Is Baking Soda Bad For Dogs? A Guide For Dog’s Owners

Baking soda is a super useful item that we can use for many different things at home. It helps with cooking and baking but can also be used for cleaning and making things smell better. But what about when we have dogs around? Is baking soda bad for dogs?

In small amounts, baking soda is generally safe to use around dogs. It’s not dangerous if it’s used carefully. But here’s the critical part: never let your dog eat baking soda. A dog eating a lot of it can make them sick and even be toxic.

Want to know exactly how much is safe and what to do if your dog eats it? Keep reading for all the details to keep your furry friend safe.

What Is Baking Soda?

Baking soda is a simple chemical called sodium bicarbonate. It’s made up of sodium bicarbonate. When you see it as a white powder, we call it baking soda. You’ll usually find it in the kitchen, especially for baking. Baking soda helps dough or batter rise because it’s a leavening agent. If you mix it with a dry acid, like cream of tartar, it becomes baking powder.

What Is Baking Soda?

But baking soda isn’t just for baking. It can also be used in cooking and even for your health. Sometimes, people take it as an antacid to help with heartburn or indigestion.

Another great thing about baking soda is that it works wonders as a cleaner. Its mild roughness helps scrub away dirt and messes. Plus, it’s great at soaking up bad smells. Many people sprinkle it on carpets or furniture to get rid of odors. It’s also used in fridges and freezers to keep the air fresh. Baking soda is a must-have in any home for all these reasons.

Is Baking Soda Bad for Dogs?

Baking soda has a salty taste and a bitter, soap-like flavor. Most dogs don’t like the taste, but the saltiness might make them curious and want to eat it anyway.

Baking soda can be dangerous for dogs if they overeat. If a dog eats 10-20 grams of baking soda for every kilogram of their weight, it can make them very sick. One teaspoon of baking soda is about four grams. So, if you have a small container of baking soda (about 227 grams), a 10-pound dog could get sick after eating just 45-90 teaspoons. That’s about three-quarters of a small box of baking soda.

A bigger dog, like one that weighs 50 pounds, would need to eat about four whole boxes of baking soda to get sick. This is a lot, but it’s still possible for a dog to eat that much.

Baking soda in baked goods is usually not a problem because it’s used in small amounts. If your dog gets sick after eating baked goods, it’s likely due to something else in the food, like the fat content or another harmful ingredient.

If a dog eats too much baking soda, the first thing you might notice is vomiting. Other signs of sickness include diarrhea, tiredness, seizures, shaking, confusion, and trouble breathing.

Baking soda is a salt, and overeating can mess up the balance of essential minerals in the body. This can lead to serious health problems, like heart failure. 

If a dog eats a dangerous amount of baking soda, it could be deadly if not treated immediately. So, keep baking soda away from your dog and ensure they don’t accidentally eat any.

What to Do If Your Dog Eats Baking Soda?

If you think your dog has consumed baking soda, the first thing you should do is figure out how much they ate. Then, contact your veterinarian right away for advice. Don’t try to make your dog vomit unless your vet tells you to do so.

What to Do If Your Dog Eats Baking Soda?

If your dog ate less than the dangerous baking soda, it won’t have any serious problems. But it might still vomit. Keep an eye on your dog and ensure it has plenty of water. If your dog keeps vomiting more than once or twice, call your vet for help. The sooner it gets treatment, the better its chance of feeling better.

Dog-Safe Uses for Baking Soda: Is Baking Soda Bad For Dogs

While it’s unsafe to feed your dog baking soda, there are still some great ways to use it, such as cleaning and freshening up around your dog.

To help get rid of pet odors, sprinkle baking soda on carpets, furniture, or your dog’s bedding. Let it sit for about 30 minutes, then clean it up. This helps keep things smelling fresh.

You can also use baking soda as a dry shampoo for your dog. Make sure your dog’s coat is completely dry. Lightly dust a small baking soda onto their fur, but avoid their head. Gently rub it in, then brush your dog’s coat well to remove any extra powder.

If your dog gets stung by a bee, you can help ease the pain by making a paste of baking soda and water. Apply it to the sting, but make sure your dog doesn’t lick it.

Baking soda is also great for cleaning your dog’s bowls and other surfaces. Mix it with water; the mild roughness helps scrub away stuck-on food. Just be sure to rinse everything well afterward.

These are just a few ways to use baking soda around your dog safely. When used correctly, it’s a handy tool.

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Are There Any Health Benefits for Dogs Eating Baking Soda?

There are no health benefits to feeding your dog baking soda. It can be harmful and even toxic, especially in large amounts. If your dog has health issues, talking to your vet and getting a proper treatment plan is much safer than trying home remedies like baking soda.

Are There Any Health Benefits for Dogs Eating Baking Soda?

While baking soda isn’t good for dogs to eat, many dog owners use it for other things around the house. 

It’s excellent for cleaning and getting rid of odors. Some people also use it to help clean their dog’s teeth. But be careful! Baking soda is rough and can hurt your dog’s teeth. Plus, dogs don’t like the taste of it. It’s always better to use toothpaste made just for dogs to keep their teeth clean and healthy.

So, stick to safer options for your dog’s health and always check with a vet if you’re unsure.

Conclusion:

Baking soda is safe for dogs in small amounts, but overeating can make them sick. Dogs can even suffer from baking soda toxicosis if they swallow a large amount. There are no health benefits for dogs when it comes to eating baking soda, so it’s best not to give it to them.

If your dog accidentally eats excessive baking soda, don’t panic. Contact your vet or an animal poison control hotline immediately for help. They’ll know what to do to keep your dog safe.

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