Furry friends can get up to mischief when they are left unsupervised. Who has never heard stories from pet parents about what they have done, whether it be destroying an object or eating soap , a brick, a stone or anything else that is not food?
Having a pet at home means you can’t leave any object within reach of this messy person. After all, it’s important to avoid all types of accidents so as not to put the animal’s health and life at risk. Among so many things that can happen, what should you do if your dog ate soap ? Check it out!
Why do dogs eat soap?
For some, it may seem strange that dogs have the ability to eat unappetizing objects! Even if the taste is strange, bitter and bad, the curiosity of furry friends speaks louder, so the dog can eat soap , no matter how strange it may be.
Puppies are the ones who are most likely to eat objects and other substances. At this stage, they need to discover new textures and flavors — and everything is a lot of fun for them. When their teeth change, your pet will have an even greater need to chew things, but as they mature, this habit will diminish.
Therefore, when adopting a pet, it is very important to be aware of objects and substances that are within reach of dogs, such as hygiene and cleaning products, poisons and insecticides. This is especially true for puppies. Even if the products are well packaged, pets can destroy everything with their strong teeth, so be careful.
How do you know if your dog ate soap?
No matter how much you have changed the organization of your home, removing danger from your furry friend’s reach, an accident can happen. You may notice some sign that your dog has eaten soap or simply catch your pet and despair: “ My dog ate soap !”
In the second case, it is easier, since the pet was seen eating the product, but if you find soap packaging scattered around, be suspicious! Also observe the animal’s teeth and the smell of its mouth, which give clues about the accident. In addition, when the dog eats something strange, it may show symptoms.
Signs that your dog ate soap
Regardless of the amount ingested, whether bar or liquid soap, this situation should be considered a case of poisoning. In some dogs, small amounts can cause major problems, while in others, even if the pet has eaten a lot, the signs may be mild.
Symptoms vary from person to person, but are more related to the gastrointestinal system. Everything varies according to the composition of the soap, the age and size of the animal. Check out the main ones:
- vomiting;
- diarrhea (with or without blood);
- abdominal pain;
- salivation ;
- Very thirst;
- lack of appetite;
- coughing or sneezing;
- choking;
- tremors and convulsions;
- dilated pupils;
- weakness.
What to do if your dog ate soap?
The most intriguing question for the owner is certainly what to do when the dog has eaten soap . You should immediately seek help from a veterinarian, who is the professional competent to treat cases of poisoning.
The owner should collect as much information as possible about the type of soap ingested: whether the product is for human or animal use, the amount consumed, the signs presented and when the dog ate the soap. This information helps the professional to establish the best treatment.
It is extremely important to emphasize that you should not give your pet medication, even homemade formulas or milk. Some substances can be absorbed even more quickly when mixed with others, even if natural, and, in the hope of helping, can actually worsen the pet’s clinical condition.
Why is it important to know the type of soap?
Soaps generally have the same base composition, but with some variations. The main difference is between soaps intended for human use and those intended for animal use. This is because products for animals can contain even more toxic substances, as they contain poisons against fleas, ticks or mange.
The way to detoxify the dog and the severity of the condition can vary according to these small details and make a difference in the recovery of the furry friend.
How to prevent your dog from eating soap?
Prevention is the best way to keep your dog from eating soap or anything else. Keeping soap in closed cabinets that your dog can’t open or in high places is enough to keep your pet safe. Keeping the bathroom door closed may also be necessary.
Offering toys so that the pet prefers to bite something safe instead of unwanted objects, spending more time with the furry one so that it does not eat the soap to get the owner’s attention and doing physical exercises to burn off energy helps to avoid interest in objects and non-edible things.
In some cases, the dog ate soap due to a nutritional deficiency or worm infestation. Always offer quality food and keep the deworming protocol up to date.
It’s not uncommon to hear that your dog ate soap, as these pets are quick and smart, but it’s also possible to avoid accidents. Visit our Ukvibes page for more information about your best friend’s health.