Most people use some type of toothpaste to keep their teeth clean. And there is even dog toothpaste to help keep their teeth and mouths clean! But what happens if a dog licks some of your toothpaste?
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Has your dog licked some of your toothpaste? Are you worried the toothpaste 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 like this.
In this article, we’ll take a look at toothpaste and whether or not it can make your dog sick. Let’s get started!
What is Toothpaste?
Toothpaste is a commercially prepared product that can keep your teeth clean and breath fresh. It’s usually applied to a toothbrush and used to brush the teeth.
Toothpaste generally contains the following ingredients:
Abrasives: that work to clean debris and plaque from teeth and gums. These also work to polish the teeth.
Fluoride: is an ingredient that’s used to prevent cavities.
Surfactants: many types of commercially prepared toothpaste also contain sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) or other types of surfactants. These create the foam that comes when brushing your teeth with toothpaste.
Flavorings: toothpaste may also include different flavorings such as peppermint, spearmint, and wintergreen. These make the toothpaste taste better and can freshen the breath.
Xylitol: is an artificial sweetener that’s found in many types of toothpaste. It’s included to make the product taste better.
Other ingredients: can include baking soda and more.
Can human toothpaste make a dog sick if he licks it?
Toothpaste & Dogs
Dogs that have licked human toothpaste may become sick. This is because of the ingredients found in the toothpaste. For one thing, xylitol is known to be very toxic to dogs. Even licking a dime-sized amount of toothpaste is enough xylitol to poison a dog.
Fluoride can also cause stomach issues, urinary tract problems, and even seizures and heart issues. Baking soda is also very dangerous for dogs because it’s very acidic. This can cause digestive tract issues, or even seizures, muscle spasms, and more.
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Ask a Vet Live NowWhat to Do If Your Dog Has Licked Toothpaste
First, check the ingredient list on the toothpaste. If any of these ingredients include xylitol, baking soda, or fluoride, then it’s time to call the vet immediately. This could be an emergency.
Next, let the vet know what’s happened, provide them with the name of the toothpaste and the ingredients.
The vet will probably ask that you bring your fur baby in as soon as possible for treatment, especially if the toothpaste contains xylitol.
Dogs who receive prompt medical treatment after licking toothpaste have the best survival rates. So, don’t wait until your dog has symptoms. Be sure to call the vet right away if your dog has licked toothpaste.
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!
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