What's in Soap?
While every soap is slightly different, most liquid soaps contain water, oils (usually cocamide DEA, monoethanolamine and/or glycerin), fragrances and dyes, among other ingredients, such as sodium lauryl sulfate, parabens, triclosan and cocamidopropyl betaine.
bar soap and soaps labeled "natural" have similar ingredients. Some soaps may also contain essential oils or dried herbs.
Is Soap Toxic to Dogs?
The answer to this question depends on the kind of soap your dog ingested. Many soaps contain pine oil, which can cause serious side effects. Soaps can also cause chemical burns in your dog’s mouth, esophagus, or stomach. If your dog ate a large piece of soap, it could cause a blockage in his GI system, which may require surgery to remove.
Troubling Symptoms in Dogs Who Have Eaten Soap
Even though bar soap is unlikely to cause your dog significant problems, atypical reactions are always possible. Accordingly, you’ll want to be sure to watch your dog closely and seek veterinary attention if he displays any of the signs or symptoms below:
Persistent Vomiting or Diarrhea
As mentioned earlier, your dog will likely experience some intestinal issues after eating a bar of soap. That’s usually not a big deal if the problems go away within a few hours, but if your dog is still suffering symptoms 24 hours later, go ahead and cruise on over to the vet.
Bloating, Unusual Postures, Pacing, or Visible Pain
The symptoms listed above can indicate a lot of different things, including an intestinal obstruction, which can be a concern for dogs who eat a bar of soap.
Your vet will likely need to examine your dog, and he or she may need to obtain some type of imaging of your dog’s digestive tract to ensure that nothing is clogging him up.
Swelling of the Face or Mouth or Difficulty Breathing
These symptoms can suggest that your dog is suffering from an allergic reaction to the soap (or some of the additives in it, such as perfumes or dyes).
This can be an emergency medical situation, and it may ultimately prevent your dog from breathing, so grab your keys, load the dog in the car, and head to the vet. Have someone call the vet or emergency room and let them know you are on the way.
My Dog Ate Soap – What Should I Do?
- Remove the leftover soap.
- If you are able to do so safely, remove the soap that remains in their mouth and rinse their mouth with cool water. Don’t do this if there is a risk that your dog may bite.
- Call your veterinary clinic immediately for advice. If your clinic isn’t open, the Pet Poison Helpline or an emergency clinic can provide it.
- Tell your veterinarian what your dog has eaten, when, how much, and the ingredients if you have them. Letting your veterinarian know a rough weight for your dog will also help.
- Follow the instructions you are given. This may involve monitoring your dog or visiting the clinic.
