Canine Conjurer Makes Salt Dough Christmas Ornaments Vanish

BALTIMORE, December 6, 2023 – Mary Mueller and her husband, Paul Benson, enjoyed a family day after Christmas last year. A batch of salt dough was crafted into Christmas ornaments for next year’s tree, complete with grandkid handprints. After a trip to the oven, the creations were cooling on the counter. When Mary returned to check their status, she realized they had mysteriously vanished.

Mary didn’t know at the time that as beautiful, fun to make, and memorable as these salt and flour keepsakes may be, they can also pose a serious threat to dogs endlessly looking for something to munch. The amount of salt in even one ornament can be enough to make a dog extremely ill and even be life-threatening.

“It was about 6 p.m. when we noticed the ornaments were missing and we knew our dog Shandy was the only one who could have taken them,” explained Mary. “At first, we weren’t too concerned, but then Shandy became very thirsty and started drinking large amounts of water. We knew then we needed to call Pet Poison Helpline.”

This wasn’t the first time the curious pooch had ingested something she shouldn’t. In a prior incident, the repeat offender from Hunt Valley, Maryland, had taken their son’s medication bottle into the backyard, chewed off the top, and swallowed the pills. That experience led Mueller and Benson to the Pet Posin Hotline, so this time, they were prepared.

“We called the toxicology experts at Pet Poison Helpline and explained what had happened, the ingredients, the number of ornaments ingested, and how long it had been since Shandy had snuck into the kitchen to eat the ornaments,” Mary said.

“While ingredients in a handmade dough ornament may sound safe, many are made with high amounts of salt, and when salt is consumed in this quantity, it may cause a risk for hypernatremia,” said Dr. Renee Schmid, a senior veterinary toxicologist at Pet Poison Helpline. “Hypernatremia is an electrolyte abnormality characterized by increased sodium concentrations in the blood. This can cause lethargy, excessive thirst, and seizures. Symptoms often include gastrointestinal upset and central nervous system signs. We recommended Shandy be seen by a veterinarian immediately.”

“When we arrived at the pet ER,” said Mary, “we asked them if they needed the case number. We learned from our last poisoning experience to have that ready when we arrived. Unfortunately, the hospital was very busy, and we had to wait several hours.”

Paul and Mary kept waiting and checking with staff, but since Shandy wasn’t showing serious clinical symptoms and many animals were seeking care that evening, Shandy had to wait. Calls to the Pet Poison Helpline regarding each case are unlimited, so Mary stayed in touch with the toxicology experts while waiting for a veterinarian to see Shandy.

“Unfortunately, situations like this arise, as veterinary care facilities often face staffing issues and are diligently working to keep up with the large volume of patients needing their expertise and care,” added Dr. Schmid. “That, of course, isn’t always reassuring to a pet owner when it is their pet needing treatment.”

They were told the medical team was considering inducing vomiting and not to give Shandy water. There is a risk of aspiration if vomiting occurs after a large amount of water or other liquid is consumed.

“I called Pet Poison Helpline back, and the person I spoke with was just so wonderful and compassionate,” added Mary. “She told me that Shandy couldn’t advocate for herself, so it was up to us to speak on her behalf. They encouraged us to let the veterinary staff know the severity of the concern with what Shandy ingested and that timing would be critical in managing her poisoning. With that, I gave the hospital the case number and again asked them to call Pet Poison Helpline to talk about treatment needs. Once they did, it started things rolling. If we had not been able to discuss the seriousness of the ingestion, I think it could have been several more hours before we were seen, and who knows what further damage could have happened.”

After emesis was induced to clear Shandy’s stomach, she was given intravenous fluids overnight and had ongoing lab work so any indication of hypernatremia could be caught early. Shandy’s sodium concentration rose over the evening but quickly returned to normal with the care she was provided. Fortunately, with the treatment Shandy received, she made a full recovery.

Shandy’s story is in sharp contrast to the story of Lexi, who did not survive after eating a salt dough ornament. Hope Pospisil, a Facebook user from Pennsylvania, posted a warning to others with the sad news that their beloved family pet, Lexi, had to be put down after suffering severe neurological damage from salt toxicity after eating a salt dough ornament.

Shandy’s case exemplifies how the Pet Poison Helpline, pet owners, and veterinary facilities can work together to help ensure the most favorable outcome for pets with poisoning exposures. Lexi’s case sadly drives home that time is of the essence in the case of pets ingesting toxic substances.

Pet Poison Helpline’s flat fee of $85 per incident includes follow-up consultations for the case duration. Their veterinarians and board-certified toxicologists provide treatment advice for poisoning cases of all species, including dogs, cats, small mammals, birds, large animals, and exotic species.

Pet Poison Helpline is available in North America by calling 800-213-6680. Additional information, including a complete database of substances poisonous to pets, can be found online at www.petpoisonhelpline.com.