As a dog owner, you’re always on high alert when it comes to your furry friend’s safety—especially around household products. One common question that comes up is: is borax toxic to dogs? The short and direct answer is yes. Borax is toxic to dogs if ingested, and even contact with the skin or inhalation of the powder in large amounts can cause irritation or worse.
In this article, we’ll break down why borax is dangerous, what symptoms to watch for, how much is too much, and what to do if your dog is exposed.
What Is Borax?
Borax, or sodium borate, is a naturally occurring mineral used in:
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Laundry boosters (like 20 Mule Team Borax)
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Homemade cleaners
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Ant killers and pest control solutions
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Slime recipes
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Some cosmetics and craft products
While it’s labeled as “natural,” natural does not mean pet-safe. Borax is a chemical compound that can be harmful to both humans and animals when not handled properly.
Is Borax Toxic to Dogs?
Yes. Borax is toxic to dogs if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through broken skin. Even small amounts can pose a serious risk, especially for puppies or smaller breeds.
The toxicity level depends on how much your dog has been exposed to and the method of exposure.
Here’s how dogs can be exposed:
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Ingesting borax powder left on the floor or counter
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Chewing on ant traps or bait that contains borax
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Licking slime or crafts made with borax
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Inhaling borax dust during cleaning
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Walking through borax and licking paws afterward
Signs of Borax Poisoning in Dogs
Symptoms can vary depending on the amount and type of exposure, but common signs include:
Mild to Moderate Exposure:
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Vomiting
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Diarrhea
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Drooling
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Lethargy
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Nausea
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Loss of appetite
Severe Exposure:
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Tremors or seizures
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Uncoordinated movement
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Difficulty breathing
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Skin redness or rash (from contact)
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Kidney damage (with high or repeated exposure)
If your dog shows any of these symptoms, especially after coming into contact with a cleaning product, slime, or insect bait, call your veterinarian or emergency animal clinic immediately.
How Much Borax Is Dangerous for Dogs?
There isn’t a precise “safe” amount of borax for dogs because even small doses can cause harm. That said, the estimated toxic dose is around 5 grams per kilogram of body weight. For reference:
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5g/kg = ~1 tsp per 10 lbs of body weight
That might not sound like a lot—but even less than that can cause stomach upset or other issues, especially in smaller breeds or puppies.
Because dogs explore with their mouths and noses, accidental ingestion is a real concern, even with trace amounts on the floor or in slime crafts.
What to Do If Your Dog Ingests Borax
If you suspect your dog has eaten or been exposed to borax, act fast:
Step 1: Remove access
Get your dog away from the source immediately—clean up spilled powder, put away slime, or remove any accessible pest control items.
Step 2: Rinse off any residue
If borax is on your dog’s fur or paws, gently wash the area with warm water and mild soap to prevent further ingestion.
Step 3: Call your vet
Don’t wait for symptoms. Call your vet or a 24/7 poison control line like:
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ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435
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Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661
They may recommend bringing your pet in for treatment, inducing vomiting, or monitoring at home based on the amount and type of exposure.
Is Borax Safe to Use in Homes with Dogs?
Borax should be used with extreme caution in pet-friendly homes. Ideally, avoid using it altogether in areas where your dog plays, eats, or sleeps. If you must use borax (for cleaning or pest control), follow these safety guidelines:
Pet-Safe Borax Usage Tips:
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Never leave borax powder out in the open.
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Don’t use borax ant traps within reach of pets.
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Always rinse and dry surfaces after cleaning with borax.
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Store borax in tightly sealed containers away from pets.
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Avoid DIY slime or crafts with borax around dogs.
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Vacuum and mop up any residue after use.
If you’re looking for safer alternatives, consider vinegar, baking soda, or pet-safe commercial products labeled as non-toxic.
Borax in Ant Baits: A Hidden Danger
Many homeowners use borax mixed with sugar to kill ants—and while this trick is effective, it poses a serious danger to dogs. Dogs are often attracted to the sugary scent and can ingest enough borax to trigger poisoning.
If you’re wondering whether borax and sugar for ants is safe with pets in the house—the answer is no, unless the bait is placed in completely inaccessible areas.
Instead, use pet-safe ant repellents or professional pest control methods that guarantee safety for your pets.
Can Dogs Be Around Borax Slime?
Slime made with borax is another hidden hazard. Kids often play with and leave slime lying around, and many dogs (especially puppies) will sniff or lick the goo out of curiosity.
If your household makes or plays with slime, make sure it’s stored and used away from pets. Better yet, switch to borax-free slime recipes if you have a dog at home.
Final Thoughts
To sum it up, borax is toxic to dogs—and while it can be a useful cleaning and pest control agent, it must be used with extreme care around pets. From minor stomach upset to life-threatening poisoning, the risks are real and serious.
If you use borax in your home:
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Keep it completely out of reach.
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Clean up immediately after use.
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Avoid using it in areas your dog has access to.
When in doubt, go without. There are safer, pet-friendly alternatives to borax that can keep your home clean and pest-free without putting your furry friend at risk.
Always contact your vet at the first sign of borax exposure, and remember—prevention is the best protection when it comes to your dog’s health.