Worth its salt?

I am putting together a first-aid box for my dogs and wonder if I should include a small bag of salt to cause vomiting in the case of accidental poison ingestion. What are your thoughts?

Neil says: I have used salt to induce ‘emesis’ in the distant past when desperate, but I would not recommend it as the consequent hypernatraemia can be fatal. Sodium carbonate (washing soda) crystals are preferable but, since it’s now usually presented in the form of a powder whose use can cause severe gastrointestinal and respiratory problems, I would probably avoid that, too. It’s possible to mix the powder with a small amount of water to make a thick paste to put on the back of the tongue, but beware.

Vets use apomorphine, which causes repeated vomiting and gastric emptying a few minutes after subcutaneous injection, so I would prefer you to carry the nearest vet’s phone number wherever you go, though I appreciate that sometimes they can be a long way away.

More fundamentally, significant thought has to be put into whether vomiting is actually required. Its efficacy declines the longer the time since ingestion. If the dog is drowsy, having a seizure or has already vomited, then don’t proceed. Causing the patient to vomit should never be done if they have ingested:

• Sedatives that might act quickly.

• Detergents, which can ‘foam’ and be aspirated into the lungs.

• Volatile compounds such as paraffin or petrol, which can be aspirated.

• Strong acids or alkalis, which can damage the oesophagus.

• Cannabis, as it is an antiemetic.

• Anything sharp.