My dog loves exploring and chewing on things, especially plastic! His strong teeth and jaws make it easy for him to engage with various items. Sometimes, he chews on plastic that had something tasty, and other times, he just gets carried away while playing.
But when it comes to understanding if dogs can digest plastic, I get a little worried.
I’ve been reading articles to learn about the risks of him chewing on plastic, when I should start worrying, and what to do next if he happens to ingest it. If he seems upset or sick after eating plastic, I make sure to call my vet right away.
It’s important to be safe, and the vet can tell me what’s best for my little explorer, helping me navigate the concerns related to whether or not can dogs digest plastic.
Being aware of Plastic Items That Can Be Risky for My Dog:
My pup loves to explore the world using his mouth, especially now that he’s a little pup going through the teething stage. Around our homes and gardens, there are so many plastic items that might seem normal to me but can be super tempting for my furry friend. He finds these plastic objects way too intriguing to resist!
Let’s take a closer look at some everyday plastics that could cause problems for my dog:
No 1: Plastic Clothes Pegs:
Those tiny pegs used for hanging clothes might look harmless, but my dog seems to find them interesting to chew on.
No 2: Kids’ Toys:
Children’s toys made of plastic can catch my dog’s eye, especially with their bright colors and different shapes.
No 3: Plastic Bottles:
The crinkly sound and texture of plastic bottles can attract my dog, but I’ve heard they can be risky if chewed into pieces.
No 4: Plastic Cord or String:
My dog might be drawn to the texture of plastic cords or strings, but I know they can lead to digestive issues if ingested.
No 5: Laundry Cubes:
While the plastic cover might pass through, I’ve learned that the liquid inside laundry cubes can make my dog sick, so it’s best to keep them out of his reach.
No 6: Hard, Plastic Dog Beds:
Even items designed for dogs, like hard plastic beds, can pose a risk if chewed on excessively.
No 7: Packaging and Plastic Wrappers:
Dogs can be curious about the crinkly sound of plastic wrappers, but swallowing them can lead to problems.
No 8: Pens:
The plastic parts of pens can be chewed on, and ingesting them can be harmful to my dog.
I always remind myself that almost anything made of plastic could be a potential risk for my dog. To keep him safe, I make sure to store tempting plastic objects out of sight in a secure location that he can’t access.
This way, I can help prevent any unexpected trips to the vet and keep my furry friend out of trouble!
What Happens if a Dog Eats Plastic?
If my dog eats plastic, it’s not good news. The problem with plastic is that it doesn’t break down in my dog’s tummy because his body can’t digest it.
Whether he swallows a whole plastic toy or bites and swallows pieces of a plastic bag, as soon as that plastic gets into his tummy, it can cause issues.
The most common problem is that the plastic might get stuck, creating a blockage that stops food and water from moving through his stomach and intestines. Understanding the dangers of plastic ingestion is crucial, much like exploring topics on chalk and spoiled meat.
But it’s not just blockages we need to worry about. Chewed plastic can have sharp edges that might get stuck in the walls of his stomach or intestines.
This could lead to inflammation or even a serious problem called perforation, where there’s a hole or tear in the lining of his intestines. The tricky part is that he might not show any signs of being sick right away; it could take a couple of days for symptoms to show up.
And there’s also the risk of the plastic bits cutting his mouth and tongue, not to mention the scary chance of him choking. So, it’s definitely something I’ll be watching out for if my pup decides to snack on plastic!
