Dog Ate Baking Soda What To Do Right Now?
Ashna Khare | Jul 08, 2025, 09:30 IST
( Image credit : Freepik )
Highlight of the story: If your dog accidentally eats baking soda, it can cause serious health risks depending on how much was consumed. This guide explains the signs of baking soda poisoning in dogs, what steps to take right away, and how to prevent such accidents in the future. Stay informed to keep your dog safe and healthy if this unexpected situation happens.
Every dog owner knows that dogs can be curious creatures. Their noses and mouths explore everything around them, and sometimes this leads to trouble. One common household item that can cause worry is baking soda. While it is harmless to humans in small amounts and often used in cooking or cleaning, baking soda can be dangerous if your dog eats it. If you find yourself in a situation where your dog has eaten baking soda, it is important to stay calm and act quickly. This article will guide you through understanding what happens when a dog eats baking soda, what signs to look out for, and what steps you should take right away to protect your pet.
It does not take a huge amount of baking soda to create a problem. The amount that can be dangerous depends on the size of the dog and how much they ate. A small dog will be affected by a smaller dose compared to a large dog. For this reason, it is always better to be cautious. Even if your dog only ate a small spoonful, keeping an eye on their health and behavior is important. The sooner you notice something is wrong, the sooner you can get help.
Many people keep baking soda in places that are easy for dogs to reach. Kitchens, laundry rooms, or garages often have open boxes or containers sitting on shelves or counters. Because baking soda has no strong smell or taste, a dog may eat it out of curiosity or by accident while sniffing around. This is why it is important to store baking soda and similar products safely, well out of your pet’s reach.
Vomiting is another common sign. Your dog’s body tries to get rid of the baking soda, and throwing up is a natural response. You may see foamy or watery vomit. Diarrhea is also possible. In more serious cases, the high sodium levels from the baking soda can cause muscle twitches, shaking, or weakness. Your dog may seem confused, have trouble walking, or collapse. Seizures are a very serious sign and mean you need emergency help right away.
Another thing to watch for is excessive thirst or urination. The salt imbalance in the body can make your dog very thirsty as their system tries to correct itself. Panting, drooling, or a rapid heartbeat are other danger signs. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is best not to wait. Contact your vet or an emergency animal hospital immediately. Time matters when dealing with poisoning, and quick action can make a big difference.
Do not try to make your dog vomit unless your vet tells you to. In some cases, making your dog vomit can make things worse, especially if too much gas is already building up in their stomach. Also avoid giving your dog food, water, or milk in an attempt to help, unless your vet suggests it. Every case is different, and professional guidance is the safest path. If your dog is showing signs of distress, get them to a vet clinic or animal emergency hospital as soon as possible. It is better to be safe than sorry.
While on your way to the vet, keep your dog as calm as possible. Stress and excitement can make bloating worse. Try to carry smaller dogs or keep larger dogs lying down in the car. Call ahead to let the clinic know you are coming so they can be ready to help right away. Bringing the container of baking soda with you can help the vet figure out the best treatment. The vet may perform tests, give medications, or provide fluids to help flush the baking soda out of your dog’s system. In some cases, they may need to monitor your dog overnight or provide more intensive care.
The best way to protect your dog from the dangers of baking soda is to prevent them from getting into it in the first place. One simple step is to store baking soda and other household items in secure cabinets or high shelves where your dog cannot reach. If you use baking soda for cleaning or other tasks, keep your dog out of the room until you are done and the area is safe again. Always clean up any spills right away so there is no chance your dog might lick or sniff at the residue.
It is also a good idea to be mindful of other places where baking soda might be found. Some people use it in litter boxes, trash cans, or as a deodorizer for carpets. In these cases, make sure your dog does not have access to those areas. If you have guests or workers in your home, remind them to keep baking soda and similar products out of reach. Training your dog not to counter surf or eat things off the floor can also help reduce the risk of accidental poisoning.
Emergency preparedness is another key part of keeping your dog safe. Make sure you know the phone number and location of the nearest animal emergency clinic. Keep a list of substances that are toxic to dogs in your home and review it often. By being aware and ready, you can act quickly if an accident happens. Preventing these situations is always easier than dealing with the consequences after the fact.
It can be frightening to discover that your dog has eaten something potentially dangerous like baking soda. But the most important thing is to stay calm, act quickly, and seek professional advice. Understanding why baking soda can harm dogs, knowing the warning signs of trouble, and being ready to take the right steps can make all the difference. By keeping baking soda safely stored and paying close attention to your dog’s environment, you can help prevent accidents before they happen. Our dogs trust us to look out for them, and part of that trust means being aware of the hidden dangers in our homes. With care, attention, and love, you can keep your furry friend safe, healthy, and happy for years to come.
