Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a common household product found in most kitchens. It has many uses, from baking and cleaning to deodorizing and relieving heartburn. Some dog owners may wonder if baking soda is safe for dogs to ingest. This article will examine whether dogs can have baking soda, the potential benefits and risks, and proper dosage and administration guidelines.
Is Baking Soda Toxic to Dogs?
Baking soda is generally considered non-toxic to dogs, cats, and other pets when ingested in small quantities (1). The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center states that baking soda is typically safe for animal ingestion and is commonly used to absorb moisture, odors and neutralize acids in the digestive system. It is also sometimes used as an antacid for dogs and cats to relieve upset stomach or diarrhea symptoms.
However, the key is moderation. Consuming extremely large amounts of baking soda can potentially cause electrolyte abnormalities, muscle spasms and congestive heart failure through hypokalemia (low potassium levels) in dogs (2). Excessive sodium intake from high doses of baking soda may also lead to sodium ion toxicosis.
Therefore, it’s important to stick to appropriate dosing guidelines and not allow your dog free access to an entire box or container of baking soda. Check with your veterinarian before giving baking soda to be sure it is safe for your particular dog.
Benefits of Baking Soda for Dogs
When given in proper dosages, baking soda may provide some benefits for dogs, including:
Relieving Digestive Upset
One of the most common uses of baking soda for dogs is to help settle an upset stomach, relieve gas, or treat diarrhea. The alkaline nature of baking soda helps neutralize stomach acid, which can relieve indigestion, nausea and discomfort (3). The mild antacid effect of baking soda may help coat the stomach lining andintestinal tract to ease symptoms.
Detoxifying the Body
Some holistic veterinarians recommend using baking soda to help remove toxins and alkalize a dog’s body. Proponents believe baking soda can neutralize acidity, improve the pH balance of cells, and support kidney function to excrete toxins (4). However, mainstream veterinary groups do not endorse detoxification therapies with baking soda due to lack of evidence.
Freshening Breath
The antacid and absorbent properties of baking soda make it useful for cleaning dogs’ teeth and freshening “doggie breath.” Mixing a pinch of baking soda with water into a paste and gently rubbing it on the teeth may help remove plaque buildup and odors from the mouth. Be careful not to let your dog swallow large amounts of the paste.
Soothing Itchy Skin
Some pet owners add a cup of baking soda to their dog’s bathwater to help neutralize skin acids and relieve itchy skin associated with allergies or dryness. The soothing, pH-balancing effect of baking soda baths may temporarily relieve minor skin irritation. However, it does not treat the underlying cause of skin issues.
Risks of Baking Soda for Dogs
While generally considered safe in small doses, there are some risks associated with giving dogs too much baking soda:
Electrolyte Imbalance
Consuming large amounts of baking soda can potentially disrupt electrolyte levels in dogs’ bodies. It may lower potassium, phosphorus and calcium levels. This can lead to muscle twitches, weakness, heart issues and seizures (5).
Gas and Bloating
Since baking soda reacts with stomach acid to release carbon dioxide gas, giving too much may cause gastrointestinal distress, gas, bloating or vomiting in dogs.
Mineral Deficiencies
Excess baking soda can interfere with absorption of dietary minerals like chloride, sulfate and iodide in the gastrointestinal tract (6). This may lead to mineral deficiencies over time.
Sodium Overdose
Sodium bicarbonate contains high levels of sodium, which in large doses can cause sodium ion poisoning. This can result in neurological signs, kidney damage, heart issues and edema (fluid buildup).
Drug Interactions
Baking soda may potentially interact with certain medications like diuretics, corticosteroids or antibiotics, possibly decreasing their effectiveness. Check with your vet before using.
Therefore, while low doses of baking soda are generally fine for dogs, owners should follow dosage guidelines carefully to avoid potential complications. Only give baking soda under the direction and supervision of a veterinarian.
Proper Dosage of Baking Soda for Dogs
The appropriate dosage of baking soda depends on the size of the dog. Here are some general dosing guidelines:
– Small dogs under 25 lbs: 1/4 tsp baking soda
– Medium dogs 25-50 lbs: 1/2 tsp baking soda
– Large dogs 50-75 lbs: 3/4 tsp baking soda
– Extra large dogs over 75 lbs: 1 tsp baking soda
Baking soda can be dissolved into water or broth for easier administration. Doses can be repeated every few hours as needed for digestive issues but no more than 5 times in a 24-hour period. For skin issues, baking soda baths can be used regularly but should be followed with a rinse of plain water to prevent residue buildup on the coat.
