As a dog owner, you always want to ensure that your dog is safe and healthy. One aspect of their wellbeing that may not immediately come to mind is the products you use in your household.
With various household items being potentially harmful to dogs, it’s important to investigate the safety of products before exposing your pet to them. This includes Irish Spring soap.
So, is Irish Spring soap toxic to dogs?
We take a closer at whether Irish Spring soap is toxic to dogs and what you should do if your dog accidentally ingests it.
Is Irish Spring soap toxic to dogs?
Yes, Irish Spring soap can be toxic to dogs. It contains a number of ingredients that can be harmful to dogs, including Sodium lauryl sulfate which is a detergent that can irritate a dog’s skin and eyes, Triclosan which is an antibacterial that can be toxic if ingested and fragrance which contains essential oils that also can be toxic.
Irish Spring soap
Irish Spring is a popular brand of soap that was first introduced in Germany in 1970 and is now available worldwide. It is known for its refreshing scent and invigorating lather, and is commonly used for personal hygiene purposes such as bathing and hand washing.
Irish Spring soap is available in several varieties, including original, Aloe Vera, and Moisture Blast, and is marketed towards both men and women.
While it is primarily used by humans, some people may also use Irish Spring soap for washing their pets, including dogs. However, it is important to consider the potential risks associated with using this soap on dogs before doing so.
Ingredients in Irish Spring soap
Irish Spring soap contains a variety of ingredients, which may vary slightly depending on the specific variety of soap. However, the most common ingredients in Irish Spring soap include:
Sodium lauryl sulfate: is a common surfactant and detergent found in many household and personal care products. They help lift and emulsify greasy or oily substances, allowing them to be rinsed away with water.
Sodium tallowate: a type of animal fat that is commonly used in soap making
Water: the main ingredient in soap, which helps to create lather and cleanse the skin
Sodium chloride: also known as salt, this ingredient helps to thicken the soap and increase its cleaning power
Fragrance: the scent of Irish Spring soap is created using a combination of natural and synthetic fragrances
Glycerin: a moisturizing ingredient that helps to keep the skin hydrated and prevent dryness
Coconut acid: a type of fatty acid derived from coconut oil, which helps to create lather and cleanse the skin
Palm kernel acid: another type of fatty acid, which helps to create lather and cleanse the skin
Titanium dioxide: a white pigment that is used to give the soap its distinctive color
Tetrasodium EDTA: a chelating agent that helps to keep the soap stable and prevents it from spoiling
BHT: a synthetic preservative that helps to prevent the soap from going rancid over time.
The risks of Irish Spring Soap for dogs
While Irish Spring soap is generally safe for humans to use, some of its ingredients can be toxic to dogs.
The soap contains fragrance and other synthetic ingredients such as Sodium lauryl sulfate that can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions and gastrointestinal upset in dogs when ingested.
Also, Irish Spring soap contains sodium tallowate, which can be toxic to dogs if ingested in large amounts.
Dogs can be attracted to the smell or taste of soap, and if they ingest large amounts of soap, which includes sodium tallowate, it can lead to gastrointestinal upset, skin Irritation and allergic reactions.
This is because sodium tallowate is derived from animal fat and can contain high levels of impurities that can be harmful to dogs.
The fragrance in Irish Spring soap can potentially be harmful to dogs due to their sensitive skin and keen sense of smell.
While not all fragrances are harmful, some dogs may have adverse reactions to certain chemicals or compounds used in the fragrance.
Related: What if a dog licks rubbing alcohol?
Symptoms of Irish Spring soap poisoning in dogs
If your dog is exposed or ingests Irish Spring soap, they may show a range of symptoms depending on the amount of soap they have consumed. Common signs of soap poisoning in dogs include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Dehydration
In severe cases, dogs may experience seizures, difficulty breathing, and even coma.
When to seek veterinary attention
If your dog shows any signs of distress, irritation, or allergic reactions after coming into contact with Irish Spring soap consult with your veterinarian for guidance on appropriate care and treatment.
Also, if you suspect that your dog has ingested Irish Spring soap, it’s important to seek veterinary attention right away.
Even if your dog is not showing any symptoms, contact your veterinarian to get their advice on what to do next.
Depending on the amount of soap ingested and the severity of the symptoms, your veterinarian may recommend inducing vomiting, administering activated charcoal, or providing supportive care such as intravenous fluids and medications to manage symptoms.
In some cases, your veterinarian may also recommend hospitalization to monitor your dog’s condition and provide intensive care.
How to protect your dog from Irish Spring soap exposure
Store Irish Spring soap out of reach of your dog
One of the easiest ways to protect your dog from Irish Spring soap exposure is to store the soap out of their reach.
This means keeping it in a cabinet or on a high shelf that your dog cannot access to prevent them from ingesting or coming into contact with the soap.
If you have a curious dog who likes to explore cabinets and drawers, consider using childproof locks to secure the area where you store your soap.
Alternative soap for dog bathing
While some people may use Irish Spring soap to bathe their dogs, it’s generally not recommended.
Instead, consider using a dog-specific shampoo that is formulated for your dog’s skin and coat type.
This will help to ensure that your dog is getting clean without exposing them to potentially harmful ingredients.
Keeping all cleaning products out of reach
To protect your dog from accidental ingestion of harmful substances, it’s important to store all cleaning products and chemicals in a secure location that is inaccessible to your dog.
This may involve using childproof locks on cabinets or placing items on high shelves.
Also, be cautious about leaving cleaning supplies unattended, especially when you’re in the process of cleaning, as dogs may be tempted to investigate and potentially ingest something harmful.
Supervising your dog
Supervising your dog is important in preventing them from ingesting harmful or toxic products. Dogs, especially young or curious ones, may explore their environment using their mouths, and they might be attracted to potentially dangerous items.
By keeping a close eye on your dog, you can intervene quickly and prevent them from accessing or consuming harmful substances.
Key Takeaway on Irish Spring soap and dog safety
While Irish Spring soap is a popular soap brand for humans, it’s important to recognize that it may not be safe for dogs.
By being aware of the potential risks and taking steps to protect your dog, you can help to ensure that your dog stays safe and healthy in your home.
If you suspect that your dog has ingested Irish Spring soap or any other potentially harmful substance, be sure to contact your veterinarian right away for advice on what to do next.
With proper care and attention, you can keep your dog safe and happy for years to come.