Himalayan salt lamps are one of the hottest current trends in natural health and wellness.
The lamps are said to have powerful healing and cleansing properties, they’re relatively inexpensive and, even for those who don’t know or care about the health benefits, they make a nice piece of home décor.
If you’re a pet owner, you may wonder if these popular lamps are beneficial or even necessary for your dog. The short answer is yes, but with some very important precautions.
In this post, I’ll explain the health benefits and risks of Himalayan salt lamps for dogs, and what you need to know to keep your pup safe while using one.
Health Benefits of Himalayan Salt Lamps
Purifies Air: One of the ways that Himalayan salt lamps are believed to work is by pulling water out of the air. Water binds with harmful particles in the air, such as mold spores, allergens, viruses, bacteria, and pet dander.
The dry, warm salt attracts these particles, making the air of the room the lamp is in cleaner and healthier to breathe.
This is especially helpful in rooms with carpets, multiple animals, and high humidity, as well as for people asthma, allergies, or other breathing issues.
Reduces Toxins: Another supposed benefit of salt lamps is that they release negative ions. Just as the salt lamps attract toxins, the negative ions released by salt lamps also neutralize toxins in the air.
Positive ions are created by harsh chemicals from cleaning products, and electronic devices such as computers, phones, and televisions. In contrast, negative ions are found in abundance in natural areas like beaches and waterfalls.
Negative ions also help improve the oxygenation of the brain and blood, which is particularly beneficial for dogs who suffer from seizures, old age, and dementia.
Promotes Relaxation: The orange-pink glow the lamps emit also has mental health benefits for pets. This dim, warm lighting can help you and your dog wind down for sleep in the evenings.
The color tells your brain it’s time to relax and get ready for bed, and can also alleviate depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
Not only are these benefits directly helpful to your canine friend, but since dogs are so intuitive and connected to their owners, they can sense your relaxation from the lamp as well, which in turn relaxes them, too.
Health Risks Associated With Salt Lamps
If you have a pet and plan on placing a Himalayan salt lamp in your home, you must be aware of the potential risks.
These lamps are made of real, actual salt. If your dog manages to access the lamp, he will likely be tempted to lick it and eat it. Needless to say, high levels of sodium are extremely harmful to dogs and cats and require immediate veterinary attention.
Some signs of salt poisoning include:
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- weakness
- lethargy
- seizures
- and confusion
If the lamp is in an area your dog can reach without having to move the lamp, he may lick it and ingest the salt so gradually that you don’t even notice until it’s too late.
Biting the lamp can also be harmful to his teeth, and is especially dangerous if he breaks through the salt to the bulb inside.
Finally, like any electronic device, there’s always the risk of a fire hazard, so make sure you only leave the lamp on when you’re there to supervise.
How to Keep Your Pet Safe?
That said, you and your dog can still safely reap the benefits of a salt lamp!
Just be extra careful to place it in a location where he can’t reach it or knock it over. As long as he can’t get his mouth on it, he should be safe.
If you have a cat though, you should probably think twice about owning a salt lamp. Cats are masters of jumping and climbing, making it nearly impossible to keep a salt lamp out of their reach.
Another way is to get a salt lamp with a wire or wooden basket. This will make the crystals a little harder to reach and hopefully, less attractive to your pet.
What to Look for When Purchasing a Salt Lamp?
To get the most benefits out of your salt lamp, there are a few qualities you should look for when making your purchase.
In general, the darker the color, the higher the quality the salt of the lamp. Check in the product description to be sure it’s made of 100% natural Himalayan salt.
Also, when it comes to salt lamps, size matters: the bigger the lamp, the more powerful. If you’re placing your lamp in a larger space, you’ll need a larger lamp.
Salt lamps come in many shapes and variations, but the best ones retain their naturally rough surface, so avoid those that have been smoothed down or polished.
How to Care for Your Himalayan Salt Lamp?
- Since salt lamps attract toxins, you may wonder if they get dirty and full of nasty particles. Luckily, these products are naturally self-cleansing, but they may still collect dust. To clean a Himalayan salt lamp, first make sure it’s turned off (it’s best to unplug it to be completely safe). Use a dry or very slightly damp cloth to remove any visible dust.
- Try to avoid keeping your lamp out of any area where it can absorb too much moisture, like a bathroom. In case it gets wet, leave it to dry in the sun for a few hours.
- If the lamp won’t be used for a long period of time, such as when you’re going on vacation, unplug it and store it in an airtight bag to keep it from absorbing too much moisture.
- Leave your lamp on whenever possible (while you’re there to supervise) to allow the lamp’s heat to dry it out.
With the necessary precautions, you and your pet can safely enjoy the clean air and relaxation that salt lamps provide.
