Help, my dog ate deodorant! If you've ever been in this worrisome situation, you might be wondering how serious a problem it is as well as what the harmful ingredients in deodorant are?
Most dogs do sample non-food items from time to time. The technical term for this compulsion is pica (pronounced pie-cuh). While some objects pass uneventfully, in other instances, the ingestion of non-food items can result in an emergency exploratory surgery and an overnight veterinary hospital stay. So, what do you do if your dog eats deodorant? First, let's investigate the harmful ingredients in deodorant.
Harmful Ingredients in Deodorant
If you peek at the back of a deodorant stick, you may be alarmed by just how many chemicals and unfamiliar ingredients may be inside. Triclosan, for example, is an antibacterial chemical used in deodorants to kill odor-causing germs on the skin. Phthalates, which have taken a lot of heat lately in the health-conscious community, are common ingredients in all personal care products, including deodorants and antiperspirants. Parabens are present as well, but they're used primarily as preservatives. Triclosan, phthalates and parabens do not cause harm when ingested in small quantities, but there are two ingredients in deodorants and antiperspirants that can cause harm:
- Aluminum: This ingredient tends to be found in antiperspirants or deodorant/antiperspirant combination products. It is best known for plugging sweat ducts to stop sweating. Chronic use of aluminum in human products is under investigation for possible health risks, but ingesting aluminum from eating an antiperspirant stick is relatively non-toxic to dogs beyond causing mild gastrointestinal issues.
- Xylitol: The most harmful ingredient your pooch may be exposed to is actually found most often in natural deodorants. Xylitol can be used as a prebiotic to help maintain a favorable community of microflora on the skin. According to the FDA, xylitol is very toxic to dogs. If your deodorant contains xylitol and your pup ingests it, consider it an emergency and seek veterinary care immediately. Xylitol is also a common ingredient in many foods as it is a sugar substitute, which is another reason to avoid feeding your dog foods not made for them.
Signs that My Dog Ate Deodorant
In the case of your dog eating deodorant, there is a risk of intestinal obstruction. Clinical signs that could indicate a gastrointestinal blockage include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation or straining to defecate
- Loss of appetite
- Assuming the "downward dog" position with front end lowered and rear end remaining elevated
- Drooling
- Lethargy
If your dog passes bloody stool or shows signs of abdominal pain, seek veterinary care promptly. While the chances of this happening are low, as deodorant will typically pass through with minimal effects, if you have doubts, call your veterinarian.
Tasty Tips
What to Do if Your Dog Eats Deodorant
If you find your dog has eaten a deodorant stick, take a deep breath and rest assured that unless the deodorant contains xylitol, it is most likely non-toxic to dogs. However, it can still cause gastrointestinal problems, like vomiting or diarrhea, over the next 24 hours because it is a foreign object, call your vet if you have questions.
If your dog does experience diarrhea or vomiting in the 24 hours following the ingestion of a deodorant stick, here are some steps to take at home. If at any time you are worried, contact your veterinarian:
- Withhold all food, including treats (but not water), for a minimum of 12 hours. This time period gives inflamed and irritated intestines a chance to calm and heal.
- During that time, they may have clear fluids as long as the vomiting or diarrhea don't continue. Water is fine, along with low-salt chicken broth diluted 50:50 with water.
- After 12 hours, you can introduce your dog to a bland diet. Options typically recommended by vets include plain cooked white rice and boiled chicken or special foods available from your veterinarian. Remove as much fat as possible from the chicken and offer it in small, frequent meals, beginning with a teaspoon-sized portion to make sure it stays down without trouble. Be sure to speak with your veterinarian of your dog's particular case before feeding.
- Increase the amount and frequency of feeding if your dog continues to do well on the bland food.
- After a day of stomach pampering on a gentle diet, feed your pup regular-sized meals with 25% regular food and 75% chicken and rice or the vet recommended food, then increase the proportion of regular food over the course of two days until your dog has returned to normal.
If you see no changes to your dog, pay a visit to your vet immediately.
My Dog Ate Deodorant, but Why?
According to Merck Veterinary Manual, the first step a vet takes in evaluating a dog for pica is to consider the substance that was eaten and the surrounding circumstances. Some items may be eaten if the dog is deficient in a certain nutrient or has some stomach upset. Because there can be a medical reason for your dog's unusual meal of choice, your vet may first want to run some basic bloodwork to make sure your dog is otherwise healthy.
If your vet determines that your pup is healthy, then pica is considered behavioral. Puppies explore the world with their mouth, and this behavior never fully goes away. A common behavioral reason dogs ingest non-food objects is simple boredom. If you're gone for the day, your pup may self-entertain by chewing on a smelly sock and end up eating it in the process.
Eating a stick of deodorant is more common among dogs than you might think. Not only does the deodorant have a novel fragrance, but you rub it under your arms daily; therefore, for your pup, it smells like their favorite person in the world. It is best to keep substances like deodorants and antiperspirants in closed cupboards and away from your curious pup!
