My dog ate plastic! What do I do now?

It can be a shock to discover that your dog has eaten plastic. Whether it's a toy, a plastic bag or some other object, plastic can be dangerous for your dog. It's important to act quickly and know what to do to protect your pet. In this article, we discuss the steps you should take if your dog has swallowed plastic and how you can prevent such situations in the future.

Stay Calm and Observe Your Dog

The first thing you should do is stay calm. Panicking won't help and can cloud your judgement. Observe your dog to see if there are any immediate signs of distress, such as choking, vomiting or difficulty breathing. In many cases, your dog will be able to spit out the plastic itself or pass it in their stool, but this depends on the size and shape of the swallowed object. In one case series of dogs needing treatment for swallowed foreign objects, plastic made up 8% of what came out [1], so it's a common, well-studied scenario, not a rare emergency vets haven't seen before.

Identify the Type of Plastic

Try to work out what type of plastic your dog has eaten. Was it a small piece of a toy, a plastic bag, or a larger object? This will help you assess how dangerous the situation is. Sharp pieces or large objects can cause internal damage, whilst smaller pieces may pass through the digestive tract without any problems.

Contact the Veterinarian

Always contact your veterinarian as soon as you discover your dog has eaten plastic, especially if you are unsure about the severity of the situation. The veterinarian can give you advice based on the size of the object and your dog's symptoms. In some cases, it may be necessary to go to the clinic for an X-ray or other tests.

Watch for Symptoms of Blockage or Poisoning

Keep a close eye on your dog for signs of a blockage or poisoning. Symptoms of an intestinal blockage include vomiting, loss of appetite, constipation, abdominal pain and lethargy. Poisoning can occur if the plastic contained harmful chemicals and can lead to drooling, seizures or other serious symptoms.

Do Not Attempt to Remove the Plastic Yourself

If your dog has not coughed up the plastic, do not try to remove it from their throat yourself. This could make the problem worse and cause damage. Leave this to a professional who knows how to handle the situation safely.

What to Do If Your Dog Seems Normal

If your dog appears to be behaving normally and shows no symptoms, it is still important to keep an eye on their stools over the next few days. The plastic should pass through the body within 24 to 48 hours. If you do not see any plastic in the stools or if your dog suddenly starts showing symptoms, contact the veterinarian again.

Surgical Intervention: When Is It Necessary?

In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the plastic, especially if it is stuck or causing a blockage. This is a serious situation that requires immediate medical attention. The good news is that outcomes are usually strong when treated promptly: in the same 72-case analysis, survival was 100% when the object could be retrieved endoscopically or from the stomach, 94% with a simple intestinal incision, and dropped to 33% when a damaged section of intestine had to be removed entirely [1]. That gap is almost entirely about how early the problem is caught.

How Can You Prevent Your Dog from Eating Plastic?

Prevention is better than cure. Ensure that plastic objects are kept out of your dog's reach. This applies particularly to rubbish bins, toys, and other small objects that your dog might find appealing. Also, teach your dog not to chew on inappropriate items through training and by providing plenty of safe dog toys.

Conclusion

It's worrying when your dog eats plastic, but acting quickly and sensibly can prevent serious consequences. Stay calm, consult your veterinarian, and keep a close eye on your dog. With the right precautions, you can prevent future incidents and ensure your dog stays healthy and happy.

FAQs

What should I do first if my dog has eaten plastic?

Stay calm and watch your dog for signs of distress, such as choking or vomiting. Then contact your veterinarian for advice.

Should I always call the veterinarian if my dog eats plastic?

Yes, it is wise to always consult your veterinarian, even if your dog shows no symptoms. The veterinarian can assess how serious the situation is.

What are the symptoms of a bowel blockage in dogs?

Symptoms of a blockage include vomiting, loss of appetite, constipation, abdominal pain and lethargy. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice these symptoms, especially vomiting that lasts more than a day.

What happens if my dog doesn't pass the plastic in their poo?

If the plastic is not passed in the stool within 24 to 48 hours, or if your dog starts showing symptoms, you should contact your veterinarian again. An X-ray or surgical intervention may be necessary.

How can I stop my dog from eating plastic?

Keep plastic objects out of your dog's reach and provide safe dog toys for chewing. Training can also help teach your dog what is and isn't allowed to be chewed.