I wasn't sure whether to put this in feeding or health so if a mod wants to move it please do :-)

I've noticed recently that Stitch has developed a bit of a taste for soap. On a few occasions he has managed to either take a good bite out of a complete bar or nick the last little pieces. He seems to want to lick soap suds too.

We're obviously not allowing him to indulge this as it's not something you would normally look to put into your dogs diet! Last night he managed to snaffle the last sliver of a bar which I had carelessly left on the side of the bath (instead of out of reach where we now have to put it).

I have spoken to the vet about and harmful side effects and he said that it will probably make him vomit (it has on a couple of occasions, but he's only sick once each time) but shouldn't do him any harm as it's only very small amounts.

What I was wondering is does anyone know what might make a dog crave soap - is there possibly a certain ingredient or mineral for example which he may be lacking in his diet? He's on a dry complete food, not the greatest of foods IMO but the only one of so many that we've tried that hasn't given him a dodgy tummy (Stitch has a very sensitive tummy and virtually every food we have tried has made him a bit 'runny').

If anyone has any advice it will be welcomed :-)

Claire

I think lots of dogs would eat soap if they get the chance as they are often made from animal fats and I think it appeals regardless of diet.

Claire,

May sound like an odd initial question (but I *think* I have a theory) so just want to check.... can I ask which brand(s) of soap(s) it is you tend to have?

Our old labrador used to scoff bars of Wright's Coal Tar soap with no ill-effects whatsoever.

Its incredibly common, One of mine likes to lick soap off my arm when Im in the bath... I have to watch out for her, she's very sneaky and hides then pounces on me! Storm in the other hand has more of a toothpaste liking...equally as annoying though.
    and its not just dogs! :-D

Oh, the number of bars of soap that have gone missing over the years...........

I now have to make sure that all bars are kept well out of reach of the dogs. It doesn't matter what make of soap either. Cheap ones disappear just as quickly as the expensive ones.

Oh I'm glad to hear it's relatively *normal* for dogs to eat soap :-)

I'm not 100% certain on the brand, but I usually buy either the Shield Aqua soap or a white coloured one which I think *might* be Pearl?? Do they have speciall 'doggy tempting ingredients' in them HG?? :-D

Claire

What a silly ape ! :-)

> One of mine likes to lick soap off my arm when Im in the bath

That'll be the Samoyed in her, Liv - Megan loves to lick soap from my arms in the bath too! Megan is a big toothpaste fan as well though, I posted on the 'weird cravings' thread about her toothpaste fetish.