If your dog ate plastic trash, chewed off a bit of their toy, or swallowed one of your possessions, you need to act quickly. Dogs cannot digest plastic. Although small pieces are sometimes able to pass through without harm, large or sharp pieces can cause bad problems like choking, pain and issues passing waste or peeing. Today I’ll share the next steps you need to take if you think your dog has eaten plastic.
Contents
- Can dogs digest plastic?
- Is it safe to induce vomiting?
- Why do dogs eat random objects?
- What to do when your dog eats plastic?
Your emergency actions will differ depending on when your dog ate plastic, what type and size of plastic item your dog has eaten, and how they are acting. If your dog has eaten plastic, your veterinarian may get your dog to regurgitate it, if small enough. But in more extreme cases, surgery can be required and your dog will end up with stitches and wearing a cone. It’s important to never make your dog vomit without your vet’s guidance.This has the risk of causing some serious health complications.
Can Dogs Digest Plastic?
Unfortunately, dogs cannot digest plastic of any kind. But, as any dog owner knows, they can be very sneaky when it comes to chewing on things. You may not know that your dog ate plastic until he passes a small object in his stool, is unable to eat, and/or starts throwing up. This often indicates an intestinal blockage. Depending on the size and type of plastic object that your dog ate, the situation may or may not be urgent. But either way, you should contact your vet straight away.
Can I Remove It?
You may be able to induce your dog to regurgitate a small/soft plastic object. But you should only ever do this if your vet tells you to. It can be very dangerous to make your dog throw up if you don’t do it properly. If your dog has swallowed a larger or sharp object, there might not be much you can do to help from home. You may need to get your dog to the vet as soon as possible.
Why Does My Dog Eat Plastic?
If you’re on any type of social media platform, then chances are that you’ve seen dog shaming posts. Owners post pictures of their pets with a sign stating what embarrassing or funny object they’ve eaten or chewed up. It makes for some pretty funny reading! But why do so many dogs like to chew up our things? And are there any ways we can prevent it?
Reasons Dogs Chew Plastic
Dogs chew or ingest foreign objects for a number of reasons. As parents to Labradors and other “chew-happy” breeds know, some dogs chew and/or eat whatever they can find. Just because they find it amusing! Lots of dogs even chew up their own beds! It is important to leave them with plenty of chew toys and also interact or exercise with them enough. Dogs that do not like to be cooped up in the house will find something to amuse themselves with.
But It’s Not Edible!
Unfortunately, many household items are within reach of a bored dog. From your furniture, to precious ornaments and bits of paperwork. And including anything laying around within reach.
This is particularly true with large breeds that can easily reach onto dining room tables or even kitchen countertops! And of course so much of what we buy and use these days is made from plastic, or wrapped in plastic, that plastic is often the easiest thing for a dog to grab hold of.
Some people use anti-chew spray to try and stop this. However, it’s hard to chew-proof every item you own! And chewing often leads to the bored dog swallowing bits of whatever he just ripped apart. Another reason dogs may eat plastic is that its often used to wrap food and that makes it quite tasty to your dog!
Are Nutritional Deficiencies To Blame?
The act of eating inedible objects is sometimes called “pica.” Dogs (and even cats) may eat non-edible objects because they lack a certain nutrient in their diet. This has not been proven through scientific studies. But, it’s possibly also why a few species of animals eat their own poo. For instance, horses chew wood or eat feces when they are lacking nutrients from fresh green grass. This is typically seen during the winter. Rspecially if they are not given high-quality hay.
Compulsive Eating
Some dogs develop abnormal obsessive behaviors as a method of coping with anxiety or stress. Such as separation-induced anxiety. They take a normal everyday behavior that they enjoy, like chewing on something or eating. Then, they engage in that behavior obsessively to calm themselves. For example, some recently weaned puppies (and kittens) will suck on blankets or other soft materials. This is an effort to release the same “feel-good” endorphins that were released when they nursed from their mother.
My Dog Ate Plastic When Teething
This one may be the most obvious cause for chewing of inedible objects: puppy teething! Puppies who are not given proper chew toys may chew anything they can get their little chompers on. Smooth, hard plastic may be what they decide to chew on! This is why it’s especially important to crate teething puppies when you’re unable to keep an eye on them.
Was He Hungry?
