Potassium bicarbonate

Benefits of potassium bicarbonate for dogs

Potassium bicarbonate can have several benefits for dogs, especially if they suffer from certain conditions or are deficient in potassium or bicarbonate.

Potassium deficiency

Potassium is a vital mineral that is needed for the functioning of the nerves, muscles and cardiovascular system. A lack of potassium can lead to weakness, lethargy, muscle tremors, cramps, cardiac arrhythmia and kidney failure. The causes of a potassium deficiency can be many and varied, such as vomiting, diarrhea, kidney disease, diabetes, medication or an unbalanced diet.

Potassium bicarbonate can help with a potassium deficiency by supplying the body with additional potassium. However, the dosage should always be determined by a veterinarian, as an overdose can lead to hyperkalemia (too high a potassium level in the blood), which can also be life-threatening.

Metabolic acidosis

Metabolic acidosis is a disorder of the acid-base balance in the body in which the pH value of the blood is too low. This means that the blood is too acidic and does not contain enough bicarbonate to neutralize the acids. The consequences can be a reduced oxygen supply to the cells, impaired enzyme function and hyperacidity of the organs. Symptoms can include shortness of breath, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness and coma. The causes can be diabetes, kidney failure, poisoning or an excessive intake of acid-forming substances such as meat or cereals.

Potassium bicarbonate can help with metabolic acidosis by supplying the body with additional bicarbonate and thus increasing the pH value of the blood. Again, the dosage should be determined by the vet, as an overdose can lead to metabolic alkalosis (excessive blood pH), which can also be harmful.

Urinary stones

Urinary stones are solid deposits of minerals and other substances in the bladder or urinary tract of dogs. They can cause pain, blood in the urine, frequent or difficult urination and urinary tract infections. The most common types of urinary stones in dogs are struvite stones and calcium oxalate stones.

Potassium bicarbonate can help prevent and dissolve struvite stones by increasing the pH of the urine and thus inhibiting the formation of struvite crystals. Struvite stones consist of magnesium, ammonium and phosphate and form mainly in acidic urine. Potassium bicarbonate can also help dissolve calcium oxalate stones by lowering the calcium level in the urine and thus preventing the formation of calcium oxalate crystals. Calcium oxalate stones consist of calcium and oxalic acid and form mainly in alkaline urine.

However, potassium bicarbonate should not be administered without veterinary advice, as it may be contraindicated depending on the type of urinary stones. In addition, the dog's diet should be adjusted accordingly to prevent the formation of urinary stones.

Disadvantages of potassium bicarbonate for dogs

Potassium bicarbonate can also have some disadvantages for dogs, especially if it is administered in excessive amounts or without veterinary supervision.

Side effects

Potassium bicarbonate can cause various side effects in dogs, such as

• Gastrointestinal upset such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or flatulence
• Electrolyte disturbances such as hyperkalemia or hypocalcemia
• Metabolic alkalosis
• Increased blood pressure
• Cardiac arrhythmia
• Nervousness or cramps
• Allergic reactions such as skin rash, itching or shortness of breath

The side effects can vary depending on the dose, duration and individual sensitivity of the dog. They can also be exacerbated by interactions with other medications or food supplements.

Overdosage

An overdose of potassium bicarbonate can lead to life-threatening poisoning in dogs. The symptoms of an overdose can be

• Vomiting
• diarrhea
• lethargy
• muscle weakness
• collapse
• cardiac arrest

The treatment of an overdose consists of the administration of activated charcoal, fluid therapy, electrolyte replacement and symptomatic therapy. The prognosis depends on the severity of the poisoning and the timing of treatment.

Contraindications

Potassium bicarbonate is not suitable for all dogs. It should not be administered if the dog suffers from the following diseases or is taking the following medications:

• Renal failure
• heart failure
• Addison's disease
• Stomach ulcers
• Dehydration
• Potassium-sparing diuretics such as spironolactone or amiloride
• ACE inhibitors such as enalapril or benazepril
• Digitalis glycosides such as digoxin

The administration of potassium bicarbonate in these cases can lead to a worsening of the condition or to serious interactions.