumed transdermally because it is less impacted by gut activity, such as stomach acids and digestive enzymes. A greater amount of the magnesium enters the bloodstream directly when the liver and stomach are skipped.
Epsom salt baths are a simple and effective way to enjoy the associated health benefits because studies have shown that both magnesium and sulfate are easily absorbed through the skin. Magnesium has a variety of functions in the body, including regulating over 325 enzymes, lowering inflammation, supporting muscle and nerve function, and preventing artery hardening. Sulfates aid in better nutrient absorption, toxins removal, and migraine headache relief.
Although it bears the name of a salty spring in Surrey, England, Epsom salt is actually a naturally occurring, pure mineral compound of magnesium and sulfate. Epsom salt has been used for many years as a natural remedy for a variety of illnesses and has a wide range of uses in the home, garden, and beauty industry.
Transdermal refers to the administration of a drug or medication through the skin. To put it simply, a drug is applied to the skin and then absorbed into the bloodstream. Easy application is one of the many benefits of transdermal medications. The administration of pills or liquid medications, which can be difficult for some pets, is avoided with medications that can be absorbed through the skin. Additionally, transdermal application may be more effective or work faster than some oral medications because they are absorbed directly into the bloodstream and avoid first passing through the intestinal and liver, allowing for better treatments.
Magnesium (Mg) is necessary for a variety of bodily processes, so optimal performance depends on it. It is an essential part of tissues, cells, and nearly every physiological process you can think of. Magnesium is essential for hormone and blood sugar regulation, muscle contraction, and nerve transmission. Dogs require essential vitamins and minerals just like humans do. Magnesium, one of these essential nutrients, is involved in cellular energy production. Magnesium is required to facilitate the transfer of energy whenever your pet contracts a muscle, beats their heart, or thinks. Three additional minerals, sodium, potassium, and calcium, are also involved and are all somewhat reliant on the effects of magnesium. These minerals are essential for healthy nervous system signaling, muscle movement, and heart function. Sometimes the body cannot utilize enough magnesium because of malnutrition, diabetes, or kidney damage, which causes the levels of the other three minerals to fall.
FAQ
Is Epsom salt harmful to dogs?
Dogs with allergies, those with open wounds, those with itchy skin, and those with muscle aches can all benefit from using Epsom salts. The only thing you need to be careful about is your dog drinking Epsom salt water because it can upset its digestive system.
Can I put Epsom salt in my dog’s bath?
Epsom salt baths are beneficial for our canine friends in a variety of ways. Dogs, like us, can take pleasure in soaking their sore, achy muscles in the water. The soak can also repair skin irregularities and enhance nerve function. Epsom soaks can help heal tender feet and dry, itchy skin.
Are bath salts poisonous to dogs?
Cooking salt and other sources of sodium chloride, such as bath salts, dishwasher salt, and rock salt, should be kept out of your dog’s reach. Alcohol is dangerous to your dog, as are mouthwash, perfume, and aftershave.