Is baking soda safe for dogs

9 Baking Soda Uses for Pet Owners

By Stacia Friedman

Baking soda is a natural cleaner and deodorizer that every pet owner likely has on hand. Its a good option if you wish to avoid cleaning products that contain potentially toxic chemicals or perfumes. Baking soda contains no harmful chemicals and poses no danger to children or pets unless it is ingested in large amounts.

Always consult your veterinarian before using baking soda on your pet and spot test before using baking soda to clean carpets and furniture.

How Does Baking Soda Work?

Pet urine is usually acidic, which plays a role in its ability to produce a foul-smelling odor. Baking soda is a base and pet urine is acidic. When you put them together, baking soda chemically has the ability to neutralize acidic substances and make them more alkaline, eliminating the odors, says Donna Dougherty, owner of Go Green Cleaning Experts in West Chester, Pa.

Here are nine uses of baking soda for pet owners.

Can Dogs Eat Baking Soda? Vet Approved Facts & FAQ

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

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Baking soda is a common pantry item, and it can be easy for dogs to get a taste of it if they happen to break in and snoop around your kitchen cabinets. Baking soda is not harmful for dogs if ingested in small amounts, but larger quantities can cause toxicosis. Therefore, its not recommended to feed your dog baking soda as a regular or significant part of their diet.

There usually isnt an issue if your dog accidentally eats a little bit of baking soda, and due to the bitter taste, its unlikely your dog will go for a second bite. However, accidents happen and some dogs will ingest more than they should do. Read on to find out all you need to know.

What Happens If Dogs Eat Baking Soda?

Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, has many household uses and some reported health and beauty benefits for people. While your dog isnt likely to get sick from licking up a small amount of baking soda, consuming larger doses can lead to toxicosis.

About 24 teaspoons per 1 kilogram of body weight can lead to baking soda toxicosis. To put that to scale, a 11-pound dog can become unwell if they ingest more than 3 tablespoons of baking soda, whereas a 50-pound dog would need to ingest more than 12 tablespoons of baking soda before suffering from toxicosis.

Are There Any Health Benefits for Dogs Eating Baking Soda?

There are no studied health benefits of eating baking soda for dogs, and due to its potential toxicity and side effects, there are much safer ways of helping dogs experiencing health issues. We advise consulting your veterinarian for a formal treatment plan, rather than testing out baking soda home remedies if you have any concerns about your dogs health.

Dog owners do however often make use of baking soda as a natural cleaner and for its deodorizing effects. It is also sometimes used to brush a dogs teeth but it is abrasive and can cause dental issues, as well as not tasting very nice for your pup, so its always advisable to use a dog toothpaste instead.

What Should I Do If My Dog Eats Baking Soda?

If your dog has licked up a small amount of baking soda, you most likely wont have to worry. They may suffer from digestive upset or a sore tummy, so be sure to keep an eye on them. However, ingesting a larger amount can cause your dog to experience toxicosis.

Most signs of toxicosis will show up within 3 hours of ingesting baking soda, and your dog may experience the following:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Tremors
• Shortness of breath
• Lethargy
• Disorientation
• Seizures

If your dog has ingested a significant amount of baking soda, its best to contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control hotline right away. It will be helpful to provide them with information on approximately how much baking soda your dog ate and at around what time.

Can Dogs Eat Baked Goods Containing Baking Soda?

Baking soda is commonly used in many baked goods as a leavening agent. Because such a small amount of baking soda is included in baking recipes, you typically dont have to worry about baking soda toxicity. However, many baked goods contain ingredients that are either unsafe or not nutritionally beneficial to dogs. This includes butter, chocolate, and sugar. So, its best to refrain from feeding your dog baked goods and stick to treats specifically made for dogs.

Conclusion

Baking soda is safe if ingested in small amounts but dogs can experience baking soda toxicosis if they swallow larger amounts. Ingesting baking soda doesnt have known health benefits for dogs, so its best to refrain from giving it to them. If your dog does accidentally ingest a significant amount of it, make sure to contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control hotline for further assistance.

Featured Image Credit: Monfocus, Pixabay

Is Baking Soda Safe For Dogs?( Yes, But)

Baking soda is a mild, yet incredibly effective cleaner that is found in households worldwide. You may be wondering if its safe to use around your dogs. Is it gentle on their skin? What if they swallow some of it?

Keep reading to learn more about how to safely use baking soda around dogs and what to do if your dog eats too much of it.

Does Baking Soda Hurt Dogs Skin/Teeth/Paws?

