Boric acid and borax are found in some insect-control, cleaning, and craft products.
Call a vet or poison control now. Do not wait for symptoms.
ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661. A consultation fee may apply.
Source-backed guidance. Not individualized veterinary advice.(more)
Compiled from veterinary poison-control and medical references, including the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, Pet Poison Helpline, and Merck Veterinary Manual.
Part of our guide to Dog Got Into Boric Acid: Exposure Guide, Symptoms & What to Do.
Enter your dog's details for a straight answer sized to them.
Why Boric Acid is dangerous
Boric acid and borax are found in some insect-control, cleaning, and craft products. A large ingestion can cause serious digestive, neurologic, kidney, and skin effects.
Signs to watch for
Vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, weakness, tremors, red or irritated skin, seizures with severe exposure
Related items
Check the exact item or ingredient before assuming two similar exposures carry the same risk.
What to do next
Keep the packaging or take a clear photo of the plant, note what may be missing, and call for case-specific guidance even if your dog looks normal.
🚨Step-by-step: what to do in the first 10 minutes →Available 24/7. A consultation fee may apply.
A closer look at boric acid
Boric acid and borax are found in some insect-control, cleaning, and craft products. A large ingestion can cause serious digestive, neurologic, kidney, and skin effects. The details below use the specific facts for this exposure, rather than treating it like every other househol question.
1. Start with the exact exposure
For a closely related comparison, read Batteries. The product concentration and amount matter. Dusts may also irritate the eyes or airways; baits can contain additional active ingredients.
2. Use the facts to decide whether to monitor or call
Another helpful reference is Carburetor Cleaner. Do not induce vomiting or give food, charcoal, or another product unless a veterinarian or poison specialist directs you. Call your veterinarian or an animal poison control center with the exact product or plant, amount, time, and your dog's weight.
3. If the details are uncertain
Follow the first 10 minutes guide. Keep the packaging or take a clear photo of the plant, note what may be missing, and call for case-specific guidance even if your dog looks normal.
FAQ
The product concentration and amount matter. Dusts may also irritate the eyes or airways; baits can contain additional active ingredients.
Do not induce vomiting or give food, charcoal, or another product unless a veterinarian or poison specialist directs you.
Call your veterinarian or an animal poison control center with the exact product or plant, amount, time, and your dog's weight.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control — Poisonous Household Products
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
- Merck Veterinary Manual: overview of household hazard toxicoses in animals