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Sodium Bicarbonate

Prescription
Alkalinizing agent / Electrolyte
Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
3 available
Interactions
2 documented
Formulations
2

Mechanism of action

Dissociates to provide bicarbonate ions that buffer hydrogen ions, raising blood and urine pH; corrects metabolic acidosis and alkalinizes urine to promote excretion of certain toxins

At a glance

Class
Alkalinizing agent / Electrolyte
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Below 30°C

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Metabolic acidosis, urinary alkalinization, hyperkalemia
Dose
0.5–2 mEq/kg
Route
IV (slow)
Frequency
Based on acid-base status; over 15–30 min
Max dose
0 mEq
Duration: Until acidosis corrected; guided by blood gas
🐈

Cat

Metabolic acidosis, urinary alkalinization
Dose
0.5–1 mEq/kg
Route
IV (slow)
Frequency
Based on acid-base status
Max dose
0 mEq
Duration: Until acidosis corrected

Formulations

💉

Injectable solution — 2

Strength
7.5% (0.892 mEq/mL)
Available in India
Strength
8.4% (1 mEq/mL)
Available in India

Storage

Below 30°C

Safety

Absolute contraindications — do not use

  • Metabolic or respiratory alkalosis

Use with caution

  • Hypocalcemia
    Alkalosis decreases ionized calcium, may worsen tetany
  • Volume overload / congestive heart failure
    High sodium content

Adverse effects

Common
Metabolic alkalosis (over-correction)
Hypokalemia
Serious
Paradoxical CNS acidosis
Hypocalcemic tetany
Hypernatremia

Monitoring parameters

Arterial blood gasSerum electrolytes (K+, Na+, Ca++)Urine pH

Interactions

Major — 1

Calcium Gluconate
major
Mixing sodium bicarbonate with calcium-containing solutions causes precipitation of insoluble calcium carbonate, clogging IV lines.
Management: NEVER mix in same IV line or bag. Flush line thoroughly between infusions. Use separate IV access if both needed simultaneously.

Moderate — 1

Potassium Citrate
moderate
Both alkalinize urine. Combined excessive alkalinization promotes calcium phosphate urolithiasis and metabolic alkalosis.
Management: Monitor urine pH and blood gas. Avoid over-alkalinization.

Brands

International

Sodium Bicarbonate Injection
Various

India

Sodium Bicarbonate
Claris Lifesciences
Soda Bicarb
Neon Laboratories

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Sodium Bicarbonate?
Sodium Bicarbonate is a alkalinizing agent / electrolyte used in pets. Dissociates to provide bicarbonate ions that buffer hydrogen ions, raising blood and urine pH; corrects metabolic acidosis and alkalinizes urine to promote excretion of certain toxins
›What is Sodium Bicarbonate used for in pets?
Sodium Bicarbonate is used in veterinary medicine for: Metabolic acidosis, urinary alkalinization, hyperkalemia; Metabolic acidosis, urinary alkalinization.
›What is the Sodium Bicarbonate dose for dogs?
For dogs, Sodium Bicarbonate is typically dosed as follows — Metabolic acidosis, urinary alkalinization, hyperkalemia: 0.5–2 mEq/kg IV (slow) Based on acid-base status; over 15–30 min. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Sodium Bicarbonate dose for cats?
For cats, Sodium Bicarbonate is typically dosed as follows — Metabolic acidosis, urinary alkalinization: 0.5–1 mEq/kg IV (slow) Based on acid-base status. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What are the side effects of Sodium Bicarbonate?
Common: Metabolic alkalosis (over-correction), Hypokalemia. Serious (call your vet immediately): Paradoxical CNS acidosis, Hypocalcemic tetany, Hypernatremia.
›Does Sodium Bicarbonate need a prescription?
Yes. Sodium Bicarbonate is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
›When should Sodium Bicarbonate not be used?
Do not use Sodium Bicarbonate if: Metabolic or respiratory alkalosis.

References

CDSCO approvals (India) — 8

Monensin sodium premix
M/s Srinivas Biologicals Curewel · Approved 1985- September
Coccidiosis in the treatment of coccidiosis in chicken and hens.
Cephacetrile sodium intra mammary infusion
M/s Ciba geigy trends pharma · Approved 13.05.1992
Mastitis caused by streptococcus agalactial str dysgalactial str Uberis str Aureus Both penicillin sensitive and resista
Diclofenac sodium injection
M/s S.G Pharmaceuticals ·
for veterinary use
Sulphachloropyrazine sodium 30%
M/s Hindustan Ciba geigy ltd · Approved 18.10.1993
for veterinary use
Cloxacillin Sodium + Colistine Sulphate intramammmary infusion
M/s Intas Pharma · Approved 04.03.1998
Semduramicin sodium 5% premix
M/s Pfizer Ltd · Approved 04.03.1998
for veterinary use
Each Vial contains Sterile Morepenam IP eq. to Anhydrous Sterile Morepenam IP eq
M/s. GMH Organics · Approved 13.02.2015
For the treatment of lower respiratory tract infection caused by gram negative bacteria in adults only.
Sodium Salicylate IP (Eq. to Salicylic acid IP 0.86% w/w) 1.0% w/w + Zinc Glucon
M/s. Gopaldas & Vishramdas · Approved 08.06.2015
For the treatment & control of keratoseborrhea in dogs and cats
Source: CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

References

Textbooks & handbooks

  • Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
  • Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
  • Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
  • National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
  • The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/

Clinical guidelines & consensus

  • Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
  • American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.

Journals & peer-reviewed studies

  • Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
  • Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Regulatory & approvals

  • Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/

Databases

  • Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →