Reviewed By Joana Garrido DVM
Is baking soda toxic to dogs? Baking soda rarely poses a toxic threat to dogs unless consumed in large quantities. In this article, we will go through what makes this popular leavening agent in baked goods poisonous to canines and how it affects your furry pal’s system.
What Is Baking Soda Consist Of?
Knowing the compounds making up baking soda will give you an idea of why excessive ingestion of it can harm Fido’s health. This food ingredient is composed of sodium bicarbonate.
While baking soda is considered a type of salt, it is different from regular salt, which consists of sodium chloride. In general, baking soda contains slightly lower sodium concentrations.
According to the USDA, 100 grams of it have around 27, 400 milligrams of sodium. On the other hand, regular salt contains approximately 38, 700 milligrams of sodium per 100 grams.
What Makes Baking Soda Toxic to Dogs?
The sodium in baking soda makes this food ingredient potentially toxic to dogs. Salt is crucial for the smooth function of various organs in the canine body.
However, when ingested in excessive amounts, it can cause sodium poisoning in dogs. Having too much salt in the bloodstream induces electrolyte imbalance, resulting in adverse reactions like GI problems and neurological issues.
Baking soda has a slightly salty taste with a tinge of bitterness, which makes it unappealing to most dogs. But its taste is not enough to ward off the most curious pooches. Thus, this food ingredient should be stored properly in a secure place, so pets do not accidentally ingest it.
How Much Baking Soda Causes Poisoning in Dogs?
It takes a large amount of baking soda to induce sodium toxicity in canines. The general baseline is 10 to 20 grams per 2 pounds of body weight.
Take note that your pet’s size plays a large role in his susceptibility to poisoning. We have provided a guide below detailing the estimated toxic amount of baking soda according to a dog’s weight.
| Dog Breed Size | Toxic Amount of Baking Soda |
|---|---|
| Toy breeds (1 to 10 pounds) | over 0.3 tablespoons |
| Small breeds (11 to 25 pounds) | over 3 tablespoons |
| Medium breeds (26 to 40 pounds) | over 7.5 tablespoons |
| Large breeds (41 to 70 pounds) | over 12 tablespoons |
| Larger breeds (71 to 90 pounds) | over 21.5 tablespoons |
| Giant breeds (91 to 110 pounds) | over 27.5 tablespoons |
Does Eating Baked Goods Put Fido At Risk of Baking Soda Toxicity?
Baked goods only require small amounts of baking soda. Hence, dogs are unlikely to suffer from poisoning due to this ingredient. If they do get sick from consuming baked goods, the root cause is oftentimes a different culprit.
For instance, many store-bought snacks and desserts use ingredients that are dangerous to dogs. These include raisins, xylitol, chocolate, and coffee. With this in mind, do not forget to double-check the ingredient list of baked goods before sharing them with your canine companion.
What Are Symptoms of Baking Soda Poisoning in Dogs?
The most commonly observed clinical sign of baking soda toxicity in dogs is vomiting. Other adverse effects that may take place are:
- Low energy levels
- Shortness of breath
- Diarrhea
- Depression
If your dog eats baking soda in large quantities, be ready for alarming symptoms to crop up, such as disorientation, tremors, and seizures. In the most critical cases, congestive heart failure might take place because of severe electrolyte imbalance.
Clinical signs of baking soda poisoning in dogs may take approximately 3 hours post-ingestion to appear. Closely monitor your furry friend this long if you suspect that he has ingested baking soda.
The manifestation of severe poisoning symptoms calls for an immediate trip to an animal clinic. If the adverse reactions are mild, they often go away within a day or two. Contact the vet for assistance on how to provide at-home treatment to your furry pal.
Should You Avoid Keeping Baking Soda in Your Home Altogether?
The toxic risk of baking soda does not mean you have to stop stocking up your kitchen with this food ingredient. Baking soda has numerous uses not only for cooking but also in pet care, such as:
- Baking soda helps soothe the itchiness and inflammation caused by bee stings on dogs. All you have to do is turn this powder into a paste by mixing it with water.
- Baking soda is also useful for cleaning and deodorizing. You can sprinkle it in smelly areas in your home to absorb offensive odors. Just make sure to leave it for at least 30 minutes to do its magic. Its abrasiveness also helps scrape off hardened bits of food from food bowls.
- Baking soda’s deodorizing abilities can help neutralize bad breath in pooches. Thus, it makes a handy ingredient for homemade doggy toothpaste. Remember, baking soda is safe for dogs to ingest in small amounts.
- Baking soda works as a dry shampoo too. Its odor-neutralizing powers aid in minimizing your furry pal’s stink. Just lightly sprinkle him with baking soda and massage it into his coat. Afterwards, get rid of extra powder by brushing his coat.
- Baking soda is a good alternative if you ran out of styptic powder. Combine equal parts of cornstarch and baking soda and then dip your furry pal’s nicked nail in the dry mixture to stop the bleeding.
FAQs About Is Baking Soda Toxic to Dogs?
1. Will Baking Soda Hurt My Dog if He Licks It?
The amount of baking soda your dog licks will determine if poisoning will take place. This food ingredient will not hurt him if he only ingests a small amount of it.
However, if your canine friend ingested a box of baking soda, toxicosis will likely take place. Thus, it is important to know how much he has consumed if you suspect your pet has eaten baking soda.
2. Is It Safe to Brush Your Dog’s Teeth With Baking Soda?
Yes, it is safe to brush your dog’s teeth with baking soda as long as you use it in minimal quantities. Baking soda possesses deodorizing properties, which help neutralize bad breath in canines.
3. Is Baking Soda Ok for Dogs’ Fur?
In general, baking soda is okay for dogs’ fur. However, some pets have sensitive skin and the slight abrasiveness of baking soda might be irritating to their skin.
If your furry pal has delicate skin, consult with a veterinarian first to know if applying baking soda to his coat is a good idea.
4. Is Baking Powder Toxic to Dogs Like Baking Soda?
Yes, baking powder is toxic to dogs, just like baking soda. It poses the same risk since it is made up of sodium aluminum sulfate, calcium phosphate, and baking soda.
Thus, never leave it close to your pet’s reach to prevent accidental ingestion.
Conclusion
Baking soda is only dangerous to dogs when ingested in large amounts. Its sodium concentration can cause electrolyte imbalances, leading to gastric and neurological adverse reactions in canines.
You do not need to completely omit this food ingredient from your kitchen. What you should do is store it in a secure place where your furry pal has no access, such as a locked cupboard.
