Chloe Zhang
Dogs chewing on plastic is not uncommon, but it can lead to serious health issues. Hard plastic and nylon bones are often harder than a dog's teeth, causing fractures and dental issues. The chewing force of a dog is three times more than a human's, and dog enamel is only one-third as thick as human enamel. This means that dogs can easily break their teeth on toys such as bones, antlers, cow hooves, hard plastic chews, and even ice cubes. If a dog swallows large pieces of plastic, it can get lodged in their throat and cause choking. If smaller pieces are inhaled, they can get stuck in the nose. If you think your dog has eaten plastic, it is important to contact an emergency vet.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety | Hard plastic toys can be unsafe for dogs as they can crack or break their teeth. |
| Dogs can choke on large pieces of plastic that get lodged in their throat. | |
| Plastic can get stuck in a dog's teeth, mouth, or nose. | |
| If a dog swallows small pieces of plastic, it can lead to a digestive obstruction, diarrhea, or pancreatitis. | |
| Tennis balls can wear down enamel if chewed excessively. | |
| Benefits | Plastic toys can help clean a dog's teeth and toughen their gums. |
| Plastic toys can provide entertainment and decrease tartar formation. | |
| Some plastic toys are designed to flake so that they can safely pass through digestion if swallowed. | |
| Sanding plastic toys can make them safer and help them last longer. |
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What You'll Learn
Hard plastic chew toys can damage dogs' teeth
Dogs love to chew, and chewing provides entertainment and slightly decreases tartar formation. However, some popular chew toys, such as hard plastic bones, can be too hard for dogs' teeth and can lead to tooth fractures. Hard plastic chew toys have little to no give, and dogs can sometimes rip off pieces of plastic and swallow them, leading to a likely digestive obstruction or, at the very least, diarrhea. The body will keep trying to break down these pieces of plastic, which can lead to pancreatitis.
Some dog owners have reported that their dogs broke their teeth on hard plastic toys. Vets recommend that if a toy is hard enough that you can't indent it with a fingernail, then it's too hard for your dog's teeth. If you notice your dog chewing on hard plastic and breaking off pieces, it's important to remove any plastic stuck in their teeth or mouth to prevent choking. If you're unsure how much plastic your dog has ingested or if they are in distress, take them to the vet immediately.
There are alternative chew toys that are safer for dogs' teeth. For example, compressed rawhide treats can be beneficial for removing plaque and tartar, although the thicker, compressed versions can be too hard and lead to dental fractures. Tennis balls can also cause dental problems as the fuzz can wear down enamel if chewed excessively. Older balls without the fuzz are less likely to damage teeth.
Overall, it's important to choose chew toys carefully to prevent tooth fractures and other health issues in dogs.
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Dogs can choke on plastic toys
Hard plastic toys can also be dangerous because dogs can rip off pieces of plastic and swallow them, leading to a likely digestive obstruction. When pieces of plastic break off and sit in the stomach, the body keeps trying to break them down, which can lead to pancreatitis.
Additionally, plastic toys can be harmful to dogs' teeth and gums in other ways. The plastic can get very sharp and cut their gums, and the scratchy nubs on some toys can also cut the gums or break off and be swallowed.
If a dog has been chewing on plastic for a long time, there is a chance that pieces of plastic may be stuck in its teeth or mouth. In this case, it is important to try to remove the plastic from the dog's mouth, but if the dog might bite, it is best to go to the vet. If a dog is showing any signs of choking or difficulty breathing, it is important to take the dog to the vet right away.
It is recommended to choose chew toys that are safe for dogs' teeth, such as compressed rawhide treats, which are usually flatter and thinner pieces of dried hide. It is also important to avoid giving dogs toys with attached hard objects such as plastic eyes, clothing articles, or noses, which could break off and be swallowed or cause dental fractures.
