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As a pet owner, you should know by now that dogs will eat what they shouldn’t, no matter how you train them, it’s their instinct.
Dogs have a habit of “if I see it, I’ll eat it” and this is where we need to be careful and vigilant, as they will ingest any harmful substance they shouldn’t ingest at the first opportunity.
One such substance is Styrofoam. When your dog eats it, it’s an emergency. Styrofoam is used in many items, from coffee mugs to food carriers.
This article discusses what to do if your dog eats Styrofoam, how dangerous it is, and how to keep your pet safe.
Let’s start this article by understanding what is Styrofoam.
What is Styrofoam?
Styrofoam is a foam made of solid beads of polystyrene, a plastic mainly used in packaging engineering. It comes in various sizes and shapes and is used to provide support for packaged products.
Many toys, including pet toys, couches, dog beds, and bean bag chairs, contain Styrofoam inside. All of these things are favorite things to chew on; if you don’t pay attention to them, they will chew on toys and possibly eat some harmful Styrofoam.
Some companies use Styrofoam to wrap a piece of meat. When your dog sees a piece of meat in Styrofoam trays, cups, and plates, they’ll want to eat it because it might taste just as delicious as the meat.
And it’s everywhere. When you take your canine companion for a jog, keep an eye out for them, as they might find something on the street and want to chew on it.
What would happen if a dog ate Styrofoam?
As with all inedible substances, when dogs eat Styrofoam, the smaller pieces tend to be metabolically digested and excreted in small amounts in the feces within two to three days, as digestion occurs without major effects.
The risk is always for small breeds; when their throats (including all other organs and internal systems) are small, the Styrofoam gets stuck somewhere in the middle, causing intestinal blockage.
But if a dog swallows a large piece or many small pieces of Styrofoam, no matter the breed, whether small or large, it can cause a blockage in the gastrointestinal tract.
In extreme cases, if the dog’s system cannot digest If you use Styrofoam or any material made of plastic, your kidneys and liver will most likely collapse as well.
The more it stays in the dog’s system, the more damage it can do as it keeps releasing toxic chemicals made of Styrofoam.
In addition to various organ failures, these chemicals released from Styrofoam may have long-term effects such as cancer.
My dog ate Styrofoam: What should I do?
If you’re sure your dog has eaten Styrofoam, it’s not a good sign and needs attention. Follow these instructions to prevent serious health problems.
1. Assessing the situation
The key here is not to panic and observe your situation if the dog is breathing abnormal or notice if you have trouble breathing or any changes in the color of your gums.
If they appear to be choking, unable to breathe or pant, go to the nearest veterinary clinic and seek medical help immediately.
Also, check the type of substance and the amount your dog is ingesting. Make a note of the type of Styrofoam, how much your dog ingested, and when.
2. Call your veterinarian
After evaluating your dog’s condition and other circumstances, call your veterinarian and inform them of the incident and other information you have noticed.
If they are not feeling well or want to see how the dog is doing, they will prescribe medication and do tests to check the effects and condition.
Make a note of the directions your veterinarian provides and follow them closely so your dog finds immediate relief.
3. Do not induce vomiting
A basic mistake people make is trying to induce Vomit If they see their dog eat non-edible substances.
Inducing vomiting poses an even greater threat because a significant portion of the ingested Styrofoam can become lodged in the dog’s throat or esophagus.
Choking is also a risk factor for inducing vomiting and should be avoided. Any induction decisions should be made by a veterinarian.
Avoid any homemade treatments or do anything you’re not sure about. Always let medical professionals do their job. Homemade remedies often make the condition worse.
Is Styrofoam Dangerous For All Dogs?
Yes, it is dangerous for dogs to eat or swallow Styrofoam. Many people say that it is not poisonous and will not harm dogs, which is not true.
All Styrofoam is made of chemicals that may not be immediately toxic, but ingesting them always presents a serious health risk to dogs.
Chemicals such as polystyrene in styrofoam can cause mouth irritation or gum burns, and continuous ingestion can even cause cancer because the chemicals in styrofoam are highly toxic.
Aside from the chemical hazards, if your furry pet eats Styrofoam, it’s likely to cause gastrointestinal or respiratory obstruction.
Choking is also a possible risk, which can happen if your dog eats a large portion of Styrofoam.
What Are the Symptoms of Blockage in Dogs?
Obstructions of the gastrointestinal tract or airways are relatively easy to spot because they present with visually visible symptoms.
If your dog is avoiding food or is on the verge of vomiting but is not vomiting, it is a sign that it has a gastrointestinal obstruction or airway obstruction.
Any blockage poses a serious health risk and should be brought to the attention of a veterinarian immediately.
Diarrhea or constipation are also telltale signs of a blockage. Beyond that, any unusual behavior such as laziness, drooling, or panting is a sign they are unwell, and whether or not you see them eating Styrofoam, get them medical attention because they may have a disease. health problems.
How do I stop my dog from eating Styrofoam?
Styrofoam is dangerous for dogs to eat, and we all know about its risks from the above thread. Prevention is always the first step in avoiding such incidents.
Always try to focus more on puppies and smaller breed dogs. Puppies love to chew and eat anything they see, especially anything you tell them not to eat.
Small dogs are also at risk because they have small throats and small intestines, and it can be dangerous for them to swallow or eat large inedible substances.
Keep Styrofoam out of pets’ reach, especially meat trays or packaging, and throw everything in a litter box out of the dog’s reach.
Another way is to buy Styrofoam products that don’t use toxic chemicals. As Styrofoam companies continue to evolve their methods and change product ingredients, there is a demand for products that use non-toxic Styrofoam.
Frequently Asked Questions
In extreme cases, yes. Styrofoam can cause blockage and suffocation, leading to fatal organ failure and ultimately ending their lives.
Dogs have the potential to digest Styrofoam ingested in small or small amounts. But repeated ingestion or ingestion of small amounts of Styrofoam, once ingested, cannot be digested, leading to serious health problems.
Nothing, medication, or food should be given to expel the Styrofoam or any non-edible substance. This is the job of the veterinarian and no home remedies should be resorted to as this will only make the condition worse.
in conclusion
Your dog eating Styrofoam is always a disturbing situation. This article provides all the details about Styrofoam, what can happen if a dog eats Styrofoam, and what you should do if a similar situation occurs.
Remember to remain calm in this situation as your dog will follow you and reassuring them is the best thing you can do. Use this article as a guide to determine your next steps and prevent this from happening again.
Until then, happy touching.
Dr. Lillian is a DVM with a passion for raising awareness about dogs. She shares her expertise through her blog at canineweekly.com and provides animal care services including internal medicine, dermatology, and urgent care. Dr. Lillian is dedicated to contributing to animal welfare.
