Is Boric Acid Safe for Pets? Exploring Risks and Precaution

Boric acid is a powder used to kill bugs. But is boric acid safe for pets? As we all know boric acid is a chemical that has many household uses but also raises concerns about pet safety.

This comprehensive guide examines whether boric acid poses a risk for cats, dogs, and other domestic animals.

What is Boric Acid?

Boric acid is a white, odorless powder substance that is made from boron and water. It has antiseptic, antibacterial, and insecticidal properties. Some of the most common uses of boric acid around the home include:

• As an active ingredient in mouthwashes and toothpaste
• For cleaning and disinfecting kitchen and bathroom surfaces
• In laundry detergents as fabric softeners and deodorizers
• For making fiberglass and other glass products
• For strengthening and weatherproofing concrete
• As a flame retardant ingredient
• For pest control and terminating termites, ants, roaches, and other bugs
• As an additive in nuclear power plant reactor control rods

While boric acid is not very toxic to people, it can be risky for pets if they eat it directly. So is boric acid safe for dogs, cats, birds, and other domestic animals?

Is Boric Acid Safe for Pets?

No, it is not safe for pets as boric acid poses a serious risk to pets depending on the amount ingested, the size of the animal, and the exposure method.

Here are some key factors regarding boric acid toxicity for household pets:

• Smaller pets like cats are more likely to get boric acid poisoning. Cats clean themselves and might lick it off their fur and swallow it. Larger animals like dogs are less vulnerable.
• Direct ingestion of boric acid powders can potentially be toxic depending on the dosage. Just licking a few granules off the floor is low risk. Eating spoonfuls could be dangerous.
• Airborne boric acid particles and residual skin contact present a low poisoning risk for pets. However, inhalation may irritate the lungs.
• Cats tend to be more sensitive than dogs because they lick themselves so much. They might lick boric acid dust off their fur and eat it.

So even though boric acid can be toxic if eaten directly, pets are not very likely to get sick from a little on their skin or breathing a small amount.

How is Boric Acid Used to Control Fleas?

One of the most common uses of boric acid around pets is for flea control. Boric acid is sometimes recommended as a natural treatment for flea infestations.

It kills fleas by dehydrating and damaging their exoskeleton through direct contact. However, boric acid can take days or weeks to fully kill an existing flea population. Many pet owners use flea bombs to kill fleas present in their homes.

Here are some tips on safely using boric acid for flea control when you have pets:

• Put very tiny bits of boric acid powder carefully in places pets can’t reach, like along baseboards, under furniture, and in cracks. Don’t sprinkle it all over floors, carpets, or furniture where pets could touch it.
• Vacuum up any boric acid powder you can see before letting pets into the area after putting it down. This also removes killed fleas carrying boric acid on their bodies.
• In areas, where pets can’t get to, put more boric acid down every few weeks after cleaning to keep killing new fleas. The powder does not remain effective long-term after vacuuming.

Also Read: Is Bifen IT Safe for Pets? Exploring Risks and Precautions

What’s the Safe Amount of Boric Acid Around Pets?

Boric acid poisoning symptoms can start when pets ingest around 0.020 ounces (1/2 teaspoon) per pound of their body weight, according to the EPA. So a 10 lb cat is at risk of poisoning if it ingests just 0.2 ounces of boric acid. That’s a very small amount of powder.

For this reason, the EPA says not to use any boric acid directly on pets or where they can reach it. Boric acid should never be deliberately used for treating flea infestations directly on your pet’s skin and coat.

It should only be applied in areas completely inaccessible to pets when used for controlling fleas in the home environment.

What are the Effects of Boric Acid on Pets?

Boric acid ingestion or inhalation of large amounts can potentially lead to serious health issues in pets. Boric acid poisoning mainly affects the gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and central nervous systems. Some specific health effects include:

• Vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea
• Seizures and tremors
• Kidney and liver damage
• Cardiovascular collapse and shock
• Respiratory irritation and bronchitis
• Death in severe cases

Skin and eye irritation is also possible from direct contact with boric acid powder or solutions. Hair loss around application sites may occur as the powder desiccates the skin of pets who lick themselves excessively.

Signs of Boric Acid Poisoning in Pets

Be alert for these common signs of boric acid toxicity if you suspect your pet has been exposed to significant amounts:

• Drooling and discharge from eyes and nose
• Gastrointestinal issues like vomiting and diarrhea
• Skin redness, irritation, and unexplained hair loss
• Breathing problems like coughing or rapid breathing
• Neurological problems like seizures, tremors, and lethargy
• Kidney dysfunction, which leads to reduced or no urination

Pets showing several symptoms after maybe eating or breathing in boric acid need immediate help from the vet. Call your vet or an emergency animal hospital without delay if you believe your pet has ingested or inhaled boric acid.

Are There Any Alternatives to Boric Acid for Pet Owners?

There are a number of safer alternatives pet owners can try first before resorting to boric acid for controlling fleas and ticks:

• Physical Removal: Flea combs, sticky tape, and frequent laundering of bedding can reduce flea populations. Vacuuming kills larvae and picks up eggs.
• Natural Repellents: Some essential oils like peppermint, cedar, and lavender naturally repel fleas and ticks. Apple cider vinegar and garlic powder also deter fleas.
• Oral/Topical Medications: Products from the vet like pills (Nexgard) and liquid flea medicine (Frontline) control fleas without lots of risk.
• Flea Traps: Non-toxic flea traps using light and warmth to attract and catch live fleas are very safe around pets. Sticky traps monitor infestations.
• Insect Growth Regulators: Some flea products keep baby fleas from growing up by blocking their development. This gradually reduces populations over time.

Safety Precautions When Using Boric Acid Around Pets

If you do opt to use boric acid in areas accessible to pets, take these safety precautions:

• Put very small amounts of boric acid only where pets definitely can’t reach, like in cracks and behind furniture. Avoid treating large open areas.
• Thoroughly vacuum up all visible powder once fleas are killed to remove any residue. Dispose of the vacuum bag after use.
• When possible, use boric acid baits and traps rather than loose powders which are easier for pets to ingest. Look for contained, pet-safe boric acid products.
• Monitor your pets closely for any symptoms following boric acid application. Bathe and groom them to remove any possible residues on the fur.
• Talk to your vet first about taking precautions based on your pet’s health and risks.

Ask Your Vet Before Using Boric Acid Around Pets

Even though small amounts probably won’t hurt most pets, it’s best to consult your vet before using boric acid, just to be safe. Discuss your flea treatment options, get input on precautions for your specific pets, and ask about safer alternatives.

Your vet can also tell you on steps to take if your pet accidentally ingests or inhales boric acid. In most cases, immediately bathing your pet and contacting the vet is recommended. Inducing vomiting may sometimes be suggested.

With proper precautions, boric acid can be used safely in homes with pets. But non-toxic alternatives are best when available. Always keep boric acid out of reach and away from areas your pets access. Their health and safety should be the top priority.

Also Read: Is Aptive Pest Control Safe for Pets?

Final Thoughts

While it does carry some risks if ingested, low-level boric acid exposure is unlikely to cause harm in most pets. Take reasonable precautions to minimize access and contact.

Consider safer alternatives first when practical. And discuss any use around pets with your veterinarian. With prudence, boric acid can be used safely to control household and garden pests even when you have furry friends at home.

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