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Plastic toys can cause intestinal blockages
Dogs chewing on plastic is not uncommon. While some dogs may just like the feel of plastic, it is important to be cautious about the type of toys you give to your dog, as some popular dog chews can be quite dangerous. Hard plastic and nylon bones, for example, are often made of a material that is harder than a dog's teeth, causing fractures as they chew. The chewing force of a dog is measured at three times more than a human can achieve, and dog enamel is only one-third as thick as human enamel. This means that dogs can easily crack their teeth on hard plastic toys.
In addition to dental fractures, hard plastic toys can also cause damage to the gum tissue and, if swallowed, can cause intestinal blockages or obstructions. Dogs can rip off pieces of plastic from hard toys and swallow them, which can lead to a likely digestive obstruction or, at the very least, diarrhea. When pieces of plastic break off and sit in the stomach, the body keeps trying to break them down, which can lead to pancreatitis.
If you think your dog has swallowed pieces of plastic, it is important to contact an emergency vet right away. Try to determine how much plastic your dog has ingested and watch them carefully for signs of choking. If you notice any pieces of plastic stuck in your dog's mouth or teeth, try to remove them gently. If you are unable to do so or are uncomfortable, take your dog to the vet immediately.
To prevent intestinal blockages, it is recommended to monitor your dog's plastic toys to ensure that big chunks are not breaking off. If you notice any sharp bits or chunks that could be swallowed, it is time to replace the toy with a new one. Sanding plastic toys can also help make them safer and last longer.
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Dogs may swallow plastic chunks
If your dog is chewing on a plastic toy, it is important to monitor the toy for any signs of damage. If large chunks of plastic are breaking off, remove the toy to prevent your dog from swallowing them. Hard plastic toys can be too hard for a dog's teeth and can lead to fractures. Additionally, sharp plastic pieces can cut your dog's gums. If your dog has been chewing on plastic for a long time, check their mouth for any plastic fragments and remove them if possible.
To prevent your dog from swallowing plastic chunks, it is important to provide them with safe chew toys that are appropriate for their chewing habits. Some alternatives to plastic toys include rope bones, soft chew toys, and yak cheese chews. It is also important to supervise your dog when they are playing with any type of toy to ensure they are not ingesting any harmful materials.
If you are concerned about your dog's chewing habits or if they have swallowed plastic, it is always best to consult with your veterinarian for specific advice and treatment options. The information provided here is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice.
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Some dogs like the feel of plastic
If your dog has been chewing on plastic for a long time, open their mouth and check for plastic stuck in their teeth. If you are uncomfortable doing this, take your dog to the vet. Ingesting plastic can lead to a digestive obstruction, and in some cases, diarrhea. Pieces of plastic that sit in the stomach can also cause pancreatitis as the dog's body tries to break them down.
If your dog likes to chew on plastic, it is recommended to redirect this behaviour with alternative chew toys. Rope bones are a good option, but they should be replaced when they start to shred to prevent your dog from swallowing sections of rope. You can also try giving your dog a softer chew toy, although these may be more easily broken into pieces, which can be a choking hazard.
It is important to monitor your dog's chew toys to ensure they are not breaking off into large chunks that could be harmful. Sanding plastic toys can help to make them safer and extend their lifespan. However, once the plastic becomes sharp and starts to cut your dog's gums, it is time to replace the toy.
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Frequently asked questions
Hard plastic and nylon bones are often harder than a dog's teeth, causing fractures as they chew. They can also be a choking hazard. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid giving hard plastic to dogs.
Some alternatives to hard plastic that are good for dogs' teeth include compressed rawhide, which can help remove plaque and tartar, and rubber balls, which do not have exterior fuzz that can damage the enamel.
If a dog has eaten too much plastic, they may have plastic stuck in their mouth or teeth, or it may be lodged in their throat, causing choking. Other signs include difficulty breathing, distress, or pawing frantically at their nose if plastic is inhaled into the nose.
If your dog has eaten plastic, try to determine how much plastic they have ingested and remove any plastic that is still in their mouth. If your dog might bite you, take them to the vet immediately.
