Borate Poisoning in Dogs

Written By hannah hollinger
Published: 11/10/2016Updated: 01/12/2022
Veterinary reviewed by Dr. Linda Simon, MVB MRCVS
Borate Poisoning in Dogs - Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Recovery, Management, Cost

What is Borate Poisoning?

Sodium borate is a naturally occurring mineral and salt of a boric acid that is harvested from evaporated lakes. It is more commonly referred to as Borax and is used in laundry and cleaning products, as a pH buffer in biochemical labs, as a welding component, as a water softening agent, and in the creation of ceramic goods. It is used in some countries as an ingredient in food but is banned in the US. Dogs can exhibit signs of toxicity at approximately .02 ounces of boric acid per pound of bodyweight.

Borate, or sodium borate, is used in laundry detergent, cleaning products, and pesticides. If your dog ingests sufficient amounts of this ingredient, it can become toxic.

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Average Cost

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Symptoms of Borate Poisoning in Dogs

The vomiting and diarrhea that are exhibited with sodium borate poisoning are generally a blue-green in color and often contain blood. 

  • Blood in urine
  • Coma 
  • Cough
  • Decreased urine production
  • Depression
  • Diarrhea
  • Dry skin
  • Excessive drooling
  • Kidney damage
  • Lack of coordination 
  • Muscle weakness 
  • Rash
  • Seizures
  • Skin discoloration
  • Tremors 
  • Vomiting 
  • Weight loss
  • Death

Types

Acute borate poisoning

This is the kind of poisoning that you would see if your canine ate a fairly substantial amount of the household product containing the sodium borate. This is most common with ingestions of borate as an ingredient in a pesticide such as roach killers and flea treatments.  

Chronic borate poisoning

Chronic borate poisoning is less common, but if they encounter it on the floor frequently, or from nibbling on plants sprayed with pesticides made with sodium borate, they can develop additional signs and symptoms. Weight loss, kidney damage, and hormone disruption can result from chronic exposure to this chemical.

Causes of Borate Poisoning in Dogs

Borate or boric acid can be found in a large variety of household products that your dog may encounter, either indoors or out. These can include:

  • Antiseptics
  • Concealers and foundations
  • Diaper creams
  • Enamels and glaze
  • Flea and tick medications
  • Insecticides
  • Medicated powders
  • Paints 
  • Rodent poisons
  • Shaving cream
  • Shower gel
  • Skin lotions

Diagnosis of Borate Poisoning in Dogs

Many of the symptoms of borax poisoning are common to other poisonings, such as excessive drooling, depression, lethargy, muscle weakness, and lack of coordination. The blue-green color of your pet’s vomit and diarrhea is somewhat unique and should point your veterinarian in the right direction. If certain concentrations of borate are left on the skin too long, it can also cause uncomfortable rashes, which your veterinarian may find during the physical exam, particularly on your dog’s face or paws.

The oral cavity and the esophagus will be checked for burns. General blood tests such as a complete blood count and a biochemistry profile will be completed along with a urinalysis. Approximately 40- 60% of the sodium borate will be excreted in the urine unchanged within about twelve to twenty-four hours. These tests will help rule out other toxins as well as assessing the continuing functionality of both the liver and the kidneys.

Treatment of Borate Poisoning in Dogs

Your veterinarian may choose to induce vomiting or opt to perform a gastric lavage for your dog if the ingestion was within the last two to three hours. This is done to remove as much of the physical toxin as possible before it is absorbed into the bloodstream. Although activated charcoal is often given at this time for most toxins, sodium borate tends to bind poorly to it, so it is often omitted from treatment. The symptoms of borate poisoning can sometimes induce dehydration, so supportive measures such as IV fluids and electrolytes are often given to combat this problem.

Any borate that remains on your dog’s skin will be washed off to prevent further burning of the skin. Anticonvulsants may also be given to the patient as needed. Borate goes through the kidneys before being expelled in the urine and can cause damage, so the functionality of the kidneys needs to be carefully monitored. In some cases, dialysis may be required.

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Recovery of Borate Poisoning in Dogs

Because borate is processed through the kidneys, your dog’s doctor may choose to perform either dialysis or hemodialysis to protect the future performance of the kidneys. Dialysis, for humans, is generally a life-long treatment plan with dialysis occurring 2-3 times a week for the remainder of their lives. This usually only changes if the patient has a kidney transplant. Although dogs may also require dialysis as a lifelong treatment, it is more often used as a treatment for acute disorders, to temporarily ease the burdens to the kidneys and give them a chance to properly heal so that they can recover functionality. It is not widely available and is very costly.

Paying to treat borate poisoning out of pocket can be a major financial burden. Fortunately, most pet insurance companies reimburse claims within 3 days, putting 90% of the bill back in your pocket. In the market for pet insurance? Compare leading pet insurance companies to find the right plan for your pet.

Borate Poisoning Average Cost

From 585 quotes ranging from $500 - $6,000

Average Cost

$2,000

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Borate Poisoning Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals

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Catahoula mix

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Lacey

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4 Years

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0 found this helpful

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0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Bloody Diarrhea
My dog, Lacey, started having diarrhea (blood and mucus only from the way it looks) about 5 hours ago. We have roach poison out that contains boric acid. While I don't believe she would have licked it, I think she may have sniffed it. She is panting, but still drinking water and eating. She is also urinating normally. Could sniffing the poison cause this? She has no other symptoms and doesn't seem to have tummy soreness.

July 30, 2018

0 Recommendations

If you suspect that Lacey may have consumed or smelled the poison you should check the product information for its use around pets and if in doubt call the manufacturer; also if the mucus diarrhoea continues you should visit your Veterinarian to be on the safe side. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM

July 30, 2018

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Pit bull

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K

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3 Weeks

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1 found this helpful

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1 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Weakness
I left my dog in it’s room for about an hr while he “slept” and I cleaned the house. When I returned the dog was in the corner by the door whining. Just so happens so be some roach powder by the outside of the door. Now I’m worried and don’t know what to do, cause I’m not sure if he got into any of it!?

July 15, 2018

1 Recommendations

We cannot be sure whether K consumed any of the powder or not, but in times of doubt it is always wise to be on the side of caution and get supportive and symptomatic care especially since poisoning with borate may lead to weakness and depression among other symptoms. You should visit a Veterinarian for an examination (take any packaging with your) and to receive supportive care. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM

July 15, 2018

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Borate Poisoning Average Cost

From 585 quotes ranging from $500 - $6,000

Average Cost

$2,000

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