Sodium Bicarbonate for Dogs

Sodium bicarbonate comes in two forms: baking soda and an intravenous solution. Although it can be beneficial in many ways, its use can also be powerful and dangerous so it should be used with care.

  1. Baking Soda

    • Sodium bicarbonate is more frequently referred to as baking soda. It has many household uses, such as making baked goods rise and acting as a deodorizer. Baking soda should be kept out of reach of dogs; according to Dr. Dawn Ruben. If a dog ingests large amounts, it may experience muscle spasms, problems with its electrolytes or even congestive heart failure.

    Deodorizer

    • If your dog has an accident in the house, use baking soda to help control the odor. After cleaning up the mess, sprinkle baking soda over the carpet and brush it into the fibers. Leave for at least a few hours, or even overnight. Vacuum up the baking soda, then clean the carpet with a steam cleaner or carpet shampooer.

    Veterinary Formula

    • Sodium bicarbonate is available in an intravenous solution that is mostly water, but contains 8.4 percent sodium bicarbonate. It is sterile and has a pH of 7.8, and can only be legally used by or ordered by a veterinarian.

    Veterinary Uses

    • Your veterinarian can use sodium bicarbonate 8.4% to treat metabolic acidosis, as it can raise the pH of the blood, reduces the concentration of hydrogen ions and increases plasma bicarbonate. Metabolic acidosis can be caused by a variety of conditions, such as diabetes, cardiac arrest or renal disease. A study by the Safar Center for Resuscitation Research concluded that administering sodium bicarbonate improved the outcome of cardiac arrest in dogs.

    Precautions

    • Do not treat your dog with sodium bicarbonate 8.4 % without careful veterinary supervision. It is possible to overdose with this medication, and its use should be accompanied by laboratory test monitoring. Combining this drug with solutions that contain calcium should be avoided. If the solution is hazy or cloudy, do not use. If your dog ingests baking soda, call your veterinarian to discuss the possible dangers.