If your dog gets baking soda on their skin, teeth, or paws, it wont irritate them or cause any pain.

Baking soda is very mild; in fact, it can help alleviate rashes and redness on your dogs skin when mixed with water to create a thick paste.

Just apply the paste to the affected area of your dogs skin and remove it after 20 minutes.

In addition to being safe to use on your dogs skin, its okay to use it on their paws as well.

If you cut their toenails too short, and they start to bleed, baking soda can help stop the bleeding.

Just apply some baking soda to the toenail and apply pressure with a sterile cloth until the bleeding stops.

However, you shouldnt use baking soda to clean your dogs teeth. While the baking soda wont do any harm to the teeth themselves, it can be toxic to your dog if they swallow too much of it.

Baking soda is commonly used in toothpaste for humans because we spit out toothpaste after using it, but your dog will end up swallowing it.

Pros Of Baking Soda For Dogs

• Its great for deodorizing both around and on your dog. It can easily be used to eliminate unwanted dog smells around your house and car. It can also be applied directly to your dogs skin to help get rid of any especially nasty scents your dog has picked up (such as from a skunk).
• It can be used in lieu of shampoo. If youve run out of regular dog shampoo, dont fret. Just add three tablespoons of baking soda and a few drops of dish soap to your bath water. Your pup will come out squeaky clean and smelling great!
• It makes a great dry shampoo. Dont want to go to the hassle of giving your dog a full bath? Just sprinkle some baking soda on their skin, use a soft brush to comb it through their fur, and use a hand towel to wipe up any excess baking soda. It will trap and remove odors, helping your pup smell fresh and clean.

Cons Of Baking Soda For Dogs

The main downfall of using baking soda for dogs is that it can be toxic to dogs when consumed in large quantities.

Its best to keep baking soda away from anywhere your dog can eat it.

How Much Baking Soda Is Toxic For Dogs?

Thankfully, dogs need to eat quite a bit of baking soda in order for it to be toxic.

According to the American College of Veterinary Pharmacists, a dog can experience symptoms of toxicosis if theyve ingested at least 10-20 grams of baking soda per kilogram of body weight.

In simpler terms, heres how much baking soda your dog needs to consume before it becomes toxic based on their body weight:

• 1-10 lbs: more than 0.3 tablespoon
• 11-25 lbs: more than 3 tablespoons
• 26-40 lbs: more than 7.5 tablespoons
• 41-70 lbs: more than 12 tablespoons
• 71-90 lbs: more than 21.5 tablespoons
• 91+ lbs: more than 27.5 tablespoons

A small dog would need to eat at least three quarters of a box of baking soda in order for it to be toxic.

Because baking soda has a bitter taste, most dogs are unlikely to find it appealing, but its still important to keep your baking soda somewhere your dog cant access it.

How Can You Use Baking Soda For Dogs?

Baking soda is a great alternative to shampoo for your dog.

Whether youre looking for a dry shampoo or something to add to your dogs bath water, baking soda is the perfect choice.

To use baking soda as a dry shampoo, just sprinkle it on your dogs coat.

Use a soft brush to comb it through their fur, and use a towel to wipe up any extra baking soda.

If you want to try baking soda in your dogs bath water, all you have to do is combine three tablespoons of baking soda with several drops of a gentle dish detergent in the water.

The baking soda will gently clean even the most sensitive skin.

You can also use baking soda to stop your dogs toenails from bleeding.

Just apply some baking soda to the nail and apply pressure with a sterile pad. Before long, the bleeding will stop and your dog wont feel any more pain.

What To Do If Your Dog Licked Baking Soda?

If your dog licked baking soda, dont fret. Its unlikely that they ate enough to be harmful, but you should still call your veterinarian for advice.

They will be able to tell you if further treatment is required.

Be sure to provide your dog with constant access to fresh water to keep them hydrated in case they vomit and to help the baking soda move through their digestive system.

In some cases, its necessary to take your dog to a veterinarian.

They may give your dog activated charcoal to induce vomiting to rid the body of toxins.

They may also give your dog IV fluids to keep them hydrated. Baking soda may end in death for dogs who consume large quantities and dont receive the proper treatment.

By keeping baking soda where your dog cant access it and eat it, you can safely use baking soda to keep your pup cleanwhether youve got access to a tub of water or not.

Conclusion

To sum up, baking soda is safe for dogs as long as its not consumed in large quantities.

If you have a large dog, chances are it will never come even close to consuming a dangerous amount of baking soda. That being said, you should be more careful if you have a smaller dog breed.

