How To Give a Dog a Baking Soda Bath

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Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.

Imagine this: your dog is a mess. They rolled in something extra stinky this time, and now you have them in the bath tub. But instead of reaching under the sink for dog shampoo, you reach into your kitchen cabinet, pulling out an ingredient more commonly used in cakes than on your pup’s coat: baking soda.

Also called bicarbonate sodium (or “bicarb” for short), baking soda is a handy tool in dog grooming, especially in dealing with that classic dog smell. But it’s important to use it in the right quantities, and there are some kinds of grooming where baking soda isn’t a good choice for dogs—like toothbrushing.

To understand the benefits and risks of baking soda in your pet’s grooming routine, we spoke with Dr. Mark McCalla, a licensed veterinarian and the owner of Alpine Dog Co.

What Does Baking Soda Do for Dogs?

Baking soda is an exceptionally versatile chemical powder. Around the house, baking soda is often used in cleaning, for digestive relief, and even to remove sticky residue from hard surfaces. For dogs, baking soda can:

Deodorize a dog’s coat
Function as a scrub to remove dirt
Soothe itchy, irritated dog skin
Improve your pup’s coat health

“Being able to deodorize, and thus eliminating that unwanted dog odor, is one of the many uses of baking soda for animals,” says Dr. Mark McCalla. “Further, it is a gentle scrub, which helps remove the dirt and impurities of the coat.”

Baking soda can be mixed into a DIY dog shampoo, used as a dry shampoo between dog baths, and more. Beyond its versatility, one of the best parts of baking soda is its relative safety for use in the home and around pets.

“It is safe to use in small quantities without being harmful, thus [it is] more preferable than some of the ‘tougher’ alternatives,” explains Dr. McCalla.

How to make a DIY baking soda shampoo

In shampoo form, baking soda cleans, deodorizes, adds shine to your pup’s coat, and can help to soothe common skin irritations and itchiness.

To give your dog a baking soda bath, try this easy-to-make DIY dog shampoo recipe from Dr. McCalla:

1 cup water
1 tbsp baking soda
Several drops of lavender essential oil

Dr. McCalla recommends shaking the ingredients together to blend them. After that, you can use the mixture as you would any dog shampoo, massaging it into your pet’s coat after wetting it and then rinsing thoroughly.

How to use baking soda as a dry shampoo

When you’re on the go, baking soda works as a canine-friendly dry shampoo to refresh your pup’s coat without the mess of a bath. All you need is baking soda and a bristled brush.

“Just sprinkle [baking soda] onto your dog and brush her down after massaging it into her coat,” explains Dr. McCalla. “This method is useful for allowing removal of oils or simply making the dog’s coat nice and clean without having to use water.”

Baking soda for nail trims and hot spots

Baking soda can come in handy if you accidentally clip your dog’s nails too close to the quick. Just dip the nail in baking soda and apply pressure. The baking soda promotes clotting to help stop the bleeding.

If your pup has sores on their skin, such as hot spots from itching or licking, a small amount of baking soda can be soothing. Mix the baking soda with water to make a thick paste, then apply to the spot to soothe irritation and itchiness.

How Not To Use Baking Soda

As Dr. McCalla noted above, baking soda is generally safe for use around dogs—when it’s used correctly. Unlike products specially formulated for dogs, however, baking soda does come with some risks.

Pet parents should avoid using baking soda:

In large quantities
For dog toothbrushing
As a water additive in your dog’s water bowl

Home bathing and teeth brushing cute west highland white terrier dog

Sladic via iStock

Don’t use large quantities of baking soda

Whether you’re using it around the house or in the bathtub, it’s important to use baking soda in small to moderate quantities. You’ll also want to avoid getting baking soda in your pup’s eyes, nose, and especially their mouth.

“Although baking soda is relatively safe in small amounts, too much of it can cause skin burns,” says Dr. McCalla. “It can also be an issue if your dog licks some off.”