Some dogs have seemingly bottomless appetites. They look for food everywhere they can find it! So, if you leave plastic food containers on the counter, full or empty, yiu can bet a hungry dog with a powerful sniffer will notice. Just ask anyone who has left last night’s takeout or a Tupperware container full of cookies out!
Dog shaming posts can be funny. Plus, some overly anxious or hungry dogs have a reason for seeking something to chew on. But, a dog ingesting a foreign object is definitely not a laughing matter! There are varied levels of health hazards possible if a dog swallowed a plastic toy or a dog swallowed plastic bags, for example.
What Plastic Objects Do Dogs Chew On Or Eat?
You may not realize how many plastic objects can be found in many a household on any given day! Here are just a few plastic items that pet dogs commonly like to chew.
- milk jug
- plastic bag
- children’s toy
- dog chew toy
- candy/food wrapper
- baby bottle
- bottle cap
- water bottle
- plastic ball – wiffle ball
- flying disc
- plastic parts of dog crates
- shampoo or conditioner bottles
- tennis shoes and sandals
- tampons/tampon applicators
- kids’ building bricks
- dog food bowls
- food storage containers
Many of us have these items on hand pretty much all of the time. So, it’s not feasible to simply do away with plastic in your home altogether. Don’t worry though! Keep reading to learn some tips for stopping your dog eating plastic and other foreign objects!
What Happens After My Dog Ate Plastic?
Depending on the type of plastic that your dog ate, the situation may be relatively non-urgent. Or it may turn urgent in a matter of time. Small plastic objects, such as plastic candy wrappers or soda bottle caps without sharp edges, may pass through a dog’s digestive system with little or no stomach irritation. He’ll continue eating and acting normally. You may not notice that your dog swallowed plastic of some sort until you see the object in his poo.
Signs That My Dog Ate Plastic
But, when a dog eats plastic and begins choking, shows abdominal pain, or starts throwing up and/or has constipation or diarrhea, it is a medical emergency. This regardless of whether your dog ate plastic wrap, or your dog ate hard plastic like a container. An ingested plastic object that cannot be passed smoothly has the potential to cause any of the following health hazards in a dog.
Health Hazards
Lots of problems can occur if your dog ate plastic. A soft or hard plastic object can cause a dog to choke as he tries to swallow the object. Any foreign object can create a blockage in a dog’s digestive tract. This can cause him to vomit when he tries to eat or drink and/or to not be able to pass normal stool.
A sharp plastic object may damage the inside of his digestive system as it moves. Some objects, if they’re large and sharp enough, can even puncture a lung or other organ. So, ingestion of any foreign object has the potential to need surgical intervention.
But I Didn’t See…
Even if you did not see your dog eat a plastic object, if he is unable to keep food and water down, his condition will deteriorate rapidly. Take him to the vet for evaluation and x-rays to determine what is causing his symptoms as soon as possible. Even if you’re not sure, and your dog seems okay, it’s always best to call your vet and see what they advise. So, what do you do if, say, your dog ate plastic bags? We’ll talk about the actions you should take based on your dog’s symptoms in the next section.
What To Do If Your Dog Swallows Plastic
So your dog has found something more creative to eat… what’s a doggie parent to do now? As we mentioned earlier, what happens if a dog eats a plastic bag or a dog eats plastic toy?
This varies based on the size and shape of the object. As well as whether or not it’s soft enough to pass, or too hard to make it through the dog’s digestive tract. If your dog ate plastic, check in his mouth to make sure there are no other pieces he could also swallow. Even if he has already swallowed some, you want to minimize any further damage. However, only remove them if it is safe to do so without injuring yourself. If not, ask for your vet’s help.
Tell Your Veterinarian
If your dog ate plastic, even in a small amount, the general rule of thumb is to always loop your vet in. No matter how understated the situation may seem. This way, your vet will already know what is going on, should the situation take a turn for the worse.
Some vets will even recommend hospitalizing the dog so that they can track the offending object via x-ray. They may try to use a Barium swallow until the dog passes the object via defecation. If the object does not continue to move and/or your dog starts to vomit, then your vet can immediately take him into surgery.
Move Quickly
We recommend speaking with your vet before you take any type of action. Even if your dog has swallowed something relatively minor and not as likely to cause damage. Timing is everything when it comes to foreign object ingestion. A blockage in the gut can cut off the blood supply to impacted organs within hours.