In fact, baking soda has several uses for dogs. It makes a great dry shampoo, can help stop bleeding, and can eliminate unwanted odors on your dog and around your home.

My name is Katie, and I have had different pets at home for as long as I can remember. While I can definitely say I love all animals in general, my heart belongs to cats and dogs. I know you are supposed to choose one or the other, but I could never really decide. Ive also owned hamsters and fish when I was a kid, and they filled my childhood with very delightful memories.

My Dog Ate Baking Soda! Heres What to Do (Vet Answer)

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

Learn more

Some dogs are incredibly fussy and wont eat anything except their chosen biscuit brand. Others will eat everything from garbage to roadkill. Some are a weird combination of the two; they turn their nose up at kibble but steal bread rolls when you arent looking.

Either way, its not uncommon for a dog to get hold of things they shouldnt, and its important to know what to do if they do.

My Dog Ate Baking Soda What Should I Do?

First, make sure you prevent your dog from eating any more baking soda. This usually means putting your dog elsewhere whilst you clean up any spills. Next, work out how much baking soda your dog has eaten. If your dog has eaten a large amount relative to their size, you should call your veterinarian or animal poison control for advice. For smaller amounts, you can monitor your pet for signs of illness.

You may notice that your dog looks a bit uncomfortable. They may adopt the prayer or downwards-facing dog position, with their elbows and chest on the floor and their bottom in the air. If they foam at the mouth or vomit more than once, even if the amount theyve eaten was small, its a good idea to call your vet for advice.

You should never induce your dog to vomit unless told to do so by a vet or poison center, as this can cause severe problems if done incorrectly, or when the ingested substance is caustic. Your vet will explain how to do this safely if they think its necessary.

You should allow your dog to have ready access to fresh water, and keep them calm. Since all that gas being produced can cause bloat, its a good idea to watch them for signs of unproductive vomiting and dry retching, which can indicate an emergency case of bloat.

What is Baking Soda?

Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a common kitchen cupboard ingredient. Its used to help cakes and cookies risewhen the powder meets acid, it forms bubbles of carbon dioxide. In fact, its this process thats harnessed when kids make a volcano in science classvinegar is added to the baking soda and it foams and bubbles, increasing in size.

Baking soda shouldnt be confused with baking powder. Baking powder contains sodium bicarbonate mixed in with other ingredients.

Is Baking Soda Toxic to Dogs?

Although not strictly poisonous, baking soda can definitely cause problems for dogs that eat too much. Your dogs stomach is filled with acid, so it reacts with the baking soda your dog eats. A small amount is unlikely to do any harm, but a large amount can cause vomiting, abdominal pain, and even bloat.

Theres Baking Soda in My Dogs Food, Should I Be Worried?

The small amount of baking soda used in homemade dog biscuits or cakes isnt anything to worry about. In addition to being a small amount, the baking soda will have already reacted and created all the bubbles its going to. In other words, the cooking process makes the baking soda safe.

My Dog Shampoo Contains Baking Soda Is It Safe?

Baking soda is known to reduce odors, so it is commonly used in dog shampoos to control odors on your dog. If your dog licks himself with the shampoo on, the baking soda shouldnt do any harmbut you should check the rest of the ingredients to make sure theres nothing else thats potentially harmful if ingested.

I Use Baking Soda in Cleaning, Is It Safe for My Dog?

Baking soda is sometimes used as a natural cleaning agent, sometimes in combination with white vinegar. Its sensible to keep your dog away from areas that you are cleaning to avoid them coming into contact with these chemicals. However, if you do notice that your dog licks something you recently cleaned with soda, its usually nothing to worry about.

If youre using baking soda on your carpets to control odor, its a good idea to keep your dog out of the room until youve hoovered it all upyoull likely be using enough that your dog could ingest a large amount if they take a liking to licking the carpets.

Should I Use Baking Soda to Brush My Dogs Teeth?

Although the small amount of baking soda youd need to brush your dogs teeth is unlikely to do them any harm, its a good idea to avoid using baking soda for dog tooth brushing. Its abrasive and can cause problems for the teeth, as well as not tasting that nice for your dog. Dog toothpaste is far saferand tastierfor your canine pal.

Final Thoughts

Although baking soda is safe for dogs in small amounts, you should keep a close eye on your dog if they eat any, and call their veterinarian if they appear ill or if theyve eaten a large amount.

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Featured Image Credit: evita-ochel, Pixabay