What Should I Do When Dog Ate Bar of Soap?

Dogs often try to eat almost anything out of curiosity or by mistaking it for food. One of the most common non-food items many dogs end up eating is a bar of soap. The sweet smell of most soaps and its resemblance to different foods makes it tempting for pups. When it happens, it is vital to know what to do and how to tell if your dog ate soap.

Can Eating Soap Kill or Hurt My Dog?

In typical instances, eating soap will not kill or even hurt your pup. Most soaps use natural ingredients to ensure they are not poisonous to humans, and they also do not pose any significant risk for dogs.

Nonetheless, when dogs eat soap, they can get a tummy upset for some time as it goes through the system. In some severe cases, dogs can also vomit, or diarrhea as their body tries to get the soap out.

However, soap can sometimes lead to intestinal blockage when the dog swallows large chunks. But, if the tummy upset, vomiting, or diarrhea lasts for more than 24 hours, it is crucial to seek medical help.

Symptoms when Dog Ate Bar of Soap

• Vomiting and diarrhea: The dog's system rejects the soap and will try to force it out through vomit and diarrhea.
• Abdominal pain: As the soap causes discomfort in the pet's tummy, it is likely to experience some abdominal pain as it passes through.
• Hyper-salivation: Dogs will not want to swallow the foreign taste of the soap still in their mouth, and so they will end up dibbling it out through saliva.
• Sadness: Since the soap makes the pet feel uncomfortable and has an unpleasant aftertaste in the mouth, it often gets sad.

What Should I do When Dog Ate Bar of Soap?

1. Don't Freak Out: When you realize your dog has eaten soap, the most important thing is to make sure you do not panic. As concerned as you might be as a pet parent, freaking out makes it harder to help the pet.

2. Discard any Remaining Soap: If there is any piece of soap left in the vicinity, you need to discard it to ensure the pet does not end up consuming even more. Also, make sure you lock any other soap bars you have in the house or keep them in places where the pet cannot reach.

3. Wash the Dogs Mouth: Next, you need to clean the dog's mouth using plain water thoroughly. Doing this helps get the soap taste from the pet's mouth to prevent further discomfort. Make sure you remove any soap pieces stuck on the teeth.

4. Call the Veterinary: Once done with cleaning the pet's mouth, you should call the vet and explain that your dog has eaten soap. A vet should advise you on what to do next. It is also more helpful if you can tell the vet the exact soap type and ingredients, as this will let them know whether it poses any risk that may require extra medical attention.

How Do I Stop My Dog From Eating Soap Again?

The best thing you can do to ensure your pooch does not eat soap again is to keep your bars locked or somewhere the pet cannot get to them. Also, remember to discard any leftover soap you do not intend to use again immediately after use.

Teaching your dog avoidance is also very helpful. Basic obedience with common commands to leave or drop something is often enough, but if it does not seem to work, you can use expert services to teach the pet to avoid certain things.

Keeping your pet well-fed also discourages it from eating soap. A hungry pup is easily tempted to eat soap as it tries to fill up its tummy.

Conclusion

Dogs are curious animals, and this curiosity can sometimes drive them to eat a bar of soap as they try to discover how it tastes. Although soap is typically not harmful to your pet, it can cause discomfort and tummy ache. Therefore, it is essential to keep soap out of their reach. In case the pet eats some, always talk to your vet for advice on what to do.