Is Bleach Toxic to Pets?
Yes — bleach is toxic to cats. Yes — bleach is toxic to dogs. Yes — bleach is toxic to horses.
PawSafe Check is for general information only and is not veterinary advice. Always contact your veterinarian or a poison control service if you think your pet has been exposed.
- Toxic compound
- Sodium hypochlorite
- Toxic parts
- Household bleach and cleaners
- Also known as
- chlorine bleach, clorox
Symptoms
Cats (toxic)
- Skin or mouth irritation
- Drooling
- Vomiting
Dogs (toxic)
- Skin or mouth irritation
- Drooling
- Vomiting
Horses (toxic)
- Skin or mouth irritation
- Drooling
- Vomiting
What to do
If your cat ate bleach
- Call your vet or a pet poison control line immediately — don't wait for symptoms.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to.
- Bring the plant, label or packaging with you so the vet knows exactly what your cat ate.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when.
If your dog ate bleach
- Call your vet or a pet poison control line immediately — don't wait for symptoms.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to.
- Bring the plant, label or packaging with you so the vet knows exactly what your dog ate.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when.
If your horse ate bleach
- Call your vet or a pet poison control line immediately — don't wait for symptoms.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to.
- Bring the plant, label or packaging with you so the vet knows exactly what your horse ate.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when.
Good to know
Diluted bleach usually irritates the mouth and stomach; concentrated bleach can burn the mouth and throat.
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Frequently asked questions
Is bleach toxic to cats?
Yes — bleach is toxic to cats. Common signs include skin or mouth irritation, drooling, vomiting.
Is bleach toxic to dogs?
Yes — bleach is toxic to dogs. Common signs include skin or mouth irritation, drooling, vomiting.
Is bleach toxic to horses?
Yes — bleach is toxic to horses. Common signs include skin or mouth irritation, drooling, vomiting.
Which parts of bleach are toxic?
Household bleach and cleaners.
What makes bleach toxic?
Sodium hypochlorite.