Drain cleaners are common household chemicals that most of us have at home. One popular drain cleaner you’ve probably heard of is Drano. What happens if a dog licks a drain cleaner product? Can a drain cleaner make a dog sick?
Connect with a verified veterinarian in minutes. Licensed vets are available 24/7 to answer your questions. No need to worry about your furry family member.
Has your dog licked some drain cleaner? Are you worried the drain cleaner will make your dog sick? If so, then you’ve come to the right place. We understand it can be scary when your dog does something of this nature.
In this article, we’ll take a look at drain cleaners and whether or not they can make a dog sick. Let’s get started!
What are Drain Cleaners?
Drain cleaners are household products that are used to unblock sewer pipes or clogged sinks & bathtubs. These products may be solid or liquid and are easy to find in most stores, including hardware and grocery stores. Some drain cleaners are professional products that can only be used by a licensed plumber.
There are basically two types of drain cleaners—acidic and alkaline. Alkaline drain cleaners usually contain sodium hydroxide (which is another name for lye), while others may contain potassium hydroxide. These can be either liquid or solid.
Acidic drain cleaners, on the other hand, are usually made of sulfuric acid. Sulfuric acid easily breaks down hair, fats, and more.
Drain cleaners are very popular as they’re easy to buy and use. However, they can be very dangerous if not used correctly.
Can drain cleaners be toxic to dogs?
Drain Cleaners & Dogs
Because drain cleaners are considered to be corrosive (this is how they break through clogs), they can be dangerous if licked or ingested.
If your dog has had a very small lick of drain cleaner and doesn’t develop any symptoms, chances are he will be OK. However, it’s still important to monitor him for any symptoms that may develop. It’s possible your fur baby could have ingested more drain cleaner than you realize, even in just one lick.
Review symptoms, medications & behavior to keep your pets healthy with a Vet Online in just minutes.
Ask a Vet Live NowSymptoms of Drain Cleaner Ingestion in Dogs
You may notice these symptoms if your dog has licked drain cleaner:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Oral ulcers/burns
- Pain when swallowing
- Lack of appetite
- Stomach ulcers
- Licking their lips
- Excessive drooling
If your dog develops any of these symptoms, then call the vet immediately. This could be an emergency.
The good news is that dogs who receive prompt medical treatment after licking drain cleaner will go on to make a full recovery.
Connect with a verified veterinarian in minutes. Licensed vets are available 24/7 to answer your questions. No need to worry about your furry family member.
Kyoko
Kyoko is from a family of 3 and moved to New York with her parents and siblings when she was 13. Kyoko is fond of spending a great amount of time with pets, specifically her beagle Luna and cat Missy. Her boyfriend often complains that she spends too much time giving attention to their animals. Kyoko has written dozens of articles concerning pets and is aiming at owning a pet shop one day!
Review symptoms, medications & behavior to keep your pets healthy with a Vet Online in just minutes.
Ask a Vet Live Now
