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My bulldog ate a tiny piece of dishwasher detergent. What should I do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Bulldog | Female | unspayed

MY BULLDOG JUST HAD A LITTLE PIECE OF A DISHWASHER DETERGENT TAB! I PULLED IT OUT BEFORE SHE COULD EAT THE WHOME THING BUT SHE DID GET A LITTLE. WHAT DO I DO??

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on December 18th, 2016

Oh that was naughty of Lolla to eat! It's good that you pulled it out before she had a chance to eat the whole thing, but the detergent in it can cause some stomach and esophagus irritation. I would flush out her mouth with water, and keep an eye on her for now. You may see some self-limiting GI signs, such as drooling, vomiting, or diarrhea. I would try a home remedy in case you see these GI signs. Withhold food for 12-24 hours, then feed a bland diet of boiled white meat chicken (no bones) and white rice in small amounts several times a day for a couple of days. Then slowly add back in her normal diet. Should Lolla be unable to even keep down water, however, then I would take her into the vet as that shows severe stomach irritation and she will need a gut protectant. Hopefully because she ate only a little bit, she should be fine.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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