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Snack And Plastic Bags Can Kill Your Dog!
By Friends of the Dog
By Friends of the Dog
pic - WUSA9
Empty chip and snack bags especially, are something we can inadvertently leave lying on a coffee table to be put away at a later stage, not realizing how dangerous, and even lethal they can be – to a dog they still smell delicious even if empty!
In addition to suffocating due to having a bag stuck on their muzzle and not being able to breathe, here are some of the other dangers that can occur.
Choking Hazard
One of the most immediate dangers of plastic and chip bags is the risk of choking. Dogs are naturally curious and may try to chew or play with these bags, which could quickly lead to them becoming stuck in their throat. The bag could block their airways, making it difficult or impossible for them to breathe. This situation requires immediate veterinary attention.
Ingestion and Intestinal Blockages
Dogs may also chew on or swallow pieces of plastic or snack bags (especially if they have been covering that smells delicious). This can lead to dangerous conditions known as an intestinal blockage. When ingested, these bags can get stuck in the dog’s stomach or intestines, causing pain, vomiting, and loss of appetite. In some cases, surgery may be required to remove the obstruction. Intestinal blockages can be fatal if not treated promptly.
Toxicity from Chemicals
Plastic bags, especially those used for chips or snacks, often contain harmful chemicals like BPA (Bisphenol A). When ingested, these substances can pose long-term health risks, including damage to the liver, kidneys, or nervous system. Dogs that chew on these bags may inadvertently ingest these toxins, leading to poisoning symptoms like lethargy, vomiting, or even seizures.
Potential for Bloat
In some cases, if a dog swallows a large amount of a plastic or chip bag, the bag can expand in their stomach. This could lead to a dangerous condition called bloat (gastric dilation-volvulus), where the stomach becomes distended and twists. Bloat can cut off blood supply to the stomach, causing it to die. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention.
Danger of Sharp Edges
Chip bags or snack bags are often crinkled, and if chewed, they can break into sharp pieces that could cut the dog’s mouth, gums, or digestive tract. If these sharp edges cause tears in the gastrointestinal lining, it can lead to internal bleeding, infections, and potentially a fatal outcome.
What You Can Do:
We have provided a short article below, based on a true story. Please feel free to share to anybody you think this may help.
In addition to suffocating due to having a bag stuck on their muzzle and not being able to breathe, here are some of the other dangers that can occur.
Choking Hazard
One of the most immediate dangers of plastic and chip bags is the risk of choking. Dogs are naturally curious and may try to chew or play with these bags, which could quickly lead to them becoming stuck in their throat. The bag could block their airways, making it difficult or impossible for them to breathe. This situation requires immediate veterinary attention.
Ingestion and Intestinal Blockages
Dogs may also chew on or swallow pieces of plastic or snack bags (especially if they have been covering that smells delicious). This can lead to dangerous conditions known as an intestinal blockage. When ingested, these bags can get stuck in the dog’s stomach or intestines, causing pain, vomiting, and loss of appetite. In some cases, surgery may be required to remove the obstruction. Intestinal blockages can be fatal if not treated promptly.
Toxicity from Chemicals
Plastic bags, especially those used for chips or snacks, often contain harmful chemicals like BPA (Bisphenol A). When ingested, these substances can pose long-term health risks, including damage to the liver, kidneys, or nervous system. Dogs that chew on these bags may inadvertently ingest these toxins, leading to poisoning symptoms like lethargy, vomiting, or even seizures.
Potential for Bloat
In some cases, if a dog swallows a large amount of a plastic or chip bag, the bag can expand in their stomach. This could lead to a dangerous condition called bloat (gastric dilation-volvulus), where the stomach becomes distended and twists. Bloat can cut off blood supply to the stomach, causing it to die. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention.
Danger of Sharp Edges
Chip bags or snack bags are often crinkled, and if chewed, they can break into sharp pieces that could cut the dog’s mouth, gums, or digestive tract. If these sharp edges cause tears in the gastrointestinal lining, it can lead to internal bleeding, infections, and potentially a fatal outcome.
What You Can Do:
- Always keep plastic bags, chip bags, and other small items out of reach of your dog and don’t leave them lying around, or on a table or counter that your dog can reach.
- Consider using secure trash bins with lids that your dog can’t access. Some dogs are professionals at opening trash bins, and in this case you can leave something reasonably heavy on top.
- If your dog chews on plastic or other non-edible items, provide safe alternatives like chew toys, and ensure no items that are not legal are not left lying around or accessible in cupboards
- If you suspect your dog has ingested plastic, contact your vet immediately.
We have provided a short article below, based on a true story. Please feel free to share to anybody you think this may help.
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