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Bleach (sodium hypochlorite)
chlorine bleach
A professional reference for veterinary specialists. It does not replace clinical judgement.
Species and toxic dose
| Species | Risk | Toxic dose |
|---|---|---|
| Dog | Toxic | Not established in the open sources |
| Cat | Toxic | Not established in the open sources |
Toxic principle
An alkaline irritant at household strength (about 3-5%) and corrosive when concentrated (industrial products up to 20%). Alkali burns penetrate deep and may not hurt at first. Mixed with acid it releases chlorine gas.
Onset
Effects can be delayed.
Clinical signs
By mouth: vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, oral ulcers, difficulty swallowing; concentrated product burns the oesophagus or stomach. Eye: corneal ulcer. Inhaled: cough and airway irritation.
Organs affected
Mouth, oesophagus, stomach, eyes, airways.
Treatment principle (for veterinarians)
No emesis and no activated charcoal for caustics. Dilution with a small volume of milk or water; an H2 blocker or proton-pump inhibitor and sucralfate. Eyes flushed for at least 15 minutes. After inhalation, fresh air or oxygen.
In the reference: Famotidine, Omeprazole, Sucralfate
A summary of the principles in the sources, not a protocol: doses and the plan are the treating veterinarian's decision.
Sources
- Reference book. ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. When clinic disinfectants cause problems for pets. aspcapro.org 2025
- Reference book. ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. What pet parents need to know about corrosive household products. aspca.org news 2026
- Reference book. ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. ASPCA Poison Control tox cards. aspcapro.org 2025
Professional reference for veterinary professionals. Not advertising and not a substitute for the product label/SPC.
For veterinary professionals only. It does not replace clinical judgement or the product label; check the dose in the official label (SPC). vetman is not liable for harm caused by using this information.
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This reference is still growing. Missing a product? Let us know. · Report an error or request an addition · Updated: 22 Oct 2026