Accidents happen and when they involve your beloved pet, it can be a scary experience. If your dog eats glass, there are several things that you need to do to make sure he is safe and healthy. In this blog post, we will discuss what to do and what not to do if your dog eats glass and how to prevent this from happening in the future.
If your dog eats glass you should not induce vomiting instead call your veterinarian right away to get professional help.
Let’s look at what you should do and what you shouldn’t do if your dog ingests glass.
What to do
If you suspect your dog has eaten glass, check your dog’s mouth especially the lips and tongue for blood. If you can see blood, it means your dog has cut his mouth or tongue on the glass. In this case, you need to call your vet right away.
Your vet will most probably not recommend that you induce vomiting as this can cause more damage to your dog’s mouth and throat.
In most cases, vets will recommend that you give your dog some specific soft foods that will help prevent the glass from causing further damage.
These foods include:
- Bread
- Mashed potatoes
- Canned pumpkin – not pumpkin pie filling
After you have given your dog one of these foods, monitor him closely and look out for the following:
- Swelling or abdominal pain
- Constipation
- Lack of appetite
- Lethargy
- Blood in stool
If either of these things happens, call your vet right away.
What not to do
As we mentioned before, do not induce vomiting as this can cause more damage.
Do not give your dog any hard foods as this can also cause more damage to his mouth and throat.
Do not try to remove the glass from your dog’s mouth.
Tips to Prevent your Dog from Eating Glass
Here are some tips to help prevent your dog from eating glass.
Keep your dog away from areas where there are a lot of potential hazards. If you are having company over, it is also important to make sure that any glasses or dishes are out of reach of your dog.
Keep an eye on them when they are outdoors. If you see them picking up or chewing on any objects, including sticks or rocks, be sure to discourage them. You should also keep an eye on them when they are indoors, as items like sunglasses or drinking glasses can be tempting for a curious dog.
Make sure that any glass or dishware that you are using is put away properly and not within your dog’s reach.
Another way to help prevent your dog from eating glass is to provide him with plenty of chew toys and bones. This will help keep his mouth busy and distracted from any potential hazards. It is also important to make sure that any trash cans or recycling bins are not accessible to your dog
FAQ
Can dogs survive eating glass?
Yes, dogs can survive eating glass. If your dog accidentally ingests a small piece or two, they’ll likely be just fine. Glass can cause cuts and irritation in their mouths and digestive tract. If your dog ingests a large piece of glass, it could puncture its intestines which could be life-threatening.
Therefore, if your dog does eat glass, it’s important to monitor them closely for any signs of illness or pain and consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns.
How can I tell if my dog ate glass?
You can tell your dog ate glass by checking your dog’s tongue and lips for any cuts or bleeding. You may also see blood in your dog’s stool. If your dog is acting painful or lethargic, this could be a sign that they have ingested a large piece of glass that could be lodged in its digestive tract.
Conclusion
If your dog has eaten glass, it is important to seek professional medical help immediately. Glass can cause serious internal damage and may even perforate the intestines. Keep an eye on your dog for signs of distress such as vomiting or bleeding.
Do not attempt to make your dog vomit unless advised to do so by a medical professional. With prompt treatment, most dogs will make a full recovery from eating glass.