{"id":1381,"date":"2024-10-29T12:01:35","date_gmt":"2024-10-29T13:01:35","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/networkprocurement.net\/?p=1381"},"modified":"2024-11-15T16:06:17","modified_gmt":"2024-11-15T16:06:17","slug":"my-dog-ate-aluminum-foil-our-vet-explains-what-to-do-next","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/networkprocurement.net\/index.php\/2024\/10\/29\/my-dog-ate-aluminum-foil-our-vet-explains-what-to-do-next\/","title":{"rendered":"My Dog Ate Aluminum Foil: Our Vet Explains What To Do Next"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Overview<\/a>
\nWhat To Do<\/a>
\nFAQ<\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Dogs love to test our patience by ingesting all sorts of bizarre things they shouldn\u2019t, and aluminum foil is actually a pretty common one, particularly if it has been used to wrap up some delicious leftovers. If your dog has managed to eat a sheet of this shiny metal wrap, you\u2019ll no doubt be pretty worried and want to know what to do next.<\/p>\n

The good news is that, in most cases, your dog will be fine, and the foil will pass through their body without causing any major issues. However, this will depend greatly on the size of your dog, how much foil they\u2019ve eaten, and whether or not luck is on your side.<\/p>\n

If your dog has eaten aluminum foil, the most sensible first step is to get in touch with your vet for advice specific to your dog and situation.<\/strong> In the article below, we\u2019ll discuss the possible issues that ingesting foil may have on your dog\u2019s digestive system, so you\u2019ll know what to be looking out for.<\/p>\n

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What Happens if Your Dog Eats Aluminum Foil?<\/h2>\n

Aluminum, or aluminium, is the most abundant metal element in the Earth\u2019s crust, but due to its chemical structure, it does not appear in its metallic form in nature. A process of electrolysis turns pure metallic aluminum into the malleable, moldable sheets we know so well. It is not a heavy metal and does not pose any risks of toxicity if ingested, but it can still cause some issues.<\/p>\n

In most cases, the main consequence of eating this foil will be some shiny poop in a day or two. However, aluminum foil can cause some problems, particularly if:<\/p>\n

Your Dog Ate a Large Amount of Foil<\/h3>\n

It would be unusual for a dog to sit down to a hearty meal of foil, but if they have eaten a large enough amount or a ball of foil,\u00a0 it could cause a partial or complete blockage in the gastrointestinal tract. Even if the foil doesn\u2019t get completely stuck, it may cause damage to the lining of the esophagus or intestine as it travels through, resulting in bleeding, vomiting, or diarrhea.<\/p>\n

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There Was Anything Toxic Inside the Foil<\/h3>\n

Sometimes we\u2019re so worried about the foil itself that we forget to consider what (if anything) was wrapped inside it. There are plenty of foods we regularly eat that are toxic to dogs (eg., chocolate, onions, and grapes) or fatty foods that could cause gastrointestinal upset or pancreatitis. And if the food inside the foil had gone bad, there\u2019s the added risk of food poisoning.<\/p>\n

If Your Dog Regularly Eats Foil<\/h3>\n

Dogs can sometimes develop strange compulsions for eating certain items, a condition known as pica. If your dog is making a habit out of eating aluminum foil, even small amounts can start to accumulate inside the stomach, building up like a snowball to form a bezoar, a solid mass of foil, food, fur, and other material, that can cause an obstruction when it passes into the intestines.<\/p>\n

If you think your dog may be suffering from pica, make a list of your dog\u2019s normal food (and non-food) and make an appointment to discuss this with your vet.<\/p>\n

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My Dog Ate Aluminum Foil, What Should I Do?<\/h2>\n

The first thing to do is get in touch with your vet. They may recommend monitoring your dog at home or bringing them in for an examination, depending on the size and health of your dog, and how much foil they have eaten.<\/p>\n

If we are dealing with quite a small amount of foil, this will likely pass through uneventfully over the next 2-3 days. You will need to keep a close eye on your dog over this period, watching out for any signs of discomfort, nausea, or obstruction.<\/p>\n

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Image Credit: MT.PHOTOSTOCK, Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Signs of an esophageal obstruction<\/strong><\/p>\n

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