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, it’s not recommended to feed your dog baking soda as a regular or significant part of their diet.
There usually isn’t an issue if your dog accidentally eats a little bit of baking soda, and due to the bitter taste, it’s 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 isn’t likely to get sick from licking up a small amount of baking soda, consuming larger doses can lead to toxicosis.
About 2–4 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 dog’s 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 dog’s teeth but it is abrasive and can cause dental issues, as well as not tasting very nice for your pup, so it’s 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 won’t 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.
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Tremors
- Shortness of breath
- Lethargy
- Disorientation
- Seizures
If your dog has ingested a significant amount of baking soda, it’s 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 don’t 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, it’s 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 doesn’t have known health benefits for dogs, so it’s 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
