7 Ways Bicarbonate of Soda Can Keep Your Dog (and Your House) Clean

When it comes to grooming your dog, there are a million products to choose from. But if you’re concerned about the chemicals in these products, or you’re running low and looking for a quick replacement, you may want to try good old-fashioned bicarbonate of soda. It might sound too good to be true, but this pantry staple is great for natural dog grooming, from brushing your dog’s teeth to giving them a bath. Here are seven ways bicarbonate of soda can keep your dog (and your home) feeling fresh.

Give your dog a dry bath

Short on time? Sprinkle your pup with bicarbonate of soda for a quick dry bath. Rub bicarb in their fur, and then brush it out.

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Or a wet bath

For a wet wash, combine 3 tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda with 1 teaspoon washing up liquid and 1 teaspoon baby oil in a spray bottle. Spritz your dog, and then wipe them dry.

Brush your dog’s teeth

For healthy teeth and gums, dip a damp, soft brush in bicarbonate of soda and gently brush your dog’s pearly whites. For the best dog dental hygiene, brush two to three times a week to help keep tartar build-up in check. You can also keep your pup’s breath fresh by rinsing their mouth regularly with a solution of ½ teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda, and 1 cup of warm water.

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Trim up nails

If you trim your dog’s toenails and accidentally cut too close and draw blood, dip the affected nail in bicarb, and then apply pressure to stop the bleeding.

Rid fabrics of odours

Bicarbonate of soda is an awesome odour-eliminator for more than those strange smells in the fridge. Tackle canine aromas in your carpet by sprinkling bicarb on the surface, waiting 15 minutes (or longer for strong smells) and then hoovering. You can do the same with your dog’s bedding.

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Clean up pet accidents

Pet accident on a rug or carpet? Soak up as much as you can, wash the area with soda water, and let dry. Then, sprinkle with bicarb, wait a bit, and hoover. Pro tip: test this technique on an out-of-the-way spot first to be sure it won’t discolour your carpet.

Keep dog brushes clean

Soak dog brushes in a solution of warm water and 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda. Rinse and air dry.