Plus, never induce vomiting in your dog without your vet’s instruction or guidance. It can be very dangerous, and your dog’s safety needs to come first. Once you’ve determined what your dog has swallowed, and your vet has decided it is safe, they can help you induce vomiting. Your vet may need to use an x-ray or endoscope to find out what object has been swallowed.
It’s Time For Action!
If your dog has ingested a plastic object but doesn’t appear to be in distress yet, we recommend taking the following actions for the next few days. It may take that long for your dog to naturally pass the object. Immediately following the incident, call your vet to keep them informed of the situation. You can also see if she has a recommended treatment plan.
If you’re worried about constipation due to the foreign object, give your dog a little plain yogurt or pureed pumpkin to help soften her stools. Make sure that your dog is still eating and drinking normally. If she stops either and/or becomes lethargic, chances are that she’s in pain. Watch for any sign of digestive upset or abnormal bathroom habits. Refusal to eat or drink, as well as the onset of diarrhea or constipation, signifies a trip to the vet.
(paid link) How Can I Stop Him Doing It Again?
If your dog ate plastic, you may have gone through the traumatic experience of having a large plastic object surgically removed from your dog’s digestive tract. Or perhaps you’ve found a particularly interesting pile of poo which contained a small plastic object.
Chew Toys
Is your pup bored and found something to chew on (such as a shampoo bottle or other plastic toiletry item) that wasn’t necessarily “just lying around”? Buy her some of her own chew toys if she doesn’t already have some. If she’s a powerful chewer, make sure that the toys are indestructible.
If she does manage to chew up any of these toys, replace them as they start to fall apart. This should help to stop her from swallowing any smaller pieces that have been torn off. Use the biggest toy your dog can cope with. This can avoid your pup swallowing the entire thing whole, and can make it harder to destroy.
Food and Trash
Did your dog find an empty or half-empty container of leftover food? Clean out all food dishes that are not going to be put away in the cupboard, refrigerator, or dishwasher. This makes them less likely to smell something tempting. Is your pooch is a “dumpster driver” that likes to go through the trash (and found the plastic object there)? Get a trash can that has a locking lid or that they cannot get into. These are simple steps to stop your dog from accessing plastic, but also food that may not be good for your dog!
Compulsive Chewers
Does your dog suffers from a compulsive chewing or eating behavior? She may need some special training to help relieve the stress that induces the anxious behavior.
Regardless of your dog’s reason for chewing or eating a plastic or other foreign object, you can train her that picking up non-food objects that aren’t her toys is a big “no-no.”
Nikki says
My 6mo golden retriever ate the clasp of a tarp clip. Energy seems normal as of now, and is more than willing to eat and drink. Is he going to be okay? How long should I give it to pass?
Jennifer says
My 13 yr old very healthy and spirited English Shepherd had a ruptured anal gland that required oral steroids… ergo HUGE appetite increase. Three nights ago, we caught her in the bathroom having somehow managed to wedge the lid off the metal “press pedal to lift lid” bin – purchased to keep her out. Well, she ate many paper products, but most concerning was nine tampons and plastic applicators. I’m broke. A vet once advised to feed them “Vaseline sandwiches” to lube tbeir insides and help the passing. I gave her a Tablespoon of V w/ PB several times a day (you only sandwich it if they won’t take straight up). The strings are worrisome in intestines, so to my great relief, this AM, Savannah barfed up one long woven-together chain of nine tampons. Gross. Now we need to worry about the applicator pieces. I’ll begin my work as a poo archeologist tomorrow and begin excavating poo. I also alternate between a Tablespoon of fresh pumpkin, yogurt, and fresh carrots with her meals, fyi. She’s still chipper as can be, but I know the next couple few days are critical and, of course, that will hit the weekend. Send love and prayers our way please.
N says
How is your dog? I’m just reading this now after a similar scare.
Ashu says
My dog eat plastic polythene what will do?? Plizz help it was dangerous or not plizz tell me??
Helen says
Hi, was your dog OK?
My dog stole a sandwich wrapped in clingfilm off a stranger on the beach a couple hours ago, practically swalled it whole in a hurry, vet advised not to make him sick and hopefully it will pass through.
