The brilliant benefits of baking soda for dogs

Updated 02/09/2024

Pet parents, we know your four-legged friends are the best, but let’s face it – sometimes their natural aroma can linger a little longer than you’d like. Before you know it, that pet perfume can waft its way from fur to furnishings, leaving you in search of effective cleaning solutions that will keep your furry friend safe and sound. Cue baking soda – the item you probably have knocking about the kitchen and the superhero of all-natural cleaning products. But wait, is baking soda safe for dogs? And if it is, how can we put it to good use? We’re here to find out!

Is baking soda safe for dogs? 

The good news is yes! Baking soda (also known as bicarbonate of soda, but not to be confused with baking powder) is a natural cleaning product that’s free from nasty chemicals and perfumes. Not only is it safe to use in and around homes with pets, but it’s also possible to apply it directly to your pup’s body. That being said, it’s a good idea to consult your vet before you go sprinkling its magic everywhere, and while baking soda is safe to use on most dogs, it can be dangerous in large amounts. The signs of toxicity can be seen when your dog eats more than two teaspoons per kg of body weight, so as you can see it's pretty safe to use in our precious pooches. 

Now, with the question “Is baking soda bad for dogs?” all cleared up, what can you use it for?

The benefits of baking soda for dogs 

From freshening up your living space to treating your furry friend to a baking soda bath, there are plenty of ways to put this product to use in a pet-friendly household.

Keeping your home clean and fresh

No matter how hard we try, our four-pawed pals seem to have a knack for finding the stinkiest spots and inevitably end up smelling pretty funky themselves. Luckily for you (and your in-home dog sitter, might we add), baking soda is considered a mild alkali that is used to neutralize acidic substances like urine and banish pesky odors. Here are some of the ways you can use it around the home:

• Sprinkle baking soda onto carpet and furniture, leave for about an hour (the longer, the better), then vacuum it up to get rid of dirt and neutralize odors. You might want to test a small area before going all in to make sure the baking soda won’t cause discoloration of your soft furnishings.
• Sprinkle it on bedding to make it smell fresh once again. 
• Make your doggy’s dishes squeaky clean by giving them a scrub with a combination of baking soda, water, and salt. Make sure you rinse well and dry them thoroughly before use. 
• To clean dog toys, mix a quart of water with four tablespoons of baking soda and give them a good wipe-down.
• Clean up pet-related accidents like pee and vomit by blotting the area with a paper towel and then creating a paste using white vinegar and baking soda in equal parts. Apply the paste to the affected area and wait a few minutes before using a sponge to wipe it up, then vacuum once dry. 
• Sprinkle baking soda onto car seats and floor mats to remove smells, then vacuum. If your vacuum has a bag, dispose after use to remove ectoparasites such as fleas from your home. 

Grooming your dog with baking soda 

Ever found yourself asking “Can I put baking soda on my dog?”? Well, not only can it be used to tackle grime and odors around the home, but it’s also gentle enough to use directly on your doggy! Here are the most popular ways to use baking soda on dogs:

• Sprinkle baking soda onto your pup’s fur as a dry shampoo. 
• If a dry wash and a brush just won’t cut it, it’s also possible to make a baking soda bath for dogs. 

Homemade dry shampoo for dogs

Whether you’re using this baking soda dog deodorizer because you have a hard time getting your furry friend to have a wet bath or you’re just low on time, it’s a good idea to speak to your vet before adding it to your pup’s routine. Once you’ve got the all-clear, follow these steps to give your dog a dry bath:

1. Prepare a towel for your pooch pal, a brush for their fur, and some treats to make sure your pup associates their “dry” bath with all things good. We recommend setting up your dry bathing station outside to avoid creating too much mess.
2. Mix equal amounts of cornstarch and baking soda (some instructions recommend adding essential oils to the dry shampoo mix, but they’re best to avoid as many are toxic to dogs).
3. Start by brushing your dog to remove dirt and loose hair.  
4. Then, rub a liberal amount of the baking soda mix into your furry friend’s skin, taking care to avoid the face, ears, and eyes. Note that you’ll need quite a bit, not just a sprinkling. 
5. If possible, let the baking soda sit on your fur baby’s skin for five minutes to work its magic. 
6. Finally, brush out your furry friend’s fur and pat them down with the towel to avoid leaving behind any remnants.

How to make a baking soda bath for dogs

For times when your furry friend needs a more thorough cleaning, only a wet bath will do. This baking soda solution can be used on top of your normal dog-friendly shampoo or instead of, and may be beneficial for pups with sensitive skin. Here are the steps to make a baking soda bath for dogs:

1. Mix baking soda with warm water to make a paste.
2. Position your dog in the bath and massage the mixture into their skin and fur, making sure their whole body is covered apart from the face, eyes, and ears. 
3. Leave the mixture to sink in for a few minutes before rinsing thoroughly to ensure no baking soda is left on the skin.
4. If you’re using a regular dog shampoo as well, this is the moment to apply it and rinse. 
5. Once you’re sure there’s no leftover product, use a towel to dry your furry friend. 
   

Other uses of baking soda 

Looking for more ways to utilize baking soda for dogs? You’re in luck! It can be used in homemade dog treats, so if you’re wondering “Can dogs eat baking soda?”, the answer is yes! Try whipping up some of these tasty dog cookies or our favorite Fur Family Pumpkin Bread for your pooch pal.   

Meet our veterinary expert, Corinne

This article has been checked by veterinarian Corinne Wigfall BVMBVS(Hons) BVMedSci(Hons). Corinne is originally from Wales and moved to New Zealand after graduating university. She started her career with a university based equine internship and moved onto mixed and small animal practice. Currently she splits her time between online tele triage and working in an after hours vet clinic.