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Dogs are notorious for eating things they shouldn’t! A dog may choose to eat string, a shoe, rocks, and more. Some dogs even seem to love eating soap! But what happens if a dog eats soap?
Has your dog eaten soap? Are you worried the soap will make your dog sick? If so, you’ve come to the right place. We understand it can be scary when your dog eats something like this.
We’ve gathered information about soap and whether it can make a dog sick. Let’s get started!
What is Soap?
Soap is a product that’s used to clean us and our things. It’s used to clean dishes, surfaces around the house, and much more. It’s been around for thousands of years.
In those days, ancient humans figured out how to render fat from an animal and mix it with ashes. The result was a thick, brown substance that worked to clean dirt. Today, soap is made from fat and other ingredients.
While soap is safe for humans when used as directed, what about dogs? Can a dog get sick from eating soap?
Soap & Dogs
The good news is that today’s modern soaps usually don’t contain toxic ingredients. However, a dog can experience digestive issues after eating soap.
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Ask a Vet Live NowSymptoms of Soap Ingestion in Dogs
You may notice these symptoms if your dog eats soap:
- Persistent diarrhea and vomiting
- Bloating
- Abdominal pain
- Swelling of the face, mouth, or trouble breathing (may indicate an allergic reaction)
If you notice these symptoms in your dog, it’s best to call the vet. Diarrhea and vomiting that last longer than 12 to 24 hours can cause dehydration. This must be treated by the vet.
Dogs having bloating and abdominal pain could be experiencing the symptoms of pancreatitis, which can be a life-threatening condition if not treated.
And if your dog’s having an allergic reaction, this must be treated ASAP. That is an emergency.
Treatment of Soap Ingestion in Dogs
Treatment depends on the vet’s diagnosis. For instance, dogs that are vomiting and have diarrhea will be treated with medication to stop these symptoms. And if the dog’s dehydrated, the vet will give him an IV with fluids.
Dogs that have pancreatitis will be treated for this condition. And if a dog’s having an allergic reaction, the vet will use antihistamines and possibly steroids to treat his symptoms. However, if the dog is having breathing difficulties, this may be a sign of an anaphylactic reaction, which can be life-threatening. In that case, the vet may give your dog epinephrine and other meds to stop the reaction.
The prognosis is best for dogs who receive prompt treatment for these issues. And in most cases, a dog that eats soap will make a full recovery. Even so, it’s best to keep all soap out of your dog’s reach. You’ll both be happier for it!
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Tom
Tom has always loved to write since he was little - he wanted to be either a writer or a veterinary doctor, but he ended up being a professional writer while most of his works are based on animals. He was born in San Francisco but later moved to Texas to continue his job as a writer. He graduated from the University of San Francisco where he studied biotechnology. He is happily married and a soon to be father!
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