Eduardo says
My 8 months old rottweiler eat her plastic bowl now she threw up pieces of it what should I do
Pippa Mattinson says
Hi Eduardo, Please take your dog to the veterinarian as soon as you can. I hope she’s feeling better soon.
Shannon says
My dog was acting a bit off… the next day I went to give him a bath and when I went to pick him up he yelled and put his teeth on my arm. He has the sweetest demeanor so I knew something was very wrong!! I called and got him right in. Well after x-rays, blood work, fluids and then being sent home with pain meds and $1400 less no answers. My dog was very thirsty and on a bland diet in which he did eat. Then 6 days later I heard horrible squeals and yelps from outside my mom was over and we both ran out. Partially hanging out of my dogs but was what I now know was part of a baggie I very carefully and slowly slid the rest of the quart sized bag out!!!! It didn’t show up on the x-ray!!! Thank God it passed my poor pup I can’t imagine the pain he was in!!!!
Michele M. Beckett says
New 5 mth old got a pair of reading glasses, I found frame parts, one full lense and did puzzle with other frame as best as. We vacuumed up, I checked mouth but I am afraid of sliver getting into his digestive wall. I am going to give him some oil and pray til Monday unless I notice problems. He is drinking, walking etc But he ran so quick and chewed..broke one lense but did not go to eat, he is a spitter. However, one splinter scares me.
Spyder says
My 3 year old Yorkie just ate 3 of those Red wrappers that go around slices of bologna.
What should I do?
Kera says
So, my dog just ate some plastic wrap for sandwiches – long story short, my grandma tried to throw him the sandwich but he took everything out of her hand – and I don’t know what to do. He’s a husky and fully grown, and I’ve no clue how much of it was even there. I don’t want to make my grandma feel bad or embarrassed for the accident. He’s fine, with no odd sounds and moving/eating/drinking normally. Is plastic wrap passable or do I need to get him checked out?
Suzanne Ellis says
My dog swallowed the squeaky part of a toy it was about a quarter sized he swallowed it 9 days ago. He appears fine what should I do? Thanks
Erwin says
My yorkie cannelle did the same thing. She swallowed it 9 days ago, but 4 days ago she started having diarrhea. I took her to the vet yesturday and the xray showed a 1.2 cm sized plastic piece in her upper bowels. It looked round enough and cannelle was energetic, so the vet gave kaopectate to help it pass. This evening shes afraid to sit or stretch and she puked up a bit of blood, though not too much. Im waiting to see how it goes from here.
Claire says
My 2 year old Male dog keeps eating poo bags that people have left with poo in on paths.
Why is he doing this ?
What nutrients is he missing ?
How do I stop him doing this ?
Tammy says
My dog ate half of his plastic dog bone he been throwing up blood what should I do
Victoria C says
Hello, my small 1-year-old toy poodle mix was rummaging in the bin (while I wasn’t looking) and swallowed half of a biscuit wrapper. It’s about the size of a big iphone, and although the only difference she has made was that she wheezed and made retching noises slightly, I am extremely worried. What should I do? Do I need to give him food so the plastic can hopefully pass through?
Penn says
My dog ate a whole bag of crumpets, plastic bag and all. I looked everywhere and only found two little pieces of plastic where she had eaten the crumpets.
That was 10 days ago and still no sign of plastic in her poo’s. She seems fine in herself! Would soft plastic show up on an exray of her stomach?
Vishal Jha says
Go for endoscopic ultrasound…
Karen Menapace says
My year old Beagle plays with plastic water bottles and eats both ends. If I see her chewing them I tell her to spit it out and she does. No problems so far, but we try to watch her close.
Victoria says
Training her would definitely help! Train your dog to not chew plastic and, to be on the safe side, going for a check-up to the vet would be better.
James says
I think my dog swallowed a plastic Squeaker from a toy the size of a nickel or Quarter what shell we do?
Victoria says
A small sized plastic toy may be able to pass through safetly. To be on the safe side, visit your vet. Best of luck!
tarun jaiswal says
my dog is not behaving like that which he does like running, not resting alway playing but now he is behaving differently now heis always sleeping,not have a energy at all so what should i do
Brett says
My Dingo x Blue Heeler got into the chocolate bars if eating chocolate wasn’t bad enough he has eaten the plastic wrapper with it, it was 2 days ago when happened & if I put my head to his stomach now I hear grumbling. Should I be worried?
