PupkeeperToxic
Dog ate dryer sheets and fabric softener? Toxic: what to do now
Dryer sheets and fabric softeners contain cationic detergents that can cause mouth sores, drooling and vomiting in dogs.
If your dog ate or touched this, call your vet or a pet poison line now
United States
Poison lines in other countries: United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Belgium, France, JM, PR, Singapore, Switzerland, TT, VI
Dryer sheets and fabric softener and dogs: key facts
- Verdict
- Toxic · Call your vet or a poison line
- What it can do
- Drooling, mouth sores or ulcers, swollen tongue, vomiting and belly discomfort. All 8
- How fast
- Breathing signs can start 6 to 12 hours later
- What to do now
- Call your vet or a pet poison line now. All steps
- Sources
- Merck Veterinary Manual. Reviewed 9 October 2026.
What should I do if my dog ate dryer sheets and fabric softener?
- Call your vet or a pet poison line now.
- Keep the box and bring it with you.
Don't
- Don't make your dog vomit or give activated charcoal unless a vet tells you to.
Symptoms to watch for
- Drooling
- Mouth sores or ulcers
- Swollen tongue
- Vomiting
- Belly discomfort
- Low energy
- Fever
- Noisy breathing
When signs appear: Breathing signs can start 6 to 12 hours later
Why
Cationic detergents are locally corrosive, much like alkalis. They can inflame and ulcerate the mouth, and breathing problems can show up hours later.
Sources
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Household Hazards
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Toxicoses From Corrosive Agents in Animals
Guide reviewed 9 October 2026. Page updated 7 November 2026.
General information from the sources above, not a diagnosis. When in doubt, call your vet.