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Dog Sodium Deficit Calculator

Calculate the sodium deficit and correct replacement fluid volume for hyponatraemic dogs — with correction rate safety guidance.

🧂 Dog Sodium Deficit Calculator
Enter your dog's details below to get an instant result.
Sodium Deficit
-mEq
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Correction time
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Max rise per 24hr
Warning: Never raise sodium faster than 10-12 mEq/L per 24 hours. Overly rapid correction causes osmotic demyelination syndrome (ODS) — an irreversible and often fatal neurological complication.

What Is the Dog Sodium Deficit Calculator?

Calculate the sodium deficit and correct replacement fluid volume for hyponatraemic dogs — with correction rate safety guidance.

Correcting hyponatraemia too rapidly causes osmotic demyelination syndrome — a devastating neurological complication. This calculator provides the sodium deficit and a safe correction rate.

Every result is based on published veterinary research and breed-size-specific growth data — not generic averages. This tool is completely free, works instantly in your browser, and requires no account or sign-up.

How to Use This Calculator

1
Enter Your Dog's Details

Fill in the required fields above — typically your dog's weight, age, or breed size. Every field has a clear label and hint.

2
Click Calculate

Press the calculate button to get your instant result. No page reload, no account needed, no waiting.

3
Review Your Result

Your result appears immediately below the calculator. It includes the primary answer plus additional context where relevant.

4
Use the Information

Share, print, or save your result. Always discuss health-related results with your veterinarian before making decisions.

How It Works

Sodium deficit = Total Body Water × (desired sodium − current sodium). TBW = 0.6 × body weight in kg. The result gives total mEq of sodium needed. Never correct chronic hyponatraemia faster than 0.5 mEq/L/hr or 10-12 mEq/L per 24 hours — overly rapid correction causes osmotic demyelination syndrome (ODS), also called central pontine myelinolysis, which causes severe and often irreversible neurological damage.

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Veterinary Research

Every formula is derived from peer-reviewed veterinary studies and clinical guidelines, not guesswork or generic rules.

Instant Results

No page reload, no waiting, no account needed. Enter your details and your result appears immediately.

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100% Private

All calculations happen in your browser. Nothing you enter is ever stored on our servers or shared with anyone.

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Always Free

Every calculator on Doggy Calculators is and will always be completely free to use — no premium tier, no catch.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the safe sodium correction rate?+
No faster than 10-12 mEq/L per 24 hours for chronic hyponatraemia. For acute (less than 48 hours duration), faster correction is safer and may be necessary for symptomatic patients.
What is osmotic demyelination syndrome?+
A devastating neurological complication caused by overly rapid correction of chronic hyponatraemia. Brain cells shrink as osmolarity rises too quickly, causing demyelination of brainstem neurons. Often irreversible.
Which fluid corrects hyponatraemia?+
0.9% NaCl (154 mEq/L sodium) or hypertonic saline (3% NaCl) for severe symptomatic hyponatraemia. Choose based on severity and rate required.
Should I recheck sodium during correction?+
Yes — check every 2-4 hours during active correction. Adjust infusion rate to stay within the safe correction limits.
What causes hyponatraemia in dogs?+
Most common: Addison's disease (hypoadrenocorticism), congestive heart failure, liver failure, SIADH, and severe GI losses. Addison's is the most important and treatable cause.

Sources & References

This calculator's formulas are based on the following peer-reviewed and authoritative veterinary sources:

⚠️ These calculators are reference tools only. Always consult a licensed veterinarian before administering medication or making medical decisions.