Nitrite

What is nitrite and how does it get into your dog's body?

Nitrite (NO2-) is a salt that is formed from nitrate (NO3-). Nitrate is a degradation product of protein and is found in many plants, for example in clover meal, alfalfa, potatoes or sugar beet. Nitrate is not toxic in itself, but under certain conditions it can be reduced to nitrite. This happens, for example, through bacteria in saliva or in the gastrointestinal tract.

Nitrite can enter your dog's body in various ways:

• By eating plants or food that contains a lot of nitrate or nitrite.
• By drinking water that is contaminated with nitrate or nitrite.
• By inhaling vapours or dust from nitrate fertilizers or silage additives.
• By licking cooling bags containing ammonium nitrate.

What are the benefits of nitrite for your dog?

Nitrite also has some positive effects for your dog. For example:

• It promotes blood circulation and oxygen supply to the cells by forming nitric oxide (NO). Nitric oxide is an important messenger substance that dilates blood vessels and inhibits platelets.
• It protects against some bacteria and parasites that are sensitive to nitrite. For example, it can help fight against leptospires, which can cause a dangerous infection.
• It supports the immune defense by increasing the activity of macrophages and T-cells. These are important cells of the immune system that fight pathogens.

What are the disadvantages of nitrite for your dog?

However, nitrite can also have negative consequences for your dog, especially if there is too much of it in the body. For example:

• It irritates the mucous membranes in the gastrointestinal tract and can cause nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
• It forms methemoglobin from hemoglobin. Methemoglobin is a form of red blood pigment that can no longer transport oxygen. This leads to an undersupply of oxygen to the organs and can be life-threatening.
• It forms nitrosamines from amines or amides. Nitrosamines are carcinogenic compounds that can damage the genome. They are mainly formed in the stomach of monogastric animals such as humans or dogs.

How do you recognize nitrite poisoning in your dog?

Nitrite poisoning in your dog can manifest itself through various symptoms. The most common are

• Blue mucous membranes or skin due to methemoglobin formation
• Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing due to lack of oxygen
• Weakness or unconsciousness due to circulatory failure
• Cramps or tremors due to nerve damage
• Brown-red urine due to hemoglobin breakdown

Nitrite poisoning is an emergency and must be treated immediately by a vet. The vet can give your dog an antidote that converts the methemoglobin back into hemoglobin. They can also give your dog oxygen, fluids and other supportive measures.

How can you prevent nitrite poisoning in your dog?

To avoid nitrite poisoning in your dog, you should take some precautions. For example:

• Feed your dog only high-quality food that does not have high levels of nitrates or nitrites. Also pay attention to the ingredients of treats or chews.
• Don't let your dog eat plants that contain a lot of nitrate or nitrite. This applies in particular to freshly cut grass, clover meal, alfalfa or sugar beet.
• Do not give your dog water that is contaminated with nitrate or nitrite. This is especially true for well water or water from agricultural areas.
• Keep nitrate fertilizers or silage additives out of your dog's reach. This also applies to cooling bags containing ammonium nitrate.
• Have your dog checked regularly by a vet to detect possible urinary tract infections. A urinary tract infection can lead to increased nitrite formation in the urine.