Jesse Brazil says
I have a pug chiwauwau and he ate an entire plastic handle to a 14qt plastic bucket. I recently put him in a cage while im at work and was using this bucket for water. came as a surprise when I found the entire handle missing tonight! He ate the whole thing! are you serious!! No money for vet… I’m hoping he’s ok
Cheryl says
How’d did your boy go? My dog or dogs a few days ago ate a handle from a bucket but no dramas yet 🤞
kate manley says
Hello
We are looking for advise it’s been almost two days since my 9 month old (large) Vizsla are a treat bag. Size of a hand with a small pull cord etc. He is continuing to eat and sleep normal behaviour but no sign of the bag being dedicated yet. Should we still wait or take him to a vets for X-ray? He shows no sign of pain maybe we are safe?
Thanks for any advise
Kate and Andre
jeremy somera says
My puppy belusky eat a plastic wrapper what should i do…its possible it will pass through…is it dangerous or no please reply
Susan says
My dog ate a guitar pic. He’s a 60 lb Labrador retriever. He’s had 3 stomach surgeries and recently ate a washcloth which he passed with the vets help. There was fortunately no major damage to his intestines.
Carmen says
Hi my french bulldog eate a piece of toy he keeps throwing up what should I do any one?
Rachel says
My dog ate one of those wrappers that the capsels of nqquil come in and it didn’t have the meds in it thank god but I’m worried that she won’t be OK she had puked but its very late and we have no money to take her in what should I do please write back asap
Lucy says
Hi Rachel, You need to take your dog to the vet. Explain your situation and see what they can do. Some veterinarians offer support for people in financial difficulties. They might also be able to suggest a local charity that can help you. I hope she feels better soon.
Alexis says
My dog ate a cornet of a sandwich bag on a Sunday and the vet is not in. Don’t know what to do
Lucy says
Hi Alexis, Sorry I didn’t see this sooner. I’m sure they are open now, but if this sort of situation arises again do give them a call anyway, as they should have an out of hours number for emergencies. Hope your dog is doing okay today. Best wishes, Lucy
Kelly says
My 9 month old miniature Schnauzer ate the clear corner of a zip lock baggie ! What do I do ?
Will he be ok ? Will he pass it ?
Lucy says
Hi Kelly, I would have a chat with your vet to be on the safe side. Best wishes, Lucy
irene yu says
My golden ate the whole sandwich with the zip lock bag together from my colleague last night. He ate his breakfast this morning but he did not pass out any trace of plastic bag. I am still worrying? I already gave him sweet potatoes and pumkins hoping he can able to pass out some plastic?
Maryanne Hirschausen says
my beagle eat a green woolies veg bag what can i do please
Jacob Bowman says
My Chihuahua pug mix ate a plastic lid a couple weeks ago. He eats and acts normal. Just extremely worried it won’t stay that way. Will he be ok? He’s 5 years old. Around 20-25 pounds.
Jesse Brazil says
Same situation! but this happened to me tonight!! check website to see what mine looks like..pug chiwauwau mix
amanda thomas says
My dog ate a raw plug will it pass through?
james says
one of my dogs ate half of its plastic food bowel now. what
Jesse Brazil says
Same!!! My handle to a plastic 14qt bucket for water is completely gone!!
Cheri Pounder says
My Doberman ate the plastic that lays under raw chicken. She pants some..is a little bloted..it was a long piece about 6 thys where in container. Can i give her vergin oil to help pass it thru?seems she swallowed it whole. No money for vet , zero 🙁 how can i help her in home remady to pass it? Thank you
Lucy says
How did that turn out for your dog. Our dog just did same thing
Felicia says
My dog eat plastic from a toy now he won’t eat his food what should I do
John Howell says
dog ate a throw stick. Was diving and retrieving it in the pool, and decided to swallow it. The pole is thin but8 inches long. Will it come out the other end without a lot of trouble? Should i take him to the vet.
Kathy G. says
My puppy ( 9 weeks old) Pomeranian ate a lot of plastic!!!!….we left a trash bag filled with clothes on the floor …we decided that he could be let loose and run around the house but I guess he’s not ready for that … when I woke up I noticed a huge hole in the bag ….. I am concerned about my dog , what should I do?
LINDA FERGUSON says
My dog ate bits of bubble wrap! Will it pass on through her?