Dog Ate Styrofoam : Can Dogs Eat Styrofoam? 5 Conclusive Health Issues

Regardless of the toys we give to our buddies, dogs tend to eat whatever they find, whether it is suitable for them or not; this includes Styrofoam. Therefore they need to be watched all the time.

If your dog ate Styrofoam cup, it is good to double-check the type of Styrofoam packaging you believe your dog might have consumed. This is done to have sufficient information to tell your veterinarian. But is Styrofoam toxic to dogs?

What if my dog ate cornstarch packing peanuts? Is it safe if my dog eats Styrofoam? You don’t need to keep questioning yourself about your dog’s issue.

Whether your dog ate Styrofoam or any other form of Styrofoam, this article will shed light on its safety. If your dog ate cornstarch packing peanuts or you are worried about it, stick to this article.

What Is Styrofoam?

Styrofoam is a plastic or polystyrene foam material usually used for packaging. It comes in different forms, such as Styrofoam peanuts, Styrofoam blocks, and Styrofoam beads.

Is Styrofoam toxic to dogs? Styrofoam beans can be in dog beds, soft toys, and bean bags. Suppose your dog decides to eat or chew any of these. It becomes harmful to them. This is because Styrofoam is toxic to dogs.

Some meats and several food processing companies package their products in Styrofoam. This stuff may seem very tasty for your dogs since the food flavor may stick on them.

Watch out because your dog may find food packages like Styrofoam (cup) cups, Styrofoam (plate) plates, or Styrofoam meat tray(s) on your walks.

Styrofoam can be a good component of building material, such as pipe insulation or wall insulation. Hence you should be mindful of building sites too.

Is Styrofoam Poisonous To Dogs?

Styrofoam is dangerous to dogs, especially puppies because they tend to chew on different things, putting them at more risk than mature dogs. They are also smaller; therefore, they’re more likely to get blockages due to Styrofoam.

Is Styrofoam toxic to dogs? Styrofoam is generally dangerous to dogs of all ages and breeds because it causes blockages in all dogs. In addition, it is poisonous to the extent that it may cause death if necessary actions are taken.

Styrofoam does not contain chemicals but is toxic to dogs, but it doesn’t mean that it’s not dangerous to dogs. The outcome of dogs consuming Styrofoam will depend on the amount eaten and the weight of the dog. Styrofoam may react very badly to some dogs, while in others, it may pass with no concern.

My Dog Ate Styrofoam: What To Do Now?

The following steps will be essential if my dog ate a styrofoam cup or your dog ate any form of Styrofoam in making decisions on what to do:

Check Your Dog’s Health

Check whether your dog has inhaled or eaten the Styrofoam. If the dog has inhaled the Styrofoam, you should first check that they are well, bright, and breathing well.

Do Initial Cleaning And Keep Dog Away From Styrofoam

Make sure you clean the split bin bag so that there’s no more Styrofoam. Check the other pets too to ensure that they are safe from Styrofoam. This will mean that you shut your dog away while you clear up a split bin bag.

Call Veterinarian Immediately

Call your veterinarian for advice and tell him exactly what happened to your dog and in detail.

This includes; at what time do you assume your dog ate Styrofoam, how much Styrofoam has your dog eaten, and if your dog has had any problems with breathing and vomiting.

Do whatever the veterinarian says. Your veterinarian will help you decide if your dog needs monitoring, imaging, or immediate treatment. If you’re on a budget, then let your veterinarian know. Hence, you can weigh your options, risks and decide within your budget.

Learn What Caused Dog To Eat Styrofoam

The major reason would be due to the scent of food on the Styrofoam material.

For example, suppose part of your dog’s bed is made of Styrofoam material, and the remnants of the dog’s food fall on the bed, then logically, your dog will consume it in the process of getting to its food (which is the remnants on the bed). Therefore, this will cause the dog to consume Styrofoam.

Ensure that you clean your dog’s bed regularly. This is meant to eliminate the food scents on the dog’s bed, hence avoiding this type of scenario.

Another will be because of their nature. For example, dogs are curious animals by nature, and they are also playful; hence inanimate objects like Styrofoam insulation, packaging, or loose-fill will increase their curiosity.

Never Induce Vomiting

Do not make your dog sick unless instructed by the veterinarian. Inducing vomiting to dogs is not a joke because the Styrofoam may get stuck or cause damage on its way back up, or the dog may inhale it hence putting your dog’s life at more risk.

Besides, the remedies recommended on the internet may cause more damage to your dog. It doesn’t have to be now, but the consequences may occur later.

If your veterinarian advises you to make your dog sick at home, he/she will tell you what to do and how to go about it.

What If My Dog Ate A Styrofoam Peanut?

If my dog ate Styrofoam peanut or you believe it has eaten any Styrofoam, should I wait and observe any adverse reaction? You should take action immediately because you know it’s not a good thing.

What Health Issues Should I Watch Out For If Dog Ate Styrofoam?

You must note the following signs because you don’t know precisely what your buddy has swallowed or eaten. It is essential to reach out to your veterinarian if your dog shows all of these signs or either, especially blockage.

Choking

Styrofoam also irritates the mouth, stomach, and throat hence causes lots of discomfort to your dog, which may lead to vomiting. Diarrhea is also a side effect of Styrofoam.

Gut Blockage

Gut blockage means intestinal blockage. It occurs mainly to small breed puppies and dogs or if Styrofoam was eaten in large amounts. However, it is difficult to predict how an inedible and indigestible item like Styrofoam will pass through the gut, hence monitoring your dog very well.

Even though its indigestible material, it has to pass through the small intestines, causing the blockage, which is life-threatening if left untreated.

The common signs of gut blockage include; frequent vomiting, constipation or diarrhea, lack of appetite, tiredness, and struggling to keep down food and water.

If your dog shows any of these signs, it needs medical attention. The blockage should be taken very seriously before it becomes fatal. In most cases, surgery is required to remove Styrofoam, and after that, your dog will be excellent.

Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis means an upset tummy.

As mentioned earlier, Styrofoam is dangerous for dogs. The main risk that your dog will face after consuming Styrofoam is blockage of the (guts) gastrointestinal tract. This is because the Styrofoam will be stuck in your dog’s stomach/ intestines, causing a blockage.

If a blockage occurs, you need to call a veterinarian immediately because it can lead to dehydration and become life frightening.

Abdominal Pains

The dog will tend to sit in a ‘prayer position’ with chest on the floor and bum in the air. This is because of the extreme pain in their tummy. Tiredness is also a sign, and it shouldn’t be taken lightly.

Difficulty In Breathing

Styrofoam can also be inhaled by the dog and get stuck in an airway or the nose. This could block the airway hence causing difficulty in breathing which is life-threatening, therefore, calls for an emergency. You should contact a veterinarian immediately.

How To Prevent Dog From Eating Styrofoam Again?

Be keen to keep away all packaging, especially food in packaging. You should consider taking out the Styrofoam meat trays to the outside bins where your dog cannot access them.

If your dog always tears up packages, you could ask for any deliveries not placed on the doorstep or where the dog can access easily. Keep an eye on your dog, especially when you’re out, and there are bin spillages or trash that you feel will cause problems to your dog.

If your dog finds something to eat on every walk, then you should consider getting him to wear a muzzle whilst out. This will prevent him from eating Styrofoam, plastics, rotten food, or other trash.

How Much Styrofoam Can A Dog Eat?

Is Styrofoam toxic to dogs when you give in small amounts? Small amounts of Styrofoam can pass your dog’s gut without much problem, especially if it’s a large-breed dog. However, if you give enough Styrofoam, it causes bowel obstruction, which is severe and causes fatal consequences.

If you notice your puppy or dog ate Styrofoam then you need to react immediately. Keep in mind to call your veterinarian at that time and explain to him everything.

Dog Ate Styrofoam Peanuts- What Should I Do?

It is unfortunate that dogs eat whatever they find. Styrofoam and packing peanuts are toxic to dogs. Your dog will need immediate medical attention when it has swallowed or eaten any packing plastic.

The side effects of consuming Styrofoam peanuts include gastroenteritis. The signs for this include loss of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea. If your dog has eaten more than Styrofoam peanuts, you should let your vet know in detail.

Dog Ate Styrofoam Plate- What Should I Do?

Styrofoam plates may cause a blockage if not attended to soon. This is because Styrofoam is not digestible hence cannot pass through the intestines. If the Styrofoam plate is not taken care of, it becomes worrisome and may lead to death.

In most cases, when it reaches a point of blockage, then surgery becomes a necessity.

Dog Ate Styrofoam Diarrhea- What Should I Do?

Dogs may not digest Styrofoam when it gets into their digestive system .As a result diarrhea may occur. If you detect diarrhea after consuming Styrofoam, call the veterinary officer.

What To Do When Your Dog Eats Styrofoam?

If your dog ate Styrofoam, you should call a veterinarian immediately and tell him/her exactly what happened and in detail. With the information given, the veterinarian will decide what should be done to your pet.

The decision made will be based on the information given. The veterinarian will decide whether to give you instructions on what to do and the treatment to give at home or take your dog to the clinic. The good thing is that it is okay if your dog ate Styrofoam.

If your dog ate Styrofoam and became sick, then it’s because of gut blockage. This may mean that your dog will need fluids, overnight care, x-rays, and sometimes surgery to rectify the blockage.

The veterinarian will decide whether or not your dog will need monitoring. If it’s in the case of inhalation of Styrofoam, then emergency treatment is required.

The diagnosis for all these health issues is good as long as treatment is done early.

Final Verdict – Can Dogs Eat Styrofoam

Styrofoam is bad for dogs. Dogs should never consume all plastics under any circumstance. The best that can happen is your dog will vomit the Styrofoam. However, the worst case will cause blockage, and this is life-threatening.

I hope this article helps you in case your dog ate Styrofoam. The most important thing is contacting your veterinarian and following his or her advice if you’re unsure what your dog has consumed.

In addition, if you feel your dog is not okay or you’ve seen any of the signs mentioned above, then again, don’t hesitate to call your veterinarian.

As a pet lover, make sure to learn about pet more and give your pet dog a good and comfortable life!

Rajkumar Ravichandran

Welcome to Learn About Pet. My name is Rajkumar Ravichandran and I love all pets, travel, and amazing food. I write about my passion and personal experience caring for multiple pets in this blog! ❤️