Baking soda is great for dogs that have an upset stomach. However, it can be toxic in large amounts, so it’s best to start small by mixing one teaspoon of baking soda with half a cup of water. Use a syringe or dropper to administer the liquid.
Uh-oh. You know the signs of your dog not feeling so hot–the grumbling stomach, passing gas, and the dreaded diarrhea or vomiting. For you, your dog, and your carpets sake, you want to have your dog’s tummy feeling better in no time. There are a few methods you can try at home to calm your dog’s stomach down.
What You'll Learn
Could Baking Soda Harm My Dog At All?
Baking soda has many uses for pet owners, but it needs to be noted that baking soda is deadly to dogs in large quantities. Giving your dog too much baking soda can make their upset stomach worse.
Baking soda is a leavening agent; when mixed with something acidic and heat, it will expand. This is why it’s used to make lots of tasty cookies, cakes, or bread. However, this same reaction happens inside your dog if they ingest a large quantity of baking soda.
Baking Soda Can Lead to Possible Poisoning
Your dog’s body temperature and the acids in their stomach create this same chemical reaction, releasing gasses into your dog’s digestive system. Your dog will experience many uncomfortable symptoms like vomiting, lethargy, diarrhea, tremors, seizures, and shortness of breath.
If left untreated, overconsumption of baking soda can also lead to electrolyte abnormalities (like potassium) or heart failure.
How Much Is Harmful?
In small quantities, baking soda can be effective for treating a dog’s upset tummy. However, if consumed in large quantities, it’s toxic to your dog.
A general rule of thumb is that baking soda is toxic to dogs if they eat one teaspoon per pound of body weight. For example, if your 12-pound dog consumes 12 teaspoons of baking soda, call your veterinarian immediately. If your 75-pound dog consumes just a teaspoon or two of baking soda, they will probably be fine. Monitor them for the following day to be sure.
Baking soda is not toxic to dogs when cooked, as its chemical properties are no longer activated. Dog treats made with baking soda are perfectly safe for your dog to consume.
Similarly, using products designed for pets that contain small amounts of baking soda (otherwise known as sodium bicarbonate) are safe as well. You may see baking soda as an ingredient in cleansers, shampoos, or toothpaste, and the quantity in them will not be harmful to your dog.
To avoid this type of sickness from occurring, keep baking soda out of reach from your dog at all times, just like you would any other substance that is not the best for them.
Baking soda doesn’t seem like an appetizing snack, but some dogs will get into just about anything! As long as your baking soda is out of reach from your pup, you can safely use it in lots of ways to keep your dog’s stomach happy and your home smelling fresh.
How to Use Baking Soda For an Upset Stomach
Mix one teaspoon of baking soda with half a cup of water and stir. Use a syringe with the needle removed, or another type of dropper, to give your dog small amounts of this mixture every two hours. Keep a close eye on your dog to see if their upset stomach symptoms subside.
What Else Can Cure My Dog’s Upset Stomach?
A Bland Diet
If you are concerned about using baking soda for your dog’s upset tummy, there are other solutions to curb vomiting or diarrhea.
it’s common to switch your dog over to a bland diet of boiled chicken and white rice when they have an upset stomach. Do not use any spices or seasoning on the food and try to feed your dog in small quantities to avoid quickly seeing the chicken and rice again.
Fasting
You may also try to have your dog fast to help their stomach calm down. Having your dog fast allows the stomach lining to relax and prevent further vomiting and diarrhea, as nothing is going into their system to irritate them further. Do not give your dog any meals or treats for 12-24 hours.
Chances are, your dog is feeling pretty crummy and may not be interested in food or water anyway. Make sure they have access to plenty of water and try to encourage them to drink.
Ice cubes are an option to keep them hydrated during this time. You may also give them unsalted, unseasoned chicken or beef broth to encourage them to consume liquids.
After having them fast for your desired length of time, introduce small, bland meals, and assess how their stomach responds. Fasting should only be used for adult dogs, never puppies.
Consult with your veterinarian before choosing this method to be sure your dog can fast safely.
Keep a close eye on your pet when their tummy is upset. If they are vomiting or have diarrhea, but otherwise seem like themselves, they will probably make a full recovery.
If you notice that nothing you are trying at home is working, and your pet’s symptoms persist, it is worth contacting your veterinarian to make sure everything is alright.
Similarly, if you notice that your dog is lethargic, or that there is blood in their stool or vomit, continue to monitor your pet and contact your veterinarian for the best course of action.
What Else Can I Use Baking Soda For?
It’s easy to have a mental image of the classic orange box of baking soda. However, if you are not much of a baker, you will have lots of baking soda left over after using only a small amount to treat an upset stomach.
Baking soda has many other uses for pet owners. The chemical reaction it causes is known for eliminating odors, and as all pet owners know, dogs definitely come with a fair share of odors.
Toothpaste
Baking soda can be made into toothpaste for your dog if their teeth need a brushing. Mix half a teaspoon of baking soda with half a teaspoon of water into a paste and use a toothbrush or your finger to apply it to your dog’s teeth.
The baking soda’s chemical properties will work to remove plaque and tartar, and the quantity is small enough to not upset your dog’s tummy. It may not be the tastiest solution for your dog, but it will do the job of keeping their teeth clean and shiny.
Carpet and Furniture Cleaner
Baking soda is an excellent deodorizer for your carpet, or anything similar in texture that smells less than fresh thanks to your pet.
Before vacuuming, sprinkle baking soda liberally over carpets and rugs. Allow it to sit overnight to soak up as much odor as possible, then vacuum thoroughly the following day. Try to avoid allowing your dog to lick or sniff the carpet until you have vacuumed up all the baking soda–just in case they go overboard trying to help you clean!
You can use the same method to get odors out of couches that your dog lies on or their bed. Sprinkle the furniture liberally with baking soda and use a vacuum cleaner small enough for furniture to help get odors out.
If your dog had an accident on the couch or the carpet, baking soda helps get the odor out completely.
Mix equal parts baking soda and vinegar to create a paste and pour it generously over the stain. Allow it to soak in, then use a damp paper towel, rag, or sponge to dab the mixture.
Run over the area with a vacuum to make sure it is all cleaned up. The reaction between the baking soda and vinegar completely eliminates the odor so that your dog will not return to the same spot to continue going potty inside.
Addition to Laundry
You can use a cup of baking soda in your laundry to help get rid of pet odors. This is especially helpful when washing your dog’s bed or blankets they lay on–or your blanket if they like to lie in your bed!
Pour a cup of baking soda in with your load of laundry after adding detergent to keep all your laundry smelling fresh.
Dry Shampoo
You can also use baking soda as a dry shampoo for your dog. If bathing your dog at home is a big struggle, or they just need a bit of freshening up between grooms, baking soda makes a great substitute for actual bath time.
Start by brushing your dog’s fur, then sprinkle a small amount of baking soda on them. Gently massage your pet to work the baking soda into their fur, then brush them again to get it all off. Encourage your dog to do a big shake and enjoy your odor-free pup!
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