If too much is ingested—approximately two teaspoons per kilogram of your dog’s weight—baking soda is toxic to dogs. Signs of baking soda poisoning include:

Vomiting
Diarrhea
Lethargy
Shortness of breath
Disorientation
Tremors or seizures

Small dogs are most at risk for baking soda toxicity. While a large pup would have to eat a lot of baking soda to be in danger, a small dog can become sick with less than a tablespoon. If your pup is showing any of the symptoms of baking soda toxicity, get them to the vet as soon as possible.

To keep your pet safe, store baking soda out of reach of your pups, watch for adverse reactions, and be thoughtful about how you use it. That sometimes means not believing everything you read online.

Don’t brush your dog’s teeth with baking soda

Brushing your dog’s teeth with baking soda is a popular and well-documented use of the powder. Baking soda is gently abrasive and can easily scrub plaque and tartar from the teeth. But there are some good reasons not to use baking soda as toothpaste for dogs.

First, baking soda is not particularly appetizing. Unlike a doggy toothpaste flavored with poultry or vanilla and ginger, a homemade baking soda paste may seem less like a treat to your pup. Most dogs won’t like the flavor, and you may find it difficult to get them on board with the process.

Taste aside, there is a risk to your pup swallowing baking soda, even in moderate quantities. Because baking soda is alkaline, it can interfere with the acidic nature of your pup’s stomach, causing digestive upset. If your pup ingests too much, the consequences can be diarrhea, vomiting, and an emergency vet visit.

Don’t add baking soda to your dog’s water

Another idea floating around the internet is to add baking soda to your dog’s drinking water. The idea is that the baking soda will naturally freshen your dog’s breath with every sip, like a dog mouthwash.

Besides the dangers of ingesting baking soda (something that’s difficult to control when your pup is gulping from an open bowl), experts suggest that the unpleasant flavor of baking soda could deter your pup from drinking water, leading to dehydration. Commercial, vet-approved water additives are more effective and safer.

Dog Baking Soda FAQs

Still have questions? Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about how to use baking soda for and around dogs.

Can baking soda get rid of fleas?

While some sources suggest that a baking soda bath for fleas will naturally kill these annoying parasites, the claims haven’t been proven.

Just bathing your dog regularly is an effective way to remove adult fleas from their coat. Generally, though, you’ll want to consult with your veterinarian to determine the best flea-fighting options for your home and your pup to kill fleas at all stages of their lifecycle.

Can you use baking soda to make dog biscuits?

The amount of baking soda used in baked goods is almost always safe for dogs to consume. However, for homemade dog biscuits, you rarely need it. Most dog biscuits are dense and crunchy, without the leavening, or rise, that baking soda provides.

Can baking soda settle a dog’s stomach?

While some websites suggest using a mix of baking soda and water to soothe your dog’s upset stomach, expert sources indicate that baking soda is more likely to cause stomach upset. If your pup’s tummy is rumbling or they are vomiting, it’s best to consult with your vet for a solution.

Can too much baking soda kill a dog?

Yes. Baking soda, consumed in significant quantities, is toxic to dogs.

According to the American College of Veterinary Pharmacists, toxicosis can occur with 10-20 grams of baking soda, or 2-4 teaspoons, for every kilogram of your dog’s body weight. Per pound, that’s 4-9 grams, or less than 1-2 teaspoons.

What should you mix baking soda with in your dog’s bath?

Per Dr. McCalla’s recommendation, you can use a simple mixture of baking soda, water, and dog-safe essential oils, which offer a calming scent to you bath time. Other recipes may include a pet-friendly Castile soap, such as Dr. Bronner’s, for extra cleaning power.

What should I do if my dog eats baking soda?

Monitor your pup for signs of toxic poisoning, such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and disorientation. If your dog shows any signs of illness or distress, take them to a veterinarian immediately.

Can I use baking soda for cleaning around the house if I have a dog?

Baking soda has many fantastic cleaning uses, including soaking up odors in upholstery, refreshing laundry and carpets, scrubbing pots and pans, and so much more.

The key to using baking soda around the house is the same as using it with your dog: thoughtfully manage your dog’s exposure to the powder, and don’t let them eat or sniff it to prevent illness. As long as you’re doing that, you can use baking soda well, keeping your home clean and your pup happy and safe. You can also try an enzymatic cleaner for pet messes.

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