• Free shipping on all orders
  • Free two years warranty extension
  • Free and easy returns

Hepper is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

My Dog Ate Plastic: Here’s What to Do (Vet Answer)

Dr. Marti Dudley

By Dr. Marti Dudley

My Dog Ate Plastic

Vet approved

Dr. Marti Dudley Photo

Written by

Dr. Marti Dudley

Veterinarian, DVM

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

Learn more »

Dogs’ noses lead them to ingest all sorts of “treasures,” even the indigestible kind! So, what should you do if your dog has made a snack out of plastic? Plastic cannot be digested, so it must come out. However, can it come out on its own, and will it cause complications for your dog? In this article, we’ll explore the concerns with plastic ingestion and the steps to take to ensure the safety of your beloved pet.

Divider-Dog Paw and Bone- New

The Concern With Dogs Eating Plastic

The big concern with plastic ingestion is the possibility of choking and bowel obstruction. When inedible items are ingested, especially if they are large, sharp, or abnormally shaped, they can become lodged somewhere in the gastrointestinal tract. This can lead to the item being unable to pass through, impaired blood flow within the intestines (leading to damage), and pain.

There is also the chance that the plastic may not have reached the stomach before causing problems. In some cases, the foreign object may get lodged in the esophagus, compressing the trachea, or it may have been inhaled and become lodged in the trachea itself.

dog wearing harness chewing on plastic water bottle with little kid
Image credit: alexei_tm, Shutterstock

The 4 Things to Do If Your Dog Ate Plastic

1. Remove It if You Still Can

If your dog is chewing plastic, try to remove it from their mouth if it is safe to do so.


2. Evaluate Your Dog

Ensure that your dog is acting normally after ingesting the foreign object. If there is any indicator of discomfort or troubled breathing, a veterinarian needs to see your dog quickly.


3. Determine the Item Ingested

  • What is the size of the object?
  • What is the object used for?
  • Is there a risk of toxin or drug exposure?
  • Do you suspect the object was swallowed whole, or was it chewed?
  • Is the object smooth or sharp?
  • Is the material flexible or stiff?

4. Call Your Veterinarian

You should call your veterinarian to discuss the foreign body ingestion. Often, it can be challenging to predict which dogs may have secondary complications from plastic ingestion.

Your veterinarian will consider several factors when determining the best next steps for your pet. Factors to be considered include:

  • The size of your dog
  • Item consumed
  • Concurrent medical condition
  • Current clinical signs
vet holding the dog in the clinic
Image Credit: Dmytro Zinkevych, Shutterstock

Divider-Dog Paw and Bone- New

Veterinary Involvement

Depending on the object ingested, there are several routes that you may need to take for your pet. In some cases, observation and supportive care at home may be sufficient. Your veterinarian may recommend an appointment to evaluate your pet, and they may induce vomiting to bring up whatever was swallowed if they feel it is safe.

Alternatively, radiographs may help confirm the foreign body and identify its position within the gastrointestinal tract. In some scenarios, immediate removal of the foreign object through endoscopy or surgery may be warranted.

Diagnostics

If your dog has ingested a foreign body and is asymptomatic or has consumed a foreign body and is showing signs, diagnostics will be recommended. Your veterinarian will likely recommend a full blood panel examining white blood cell levels and organ values.

Additionally, radiographs of the abdomen and the chest will be recommended. Films of the thorax are essential to rule out esophageal foreign bodies. In some situations, radiographs with contrast may be performed. Contrast can help illuminate foreign bodies.

Supportive Care

Some patients may do well with high-fiber diets that coat foreign objects. This helps to facilitate transit through the gastrointestinal tract and can prevent sharp objects from causing injury to the intestinal mucosa. Fluid therapy may also be recommended, especially if the patient is dehydrated.

Monitoring

While waiting for the object to pass, you should closely observe your pet. At the first sign of discomfort or behavior change, a veterinarian should evaluate your dog. If the object can pass on its own, screening the feces for the object is recommended.

Signs of Gastrointestinal Blockage:

  • Vomiting
  • Lethargy
  • Anorexia
  • Discomfort
  • Inability to defecate
vet examining dog's mouth or teeth
Image Credit: Kurit afshen, Shutterstock

Divider-Dog Paw and Bone- New

Foreign Body Removal

Further intervention will be necessary if the foreign object is unlikely to pass through the gastrointestinal tract without causing problems or is already causing problems.

Endoscopic Removal

In some cases, if the object has not passed through the stomach, a noninvasive procedure called endoscopy may be used to retrieve the object. This involves passing a small camera down the esophagus. After the object has been identified, a separate tool attached to the camera can grab ahold and pull it up and out through the oral cavity.

Exploratory Laparotomy

In the event of an obstruction, an abdominal incision is made, which allows the veterinarian to evaluate all aspects of the gastrointestinal tract. The digestive tract will be palpated and examined for damage. If a foreign object is noted, a surgical incision is made into the affected tissue to remove the object. The tissue and the abdomen will then be closed.

After an abdominal procedure, your dog will likely need to be observed for 24–48 hours in a veterinary hospital to ensure appropriate recovery. When it is time to discharge the patient, the veterinarian will review at-home care instructions and dispense any necessary medications.

Pain medications and antibiotics are likely to be needed.

dog endoscopic vet
Image Credit: Lebedko Inna, Shutterstock

Divider-Dog Paw and Bone- New

Conclusion

As much as we may try to keep our dogs out of harm’s way, sometimes they find a way of getting themselves into trouble. Setting your pet up for success by leaving tempting items out of their reach is essential. Consumption of plastic can be life-threatening, and recognizing clinical signs suggestive of gastrointestinal problems is vital. Do not hesitate to contact your veterinary team if you are concerned about your pet.

Related Reads:

 

Featured Image Credit: Maximilian100, Shutterstock

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Hepper for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Related Articles

Further Reading

Vet Articles

Latest Vet Answers

The latest veterinarians' answers to questions from our database

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Hepper for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Shopping cart0
There are no products in the cart!