Dogs absolutely love bubbles. They go bananas for the soapy little spheres. Bubbles can provide a great outlet for exercise, mental stimulation, and bonding. But are bubbles safe for dogs to play with? Bubbles are made from soap and commercial chemicals that can be mildly toxic to dogs. That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some bubbly fun with your precious pup, but there are some precautions you can take to make your playtime as fun and safe as possible.
Mildly Toxic Bubbles
Many cheap store-bought bubble solutions contain small amounts of chemicals that can be toxic to dogs. That may sound alarming, but these amounts are usually small enough to be manageable. People play with bubbles all the time and rarely look at what’s in the bottle. That means that bubbles can be safe for dogs as long as they are used properly. Knowing the dangers of bubbles and what to look out for can make your play sessions as safe as possible.
Safe with Supervision
Bubbles can be safe and fun for dogs as long as you provide adequate supervision. In the vast majority of cases, bubbles can offer minutes of harmless and high-energy fun. Bubbles are the safest when your dog is being supervised. Supervision will prevent your dog from getting into the bubble solution or eating too many bubbles. If your dog eats too many bubbles or gets too worked up, it could lead to health issues. You want to monitor your dog for signs of stress and gastrointestinal issues that can arise from playing with bubbles. These problems are not common, but they can happen, especially if it is hot outside or your dog accidentally licks up the bubble solution.
If you manage your dog’s heat levels, bubble intake, time playing, and access to the bubbles, there is no reason that bubbles should ever be dangerous.
Can Dogs Bite Bubbles?
Yes. Biting bubbles is one of the funniest aspects of playing with bubbles for dogs. Dogs will try and jump up and chomp the bubbles out of the air. This can cause some residual bubble soap to get on your dog’s face, teeth, and tongue. As long as you do not let your dog bite too many bubbles, there should be no ill effects. Small dogs should be managed more closely than large dogs when it comes to the number of bubbles bitten. You should limit your dog’s play time with bubbles to a few minutes at a time to prevent too much exertion and too many bubbles.
What Happens If a Dog Drinks Bubble Solution?
If your dog drinks bubble solution, you should immediately check the label for anything that could be harmful to your pet. If you do not know what you are looking for on the label, you should call poison control for dogs. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center or the Pet Poison Helpline are great resources in situations like this. If the bubble solution is not toxic, then your dog will likely only suffer from minor symptoms.
Minor symptoms can include:
- Salivation
- Burns on the tongue or mouth
- Stomach pain and poor appetite
- Vomiting or diarrhea
If you are concerned or see worrying signs, you can take your dog to the vet to have them checked out.
Use Dog-Friendly Bubbles
One way to avoid most issues that can arise from playing with bubbles is to buy and use dog-friendly bubbles. There are multiple products on the market that are designed specifically with dogs and kids in mind. These bubbles are very safe, contain no toxic chemicals, and are sometimes even flavored with your dog’s favorite tastes. Do note that kid-friendly bubbles are better than regular bubbles, but kid-friendly bubbles are not completely safe for dogs. You want to look for bubbles that are safe for both dogs and kids.
There are also multiple recipes available online to look up that allow you to make your own dog-friendly bubbles at home using safe materials that you are comfortable with. There are mixed reviews and thoughts about making your own bubbles for your dog, but it is something that you can look into if you want to have a more hands-on approach when it comes to your dog’s health and safety.
Dawn dish soap is safe for dogs, so you can simply make a solution of warm water and Dawn to create a very basic dog-friendly bubble solution in your own kitchen.
In Summary
The best way to enjoy bubble time with your dog is to use dog-friendly bubbles. These bubbles are specifically designed to be safe for dogs which eliminates all of the risks. Even if you do not use dog-friendly bubbles, playing with your dog for short periods of time with regular bubbles should be fine as long as you use discretion and supervision. Learning the ins and outs of bubbles can be great because most dogs absolutely love them.
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Featured Image Credit: Kashaeva Irina, Shutterstock
