Has your dog eaten some Zest soap? Are you worried the Zest will make him sick? If so, then you’ve come to the right place! We understand it can be scary when something like this happens.
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In this article, we’ll take a look at Zest soap & what it’s made of, and whether or not this soap can make your dog sick. Let’s get started!
What is Zest Soap?
Zest is a bar soap that was first started back in 1952 by Proctor & Gamble. The brand is currently owned by Unilever outside the US, Canada, & Puerto Rico. When it first came out, Zest was marketed as a deodorant bar that included soap and synthetic detergents. The synthetic detergents were said to keep soap scum from gathering on the skin. The original variations of the soap were Citrus & Aqua.
Today, Zest contains the following ingredients:
- Sodium tallowate and/or sodium palmate
- Sodium cocoate and/or sodium palm kernelate
- Water
- Fragrance
- Sodium chloride
- Bentonite
- Coconut acid
- Palm kernel acid
- Tallow acid
- Palm acid
- Glycerin
- Titanium dioxide
- Tetrasodium EDTA
- Red 33
- Green 3
- Ultramarines
In most cases, modern soaps are considered non-toxic to dogs, including Zest. However, can Zest make your dog sick if he eats it?
Bar Soaps & Dogs
Generally, if your dog eats only a small bit piece of Zest or another soap, he should be OK. In some dogs with sensitive stomachs, it’s possible they could develop some digestive tract issues. However, these should be short-lasting.
Having said that, if your dog eats an entire piece of bar soap, the digestive tract issues could be worse. In addition, it’s possible the soap could create an obstruction anywhere in the digestive tract. A bowel obstruction is a very serious condition, which can lead to death if left untreated.
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Ask a Vet Live NowSoap Toxicity Symptoms in Dogs
You may notice these symptoms if your dog has eaten a small piece of Zest:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Nausea
You’ll need to monitor your dog’s symptoms. If they last longer than 12-24 hours or become more severe, then you’ll need to call the vet right away.
For dogs that eat an entire bar of soap, you’ll notice the symptoms above and possibly these other symptoms (in case your dogs has developed a blockage):
- Loss of appetite
- Constipation
- Tarry stools
- Lethargy
- Burping
- Excessive drooling
- Abdominal pain & swelling
If you notice these symptoms in your dog, then call the vet immediately. This could be a life-threatening medical emergency.
One more problem that could develop in some dogs is an allergic reaction. Some dogs may be sensitive to the ingredients in the Zest, leading to an allergic or anaphylactic reaction (severe allergic reaction). The allergic reaction can also be life-threatening. In that case, you may also notice these symptoms:
- Breathing difficulties
- Itchy, red, irritated skin
- Excessive scratching
- Swelling around the face and mouth
Note: do not induce vomiting unless the vet advises this. The soap could become lodged in the esophagus, leading to choking.
Treatment will depend on your dog’s symptoms and the diagnosis of the vet. The good news is that most dogs that eat Zest will be just fine. Those who have an obstruction or a severe allergic reaction need prompt medical care. Dogs who receive care as soon as possible have an excellent chance of making a complete recovery.
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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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