My Dog Ate Insulation: Our Vet Explains What to Do

Have you ever wondered which dog is the fastest? You might think of the Greyhound, Saluki, or even the tenacious Jack Russell Terrier, but no—the fastest dog in the world is one that has just been asked, “What’s that in your mouth?”

And if you’re doing a bit of home renovating, you might need to know what to do if that thing in their mouth happens to be insulation. If your dog has managed to ingest a bit of insulation, here’s what to do: Try to ascertain what type of insulation has been eaten, then call your vet immediately.

My Dog Ate Insulation — What Do I Do?

Each case and each situation will be a little bit different, so always contact your vet if your dog eats anything they shouldn’t. Never try to make your dog vomit at home without speaking to your vet, as it may not be the recommended course of action and could even make things worse.

Potential Risks of Dogs Eating Insulation

Although most materials used for insulation are unlikely to be toxic, they have the potential to cause choking, blockages, and even internal bleeding.

If only a small amount has been eaten, it is likely that your dog will be okay, but in all cases, your vet should examine them and make a plan for treatment. That plan may be just to wait and watch, but that plan should be made with the vet. If you wait for your dog to show signs of illness, there may be serious internal damage.

The main issue with all types of insulation is the potential to cause a blockage in the digestive tract. The materials can accumulate and get lodged in the esophagus, stomach, or intestines, and because some of them will also absorb moisture, the problem can get significantly worse with dehydration. If the insulation material passes through most of the digestive tract, it could also cause constipation.

Many insulation products are also coated with chemicals to make them more resistant to fire, moisture, and mold. In small amounts, these chemicals are unlikely to cause major side effects but could certainly make your dog feel unwell.

Let’s learn a little more about what eating insulation could mean for your dog.

Types of Insulation

There are five commonly used forms of insulation, none of which sound particularly appetizing.

Fiberglass (Batts)

This is the cheapest and most common type of insulation used in homes. It has a cotton wool-like consistency but is made up of tiny fiberglass fibers—those spiky little shards that get stuck in your hair and make your skin feel itchy.

The tiny shards have the potential to cause damage to the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and intestines, resulting in painful inflammation, vomiting, and diarrhea. Being both sticky and absorbent, this type of insulation poses one of the highest risks for causing damage.

Dogs can also suffer damage to their airways if they inhale fiberglass particles, as well as irritation and inflammation of skin if it comes into contact with this type of insulation.

Polyurethane (Spray Foam)

This expanding foam is at its highest risk shortly after it has been applied. If your dog were to ingest any of this foam while it is still wet, you must contact your vet as a matter of urgency. The foam can expand and cause a serious blockage or even a rupture.

In the more likely scenario that your dog has chomped on polyurethane foam insulation which has already hardened, the risks are significantly lower. It may cause some mild to moderate gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting, diarrhea, and discomfort but no serious toxic effects.

Being a plastic material, the digestive system cannot break it down, so it also can result in a blockage. But once set, it does not absorb fluid as readily as some other types.

Polystyrene (Foam Boards)

This type of insulation is similar in form to the Styrofoam used for boxes, packaging, and even in bean bags. It does not pose a risk of toxicity and will not take on moisture, but it can accumulate in the gastrointestinal tract and form an obstruction.

The lightweight nature of this material also poses a choking hazard if small fragments are inhaled.

Cellulose (Blown-In)

This is an eco-friendly insulation option that is most commonly applied by being blown into the area as loose, fluffy particles. Made from organic materials like recycled paper, the primary risk from eating this material is a possible blockage or choking on inhaled particles.

Mineral Wool/Rockwool

Similar in appearance to fiberglass but without the harmful fibers, Rockwool is actually made from tiny particles of lava rock spun down into sheets or batts and, given its origin, is particularly fire resistant. It carries similar risks of obstruction to fiberglass, without the additional worry of lung, skin, and organ damage from the fibers.

What If I’m Not Sure They Ate Any?

If you’re not certain your dog ate any insulation or are just worried that they might have, you should still contact your vet. That way, they can give you advice specific to your situation and are prepared in case you need to bring your dog in.

You are likely going to need to monitor your dog for signs of obstruction, dehydration, and constipation.

Summing Up

Although not appetizing to us, dogs will eat all sorts of strange things, and that can even include insulation. Although the materials used in insulation are unlikely to have any significant toxic consequences, they have the potential to cause serious complications.

The materials used in insulation are often designed specifically to fill gaps and crevices, so it’s not hard to imagine them blocking up a dog’s digestive tract. The irritating fibers found in fiberglass insulation also pose a risk of causing painful inflammation of the skin and serious damage to the airways.

It is vital that you contact your vet right away if you suspect your dog has eaten insulation. They will probably be okay, but the chances of a good outcome are much higher if you take action early rather than waiting for signs to appear.

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Featured Image Credit:  David Papazian, Shutterstock