Dog Ate a Bar of Soap – What to Do Next

Dogs are curious by nature. They are fond of getting their noses into different things. They even like to sink their teeth into and swallow the strangest of objects, like a bar of soap. As a fur parent, you should know exactly what to do when this happens. What measures do you take when your dog ate a bar of soap?

1. Observe Your Dog

Relax! Most bars of soaps were created with ingredients that are non-toxic. However, it doesn’t mean that they are safe to eat. You should expect that your canine friend is going to feel pretty sick. You would too if you ate a bar of soap. Most likely, your dog is going to expel it through both ends.

Ideally, when your dog ate a bar of soap, one day of vomiting and diarrhea is normal. But, things should be back to normal after that.

2. Wash out the Suds with Water

There might be cases where soap gets into your dog’s eye. You might observe slight eye redness which indicates minor irritation. All you have to do is wash the suds out with water, and then observe your dog for more serious signs so you know exactly what to say when a visit to the vet is necessary.

3. Call Your Vet

If vomiting and diarrhea lasts more than two days, it’s a red flag. You should also watch out for other signs like bloating, a change in your dog’s posture, or vocalizing more than usual (excessive barking, whining, howling, whimpering, growling, etc).

Soap poisoning may have occurred. Though unlikely, it’s also possible that a piece of soap may be stuck in your dog’s intestines. In these cases, you should call your vet as soon as possible to get suggestions.

Ask your vet about Pica

Most dog owners haven’t heard about Pica yet. It’s a condition where your dog craves and eats non-food items like a bar of soap, clothing items, rocks, and so on. Experts believe that it can be caused by malnutrition, hormonal imbalances, or even fecal matter. Pica can cause digestive distress so it’s better to be safe than sorry. Ask your vet.

4. Hide The Soap

After the vet visit, you need to make sure that your home is safe. If it’s not the first time that your dog ate a bar of soap, then you should find ways to start hiding your toiletries. Out of sight, out of mind, they say, and this works well with dogs who have a natural affinity for munching on bars of soap. Hide them in the cabinet under the sink, or somewhere your dog won’t be able to reach.

5. Toys for Teething

If you have a pup on your hands (from 6 to 9 months), it might be munching on the bar of soap because it is teething. Aside from the above measures, you might want to try giving your pup a teething toy. Choose one that’s textured and has different grooves to soothe your pup’s gums.

Why Does Your Dog Eat Soap?

There are so many reasons why your dog likes to eat your soap bars. The most common reason would be teething (in the case of pups) or Pica, as mentioned earlier. But, there are experts who believe that it may be the perfume in the soaps. We’ve already established that dogs are naturally curious.

They use their noses and mouths to explore the world. So, the scent of the perfume in your soap may be sparking your pet’s attention. No one knows exactly what could prompt a dog to eat soap, but if your k-9 companion isn’t making a habit out of it, you have nothing to worry about as it is only satisfying its thirst to explore.