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Small Bites Chicken Recipe Dog Food
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition. Delicious food in a small bite size.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Large Breed Chicken & Barley Recipe Dog Food
Supports healthy joints, lean muscle, and beautiful coat for large breed dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult Oral Care Chicken, Rice & Barley Recipe Dog Food
Clinically proven kibble technology to reduce plaque & tartar build-up
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Large Breed Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Can Variety Pack
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Variety Pack
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Perfect Digestion Small Bites Chicken, Whole Oats & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome for dogs age 7+. Delicious food in a small bite size
Hill's Science Diet Adult Chicken & Beef Entrée Dog Food
Chicken & Beef recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy
Hill's Science Diet Adult 6+ Large Breed No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe dog food
Supports energy & beautiful coat. Helps keep immune system, joints, heart & kidneys healthy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Beef & Barley Entrée Dog Food
Beef & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Savory Stew with Chicken & Vegetables
Chicken & Vegetables recipe with great taste and precisely balanced nutrition to help your puppy build immunity and strong bones
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small & Mini Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
For the faster metabolism of Small & Mini dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Small & Mini Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
For the unique nutritional needs of mature Small & Mini dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult Healthy Cuisine Can Variety Pack
Hill's Science Diet Healthy Cuisine Variety Pack
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Chicken Meal, Barley & Rice Recipe Dog Food
Supports energy level and beautiful coat in mature dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small & Mini Chicken & Barley Entrée Dog Food
Chicken & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy.
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small & Mini Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health, tailored for unique needs of Small and Mini puppies
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Chicken & Vegetable Stew Dog Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small Bites Chicken & Barley Recipe Dog Food
Supports lean muscle for dogs who prefer smaller kibble
Related articles
Chondrodystrophic Dog Breeds: All About Short-Legged Dogs
All About Chondrodystrophic (Short Legged) Dog Breeds
Are Dog Vitamins and Supplements a Good Idea for My Dog?
Dog vitamins are not right for every dog. Dig into common types of vitamins your vet might prescribe and why some supplements are not good for your pup.
Osteoarthritis in Dogs: Symptoms & Management
Learn from a Veterinarian: Discover the causes & symptoms of osteoarthritis in dogs, how it affects his joints and how you can help manage the disease.
The Science Behind a Dog IQ Test
Curious to know how smart your dog is? Learn about the different types of dog intelligence and see how trainable he is with an IQ test.
Are Tomatoes Bad for Dogs? What You Need to Know
Learn whether dogs can safely eat tomatoes, including what to do if a dog eats different types of foods with tomatoes and if there is a medical concern.
Giardia in Dogs
Learn how giardia in dogs can wreak havoc on your pet's digestive system, how giardiasis gets diagnosed and how your dog's veterinarian might treat it.
How to Prevent and Treat Fleas on Dogs
Learn how to protect your dog from fleas, as well as how to provide your dog with the proper treatment if you notice they have been infested.
How Often Should You Bathe Your Dog?
You know that bathing your dog is important, but how often should you do it? Learn the right dog bath frequency, based on their breed, lifestyle & health.
25 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails & Tips for Hiking With Your Dog
Discover twenty-five dog-friendly hiking trails across the United States, and helpful tips for safe & fun hiking with dogs no matter where you two end up.
Tips for Traveling with Your Dog in the Car
Taking your pup on a road trip? Learn the safest means of traveling with dogs in a car.
Puppy Potty Training Tips to Avoid Accidents in the Home
Discover these easy-to-follow tips for successful puppy potty training, helping to ensure fewer accidents in the house and less clean up time for you.
Dealing with Dog Digestive Problems
Digestive issues are something that every dog owner will face, but learning how to identify how serious his problem is and what to do about it is key.
The Advantages of Wet Dog Food
Learn how today's wet dog food blends have gotten a face lift, and how you'll provide your dog the nutrition he needs in the form he loves.
A Dog's Nutritional Needs From Puppy to Senior Years
Discover the different nutrient requirements for your dog through each of his lifestages and how you can keep him happy, healthy and fit to play.
Why Is My Dog's Muzzle Hair Turning Gray?
Learn why your dog's muzzle might be going gray earlier than expected, including whether it's just a sign of aging, stress, or an underlying health issue.
Choosing the Right Food for Your Adult Dog
Learn about choosing the right dog food to help ensure your adult dog will receive the correct balance of nutrition.
Service Dogs Helping Other Dogs: Two Real-Life Stories of Pups Helping One Another
While service dogs play a huge role in helping people, they can also help other dogs with special needs. Read two true stories of these remarkable dogs.
Dealing With a Dog Peeing on the Lawn
Discover why dead spots in your green lawn could be caused by dog urine, and learn steps you can take for getting your lawn (& dog) back into shape.
Can Dogs See in the Dark? (& How Well?)
Discover how whether your dog can actually see in the dark, how well they can see, and if they're safe when the lights are low or off completely.
Learn About the Best Dog Breeds for Children
Learn tips for choosing the best dog breed for your children and family, considering things like breed size, energy level, temperament and age.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.