From baking cookies to cleaning your carpets, baking soda has so many uses other than just being used in the kitchen.
However, if you are a pet parent, then you must be worried about is baking soda on the carpet safe for dogs.
This cleaning agent is so easy to find in every household, and when it comes to cleaning carpets, then there’s no better option than using baking soda.
In this guide, we’ll give you a complete insight into baking soda, whether it is safe for your dogs, and how and where you can use it.
What Is Baking Soda?
In the language of science, baking soda is also known as sodium bicarbonate.
It is in the form of crystalline white powder and consists of components of sodium and bicarbonate.
This salt, when combined with dry acid-like cream of tartar, becomes baking powder.
In addition to being a fermenting agent, you can use baking soda to get rid of odors, any type of stains and also in refrigerators to freshen up the air.
What Are Pet-Friendly Uses Of Baking Soda?
1. Deodorizing Upholstery
You can use baking soda whether your upholstery reeks of smell or if it has stains. Using baking soda is a safe, non-chemical option to clean your upholstery without any risk of damage.
Before starting to sprinkle baking soda on the upholstery, patch-test it on a small area.
Sprinkle it on your upholstery, leave it for 20 minutes, and then vacuum it up.
2. Clean The Car
Another use of baking soda is to clean the doggy smell from the car. You just need to sprinkle it on the seat and the car carpet and leave it for as long as you can.
Vacuum the area you sprinkled the powder and dispose of the vacuum bag in case it contains any fleas or any other insect.
This process will absorb the odor making your car smell fresh. You can also put a tablespoon of baking soda in the ashtray and keep it inside your vehicle.
3. Clean Accidental Stains
Baking soda can also be used to clean pet accidental stains like dog’s pee or vomiting.
- To start, make a runny paste-like mixture of white vinegar and baking soda.
- Apply the paste to the damaged area.
- Let it sit for a few minutes, and then dab it up using a clean, dry cloth.
Before applying the paste to the damaged area, blot as much liquid as possible using a dry cloth.
4. Dry Shampoo
Whether you have a cat or a dog, baking soda can be used as a dry shampoo for both.
Before starting the process, consult the vet to ensure that your pet is not allergic to baking soda.
- Start by brushing your pet to remove any loose hair.
- Rub the baking soda on your pet’s fur and massage it into their skin.
- Let it sit for 5 minutes, and then brush the hair.
Make sure you have removed any remaining baking soda from your pet using a dry towel.
5. Wet Shampoo
Whether your pet had a muddy bath in the nearby puddle or got sprayed by a skunk, you can use baking soda to get rid of the odor.
- Mix 3 tablespoons of baking soda with 4 cups of warm water.
- Massage this solution into your dog’s fur.
- Apply the regular vet-approved shampoo and massage it into the skin.
- Rinse your dog and make sure to clean any shampoo residue.
Is Baking Soda On The Carpet Safe For Dogs?
Baking soda has a mildly abrasive quality and drying effect, which make it suitable for effectively cleaning many kinds of messes.
It has a salty, bitter, and soap-like taste which makes many dogs enjoy the flavor.
However, it can have toxic effects on dogs if ingested in large quantities, say 10-20 grams per kilogram.
A 4.5 kg dog can experience toxicity if it consumes about 45-90 tablespoons of baking soda.
However, there’s no problem for a dog eating baked goods as it contains only a tiny amount of baking soda.
This toxic effect happens because baking soda is basically salt, and consuming it in large portions causes a severe imbalance of electrolytes.
What Are The Signs Of Baking Soda Ingestion?
Here are some symptoms of baking soda ingestion:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Depression
- Seizures
- Disorientation
- Shortness of breath and
- Congestive heart failure
What To Do When Your Dog Eats Baking Soda?
If somehow your dog has consumed baking soda, then watch your dog closely for any signs mentioned above.
Do not force your dog to vomit as if he had consumed less amount of baking soda, then he should not experience any symptoms.
However, provide plenty of water to your dog, and if the vomiting happens more than once, then don’t hesitate to contact your vet.
Conclusion
Baking soda is a very versatile component used in cleaning everything however, the concern starts when you have a pet at home. So, is baking soda on the carpet safe for dogs?
The answer is yes, but it depends on the quantity consumed. However, a small quantity can also be harmful if your pet is allergic to baking soda.
In any condition, if you suspect that your dog has consumed baking soda, do not doubt to reach out to the vet.
FAQs
What To Use To Get Of Dog Smeel From The Carpet?
You can use white vinegar and baking soda to eliminate the dog smell from the carpet. Both these ingredients are powerful and work as a disinfectant.
Is Baking Powder The Same As Baking Soda?
No, they are not the same. Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate, and it needs both liquid and acid to activate and help bake goods.
On the other hand, baking powder only needs liquid to get activated.
Does Baking Soda Damage The Vacuum?
Yes, due to its tiny particles, it can clog the pores of the vacuum bag of the HEPA filter resulting in poor suction and poor cleaning.
Daleyza knows a lot about carpets! She has worked with carpets for over 7 years and can help with things like putting them in, keeping them clean, and replacing them. She really likes carpets and spends most of her time learning about new ways to work with them. When she’s not learning about carpets, she enjoys reading books. She’s really good at helping people choose the right carpet for their homes and making sure they’re happy with it. If you want to know more about carpets, Daleyza is the person to talk to!