Timing of salt overload in a 5 kg dog
A small dog like yours processes sodium far slower than larger breeds, so the first signs of distress often appear within 2-3 hours after eating ham. The high fat content can also delay stomach emptying, meaning vomiting might happen later than expected. Watch closely during this window — excessive panting or pacing can be early clues before obvious gastrointestinal symptoms develop.
Most mild cases peak around the 8-hour mark, with symptoms gradually fading over the next day. However, if your dog shows neurological signs like stumbling or head tremors, this indicates advanced salt toxicity that won't resolve without veterinary intervention. The wobbly gait mentioned in your situation suggests the sodium is already affecting nerve function, which requires immediate attention.
Why body weight changes the recovery timeline
At 5 kg, your dog's bloodstream absorbs the ham's salt concentration much faster than a 20 kg dog eating the same amount. Their kidneys simply can't filter that much sodium quickly enough. This explains why small breeds often have prolonged symptoms — their systems remain overloaded for nearly a full day even after stopping further salt intake.
The fat in ham adds another complication by slowing digestion, which paradoxically extends the exposure time. While a single episode of vomiting might seem like the body handling it, recurrent vomiting after the 6-hour point means the salt is still circulating. Offer ice cubes instead of large water bowls to prevent gulping too much water at once, which can worsen electrolyte imbalances.
Critical signs that need vet attention now
Neurological symptoms transform this from a wait-and-see situation to an urgent one. When sodium levels spike severely, brain cells start swelling — that's what causes the unsteady movement. At this stage, home monitoring isn't enough; controlled IV fluids are needed to gradually normalize blood chemistry without causing further brain swelling.
Seizures would represent the worst-case progression, but even before that point, subtle changes like disorientation or unusual vocalizing indicate the nervous system is under stress. Don't wait for visible tremors if you notice your dog struggling to recognize familiar people or spaces, as this suggests neurological involvement.
Aftercare once symptoms start fading
When symptoms begin improving after the first 12 hours, stick to bland food like boiled chicken (no salt added) and rice for the next 24-48 hours. The gut lining remains irritated even after vomiting stops, so reintroducing regular food too soon often triggers diarrhea. Divide meals into smaller portions to avoid overwhelming the recovering digestive system.
Monitor water intake carefully during recovery — excessive drinking that continues beyond 24 hours may indicate lingering kidney stress. While most healthy dogs bounce back within two days, senior dogs or those with preexisting conditions might need bloodwork to check organ function. Keep activity levels low for a few days to allow full recovery.
The full verdict, portion guidance and serving notes are collected on the Ham food facts page.