→Baking Soda – Is It A Bad Or Good Thing For Dogs?
Baking Soda – Is It A Bad Or Good Thing For Dogs?
You'd be surprised by how many human products in your home are not dog-friendly. One thing I was curious about is baking soda. Baking soda is a common household item. So I asked myself, is baking soda bad for dogs? Can I use it when baking treats? What about bathing? I did my research and I’m passing my knowledge to you.
Baking Soda – Is It A Danger Or Good Thing For Dogs?
During my research, I found the solution to my worries. Is baking soda bad for dogs? The answer is yes and no. Here are some ways you DO use baking soda for your dog.
Baking soda is a cheap alternative to expensive dog shampoo. It is also soothing to the skin so it is especially useful for dogs with skin issues. It is an impressive odor remover so it works great to get rid of dirty dog smell. If your dog is unlucky enough to be sprayed by a skunk, a baking soda bath is a solution.
Start by brushing your dog's fur and washing their face with a damp washcloth. Sprinkle the baking soda over their fur and let sit for a few minutes for maximum odor control. Brush out the baking soda and rinse. (Be sure to avoid the face when using this bathing method).
More helpful info can be found here.
If your dog is as playful as mine, you know how quickly their toys become gross. All the drool and dirt builds up until you don’t even want to touch it. This is especially true if your dog’s favorite toy is made from some kind of cloth material.
Dog toys absorb everything they touch so it is important to wash them often. Soaking toys in a bucket with baking soda and water is an effective method. Just be sure that they are well rinsed when you are finished.
You can also wash dog toys in a washing machine using "Nellie's All Natural Laundry Soda".
Bee stings hurt your dog just as much as they hurt you. Make sure the stinger isn't still stuck inside the wound. You can use ice to take down the initial swelling and then a baking soda paste.
Use two parts baking soda and one part water to make a paste and spread it onto the sting. Baking soda helps draw out the poison and soothe the pain. Be sure to keep an eye on your dog and prevent him from licking the baking soda off.
Using baking soda to brush your dog’s teeth may seem like a good idea since many humans use it. Ingesting baking soda can be poisonous or at the very least cause a stomach ache. Not to mention that baking soda tastes bad and may make your dog hesitant to have their teeth brushed in the future.
I use baby toothpaste for my dogs. It’s tasty, safe to swallow, and prevents tooth decay as they age. Just gently brush with a kid’s toothbrush or a baby finger brush. Brush side to side with a kids toothbrush or in a circular motion with a finger brush.
I mentioned before how baking soda is great for bee stings. This is pretty much the only medical use baking soda has for dogs. People use baking soda for things like heartburn and upset stomach. Ingesting baking soda in any amount other than in baked treats can cause serious effects.
All the uses baking soda has for your pet is kind of amazing. I knew there were many ways to use this substance in my human life but I had no idea the benefits of using it on my dogs! While there are many things you can do for your dog with baking soda, be sure to avoid the don’ts.