Himalayan pink salt is conquering the market nowadays. Because of its promised benefits such as increased hydration, electrolyte balance, healthier muscles, stronger bones, manage blood pressure, and improved metabolism, more and more people are aiming to at least try it for themselves.
To maximize its claimed efficiency, effectiveness, and benefits, people start to use it for almost everything. Aside from using it as a seasoning for delicacies, people are already adding this salt in their moisturizers, creams, bath salts, and even lamps, which they think could effectively remove air pollutants, improve air quality, and soothe allergies, as reported by Health Line. But did you know that though this salt could benefit people, this could be very risky for your pets?
Pets such as dogs and cats are fond of licking, eating, chewing, and playing anything they encounter. This was what happened to a cat named Ruby, which had almost ended her life.
Owned by Maddie Smith, a young woman who lives in Wanganui, New Zealand, Ruby was rushed to the First Vets Veterinary clinic after showing some neurological signs. These signs include being unable to walk properly and appearing blind and confused.
After several blood examinations, the veterinarians discovered the real cause of Ruby's condition. The blood samples revealed that the beloved cat is suffering from high levels of sodium and chloride.
Without any problem regarding her cat food and other stuff that she usually consumes, her family suspected their cat could have ingested high levels of sodium from their newly bought Himalayan salt lamp. They noticed she was very fond of licking the salt lamp ever since they've purchased it.
"Ruby's owner recalled that Ruby had taken an interest in the owner's salt lamp. Ruby is a small cat. Therefore, it wouldn't take a large amount of salt for Ruby to ingest a level which is toxic to her," explains First Vets in their Facebook post.
Meanwhile, as the experts learned the root cause of Ruby's health concern, they were then able to give her the best treatment possible to make her sodium and chloride levels return to normal. She was given IV fluids, antibiotics, and potassium supplements, which could effectively balance out the effects of salt and chloride in Ruby's body.
Luckily, the 11-month old kitten is indeed a fighter. Just after a few days of staying with the vets, she was finally back on her track. Her life continues to be both a living proof and reminder of the possible dangers of the Himalayan salt lamps to every pet.
According to the experts, it is almost impossible to keep your furry friend away from these Himalayan salts since they can always look for things in extraordinary ways. So instead, better not to purchase these lamps anymore to keep them safe.
