Dogs love to take various objects to their mouths, they bite, chew and sometimes end up swallowing. There are several reports of animals that end up eating various objects that should not be eaten by dogs. This is the case with soap, what should be done when a dog has eaten the soap? What are the harms of soap in the digestion of dogs? To answer these questions, this post will talk about the dangers of ingesting soap by dogs.
Dog ate a bar of soap
If the dog has eaten an entire bar of soap, a veterinarian should be consulted. Soap can vary in its composition, so some soaps can contain chemical substances that can intoxicate and harm animals.
Bar soap can be made from a variety of chemicals. So, each soap can do a different harm to the dog. That’s why it’s important to take to the vet the soap packaging eaten by the dog or just the name and the soap type. This way, the veterinarian will identify the toxic substances for dogs and treat them specifically for that type of chemical.
Even though some soaps are less toxic than others, it is not recommended that the dog eats any part or even the whole soap. In general, soap contains substances that break down fat, thus favoring the imbalance of the gastrointestinal microbiota, leading the dog to have diarrhea, and even vomiting.
Medicated soaps, on the other hand, can contain several chemical substances that can be very harmful to dogs. The most common symptoms of this type of intoxication are:
- Lack of interest in eating;
- Drooling;
- Excessive swallowing;
- Pawing at mouth;
- Vomiting;
- Diarrhea;
- Neurological signs.
Food poisoning in dogs
The consumption of spoiled, contaminated or toxin foods can destabilize the physiological system of dogs. These toxins can unbalance the microbiota leading to diarrhea. In addition, some toxic substances can remain in the body, leading to liver, kidney and even nervous system damage.
Intoxicated animals should consult a veterinarian. In many cases, dogs can receive fluid therapy to reduce the effects of toxicants. Procedures such as gastric lavage may be performed in some situations.
Treatment includes replacement of fluids, gastrointestinal microbiota and nutrients. Some dogs can become dehydrated quickly due to increased symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. Emergency care by a veterinarian is required.
What foods dogs can’t eat
Some foods are harmful to the dog’s health such as:
- Chocolate;
- Coffee;
- Garlic;
- Onion;
- Star fruit;
- Others.
The list of foods that should not be consumed by dogs is huge, so before providing any food to the dog, you should research safe sources if this food is not toxic leading to diseases in dogs.
The ideal is that dogs do not feed on human food, without a veterinarian indication. Commercial food or natural food indicated by a veterinary nutritionist for dogs, are already balanced and it is not necessary to add other foods.
Conclusion
Soaps should not be eaten by dogs. Due to the toxic substances, soap can do a lot of harm to dogs. If a dog eats soap, a veterinarian must be consulted urgently to avoid the health problems of the dogs that can even result in their death.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Dog ate a bar of soap
What happens when the dog eats soap?
Dogs after eating soap may show symptoms of intoxication such as vomiting, diarrhea, excessive salivation, apathy and others. These excretions are usually reddish or blackish.
What to do when the dog takes a cleaning product?
If your dog has ingested abrasive substances, with bleach or any other cleaning product, do not induce vomiting. Look for a veterinary doctor meritentially to avoid harm to the animal’s health. Always remember to take the packaging of the product ingested by the dog.
What foods are toxic to dogs?
The most toxic foods for dogs and should not be fed to animals are:
- Chocolate;
- Coffee;
- Garlic;
- Onion;
- Star fruit;
- Others.
References
Carciofi, A. C., Takakura, F. S., De‐Oliveira, L. D., Teshima, E., Jeremias, J. T., Brunetto, M. A., & Prada, F. (2008). Effects of six carbohydrate sources on dog diet digestibility and post‐prandial glucose and insulin response. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition, 92(3), 326-336.
Craig, J. M. (2019). Food intolerance in dogs and cats. Journal of Small Animal Practice, 60(2), 77-85.
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