Exceeding these dosage guidelines or long-term use of baking soda can increase the risk of toxicity. Check with your veterinarian before giving baking soda to your dog, especially if they have underlying health conditions. Monitor your dog closely for any adverse side effects.
How to Give a Dog Baking Soda
Here are some tips for safely administering baking soda:
– Dissolve the proper dose of baking soda fully into water, broth or your dog’s food. Do not offer it dry.
– Give with meals to prevent gastrointestinal upset.
– Administer using an oral dosing syringe or turkey baster for easier delivery.
– Follow immediately with fresh water to wash residue from teeth.
– For skin relief, add one cup baking soda to a bath and rinse thoroughly afterwards.
– Do not exceed recommended dosage based on your dog’s size.
– Monitor your dog for signs of toxicity like vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, muscle tremors or seizures.
– Discontinue use and contact your vet if any concerning symptoms develop.
– Do not give long-term without veterinary guidance.
What About Activated Charcoal for Dogs?
In addition to baking soda, some owners wonder about using activated charcoal for dogs. Activated charcoal is a highly porous, absorptive black powder believed to draw toxins out of the body. It may help relieve some causes of doggie upset stomach.
However, activated charcoal also absorbs vital nutrients from food and can interfere with prescription medication absorption. While it has some similar effects as baking soda, it carries greater risk of complications and side effects.
Baking soda is generally considered safer and less likely to cause adverse effects at appropriate dosages. Only give activated charcoal under veterinary supervision, as improper dosing is common.
Key Takeaways on Baking Soda for Dogs
To sum up the key points on giving baking soda to dogs:
– Baking soda is generally safe when given in small amounts, but can be toxic in large quantities.
– Potential benefits include soothing digestive issues, detoxification, freshening breath and relieving itchy skin.
– Risks include electrolyte imbalances, sodium overdose, gas/bloating and drug interactions.
– Follow recommended dosage guidelines carefully based on your dog’s size.
– Monitor for vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, muscle tremors, seizures or other side effects.
– Do not give long-term or exceed recommended dosage without vet approval.
– Activated charcoal carries higher risk and is not recommended over baking soda.
– When in doubt, check with your vet before administering baking soda to your dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about giving baking soda to dogs:
Can I give my dog baking soda daily?
No, baking soda should not be given daily or long-term to dogs without veterinary approval. Frequent and high doses can cause sodium ion toxicosis and other problems. Only occasional, short-term use is advised for temporary relief of minor stomach upset.
What happens if a dog eats a whole box of baking soda?
Consuming an entire box of baking soda is cause for concern and can potentially be fatal. Significant electrolyte disturbances, seizure, cardiac arrhythmias, neurologic signs, bloating and kidney damage could occur. Seek veterinary treatment immediately if a large amount was ingested.
Can puppies have baking soda?
Baking soda is generally not recommended for puppies under 6 months old unless specifically prescribed by a vet. Puppies have developing digestive and kidney systems that may be more susceptible to imbalances. Use caution and consult your veterinarian before giving to puppies.
Should dogs take baking soda daily for kidney health?
No, daily baking soda should not be given for kidney health without veterinary guidance. While it alkalizes urine pH, excessive use can disrupt electrolyte balance and mineral absorption leading to further kidney issues. Special renal diets and medications are safest for dogs with kidney disease.
Is baking powder the same as baking soda?
No, baking powder and baking soda are different. Baking soda is pure sodium bicarbonate. Baking powder contains baking soda plus additional ingredients like cornstarch and acidifying agents like cream of tartar. Both can cause bloating in dogs if ingested in large amounts.
Conclusion
In moderation, baking soda is generally safe for dogs to ingest and may provide some benefits for relieving digestive upset or balancing pH in the body. However, too much baking soda can be toxic and dangerous due to its high sodium content and alkaline properties. Dog owners should follow recommended dosing guidelines carefully based on their dog’s size and only give baking soda occasionally for short-term relief.
Frequent, long-term use or exceedingly high doses of baking soda can cause severe side effects. Check with your veterinarian before administering baking soda to your dog, especially if they have underlying health conditions or take other medications. Monitor for any signs of toxicity indicating too much baking soda has been given. With judicious use under veterinary guidance, baking soda can be a helpful natural remedy for dogs. But be sure to use proper caution and dosing to keep your dog safe.