Discover expert advice and the latest tips on pet care, training, health, and more. Stay updated with all things pets at Times Pets!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can baking soda harm a dog if eaten?
Yes, baking soda can cause bloating, salt poisoning, or worse in dogs.How much baking soda is dangerous for dogs?
Even small amounts can be risky, especially for small dogs.What should I do first if my dog eats baking soda?
Call your vet right away and follow their advice.Can I make my dog vomit after eating baking soda?
Do not do this unless a vet tells you to.
Why baking soda is harmful for dogs
Why baking soda is harmfu
( Image credit : Freepik )
It does not take a huge amount of baking soda to create a problem. The amount that can be dangerous depends on the size of the dog and how much they ate. A small dog will be affected by a smaller dose compared to a large dog. For this reason, it is always better to be cautious. Even if your dog only ate a small spoonful, keeping an eye on their health and behavior is important. The sooner you notice something is wrong, the sooner you can get help.
Many people keep baking soda in places that are easy for dogs to reach. Kitchens, laundry rooms, or garages often have open boxes or containers sitting on shelves or counters. Because baking soda has no strong smell or taste, a dog may eat it out of curiosity or by accident while sniffing around. This is why it is important to store baking soda and similar products safely, well out of your pet’s reach.
Common signs of baking soda poisoning in dogs
Baking soda poisoning in
( Image credit : Freepik )
Vomiting is another common sign. Your dog’s body tries to get rid of the baking soda, and throwing up is a natural response. You may see foamy or watery vomit. Diarrhea is also possible. In more serious cases, the high sodium levels from the baking soda can cause muscle twitches, shaking, or weakness. Your dog may seem confused, have trouble walking, or collapse. Seizures are a very serious sign and mean you need emergency help right away.
Another thing to watch for is excessive thirst or urination. The salt imbalance in the body can make your dog very thirsty as their system tries to correct itself. Panting, drooling, or a rapid heartbeat are other danger signs. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is best not to wait. Contact your vet or an emergency animal hospital immediately. Time matters when dealing with poisoning, and quick action can make a big difference.
What to do if your dog eats baking soda
What to do if your dog ea
( Image credit : Freepik )
Do not try to make your dog vomit unless your vet tells you to. In some cases, making your dog vomit can make things worse, especially if too much gas is already building up in their stomach. Also avoid giving your dog food, water, or milk in an attempt to help, unless your vet suggests it. Every case is different, and professional guidance is the safest path. If your dog is showing signs of distress, get them to a vet clinic or animal emergency hospital as soon as possible. It is better to be safe than sorry.
While on your way to the vet, keep your dog as calm as possible. Stress and excitement can make bloating worse. Try to carry smaller dogs or keep larger dogs lying down in the car. Call ahead to let the clinic know you are coming so they can be ready to help right away. Bringing the container of baking soda with you can help the vet figure out the best treatment. The vet may perform tests, give medications, or provide fluids to help flush the baking soda out of your dog’s system. In some cases, they may need to monitor your dog overnight or provide more intensive care.
How to prevent baking soda accidents and keep your dog safe
It is also a good idea to be mindful of other places where baking soda might be found. Some people use it in litter boxes, trash cans, or as a deodorizer for carpets. In these cases, make sure your dog does not have access to those areas. If you have guests or workers in your home, remind them to keep baking soda and similar products out of reach. Training your dog not to counter surf or eat things off the floor can also help reduce the risk of accidental poisoning.
Emergency preparedness is another key part of keeping your dog safe. Make sure you know the phone number and location of the nearest animal emergency clinic. Keep a list of substances that are toxic to dogs in your home and review it often. By being aware and ready, you can act quickly if an accident happens. Preventing these situations is always easier than dealing with the consequences after the fact.
It can be frightening to discover that your dog has eaten something potentially dangerous like baking soda. But the most important thing is to stay calm, act quickly, and seek professional advice. Understanding why baking soda can harm dogs, knowing the warning signs of trouble, and being ready to take the right steps can make all the difference. By keeping baking soda safely stored and paying close attention to your dog’s environment, you can help prevent accidents before they happen. Our dogs trust us to look out for them, and part of that trust means being aware of the hidden dangers in our homes. With care, attention, and love, you can keep your furry friend safe, healthy, and happy for years to come.
Discover expert advice and the latest tips on pet care, training, health, and more. Stay updated with all things pets at Times Pets!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can baking soda harm a dog if eaten?
Yes, baking soda can cause bloating, salt poisoning, or worse in dogs.How much baking soda is dangerous for dogs?
Even small amounts can be risky, especially for small dogs.What should I do first if my dog eats baking soda?
Call your vet right away and follow their advice.Can I make my dog vomit after eating baking soda?
Do not do this unless a vet tells you to.