Is borax toxic to dogs and cats?

Is borax toxic to dogs and cats? Possibly. This naturally occurring, powdery white substance dissolves in water and works wonders for cleaning and fighting germs. It can also be processed into boric acid, which has different uses.

So... is boric acid bad for cats and dogs too? Yes, both can be harmful to our furry friends, so it’s important to handle any cleaning products with borax or boric acid with care.

Is boric acid toxic to dogs and cats?

Borax (sodium borate) and boric acid (orthoboric acid) can prevent or slow bacterial growth, which means they pop up in all sorts of household supplies, including cleaning products, shampoos, and even makeup. These chemicals can also be found in some insecticides, like ant killers.

For pets, borax and boric acid are generally considered low toxicity risks, but both could cause gastrointestinal problems like vomiting and diarrhea if ingested in large amounts.

What are the effects of boric acid powder for dogs and cats? If furry friends accidentally inhale the powdered form of either chemical, it could irritate their airways and throat. You must also avoid the chemicals coming into contact with your pet’s eyes.

Borax poisoning in dogs and cats

So, will boric acid hurt a dog or cat if ingested? While they may develop symptoms of poisoning, it usually takes a large amount – around 2-3g/kg – to reach toxic levels.

In insecticidal products, the small bait size coupled with low chemical concentration means serious side effects are unlikely. This means the safety margin for insecticidal products like ant and roach bait traps is high for both cats and dogs, which is good news. Problems are more likely to occur from chewing on the casing or packaging, rather than the actual ingredients.

However, pure borax or boric acid powder is much more dangerous when mixed into chemical cleaning products. These can cause severe irritation to the sensitive mucous membranes in your furry friend’s mouth and digestive tract, so always store them well out of reach.

Of course, it’s always safest to call your vet for advice if your pet eats any kind of borax product. 

Symptoms

Symptoms of toxicity may include:

• Drooling
• Lethargy
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Oral pain
• Shivering
• Uncoordinated gait (ataxia)
• Skin irritation
• Liver and kidney failure in severe cases (this is very rare)

Treatments

If treatment is needed, the priority will be managing symptoms and keeping your pets comfortable. If your furry friend has eaten a large concentration of borax or boric acid, they might require gastric decontamination. Your vet may do this by inducing vomiting or performing a stomach pump (gastric lavage) under anesthetic. Intravenous fluids, anticonvulsant medications, and blood and urine samples may also be advised, depending on your pet’s condition. 

So: dogs, cats, and boric acid are not a good mix. Borax can harm pets if consumed in large amounts, so careful use is always advised. Be sure to use any cleaning products containing borax or boric acid sensibly, and keep well out of paw's reach!

A trusted house sitter will keep your pet happy at home and safe from common household perils. Find out more about how to find a sitter below.

Meet our veterinary expert, Rebecca

This article has been written by veterinarian Rebecca MacMillan, BVetMed MRCVS. Rebecca is a companion animal vet who has always had a passion for writing and client communication. Since her graduation from the Royal Veterinary college in 2009 she has gained a wealth of experience in first opinion small animal practice, in both clinical and managerial roles. She currently works in the South West and deals with a variety of routine and emergency appointments, but particularly enjoys medicine cases. Outside of work and writing, she enjoys spending time with her family, including her bouncy flat coated retriever George!

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