What Happens If A Dog Eats Foil? A Vet’s Advice

As dog owners, we’ve all been there You turn your back for a second and suddenly your pup has gotten into something they shouldn’t have. One common item dogs seem prone to eating is aluminum foil If your dog has ever snagged some foil off the counter or out of the trash, you may be wondering what effects it could have and what you should do next. As a vet, I’m here to provide some guidance on the potential risks of dogs ingesting foil and how to respond in this situation.

Is Foil Toxic For Dogs?

The first question many owners have is whether aluminum foil is actually toxic and dangerous for dogs to eat. The good news is that aluminum metal itself is not considered toxic to dogs when ingested. Aluminum is not classified as a heavy metal like lead or mercury, which can cause poisoning

However, just because aluminum itself isn’t toxic doesn’t mean that eating foil is completely harmless either. There are a few potential risks and concerns to be aware of:

• Blockages or obstructions – While foil isn’t toxic it can potentially cause blockages or obstructions in the esophagus stomach or intestines if large amounts are swallowed. This is especially true if a dog swallows a large wad or ball of foil.

• Internal damage – Sharp edges on foil could potentially damage or scratch the esophagus, stomach, or intestines as it passes through the digestive tract.

• Binding with other materials – Over time, small pieces of foil can accumulate in the stomach and bind together with other foreign materials to form larger masses called bezoars. These can eventually cause obstructions when they pass further through the intestines.

So while the aluminum itself isn’t toxic, dogs eating foil can still present mechanical risks and damage to the GI tract in some cases. It’s important to monitor your dog closely if they ingest foil and consult a vet if needed.

What Should I Do If My Dog Eats Foil?

If you catch your dog swallowing foil or find they’ve gotten into it, here are some recommendations on how to respond and what to watch for:

• Carefully inspect the amount consumed. Look to see if they swallowed large wads or just small fragments. Also check if there was any food wrapped inside that could be problematic.

• Monitor them closely over the next 24-48 hours for any signs of distress. Appetite, energy levels, vomiting, bowel movements, and abdominal pain are key things to watch for.

• Contact your vet for guidance, especially if they consumed a large amount. Your vet may want to examine your dog or take x-rays to assess the risk and whether any treatment is needed.

• Feed small, bland meals for the next 1-2 days to allow the foil to pass through. Avoid fatty foods. Make sure fresh water is always available.

• Check their stools to verify when the foil passes through. Look for signs of blood which could indicate internal scratches or damage.

• Seek prompt veterinary care if you notice lack of appetite, vomiting, bloody stool, abdominal pain/swelling, or lethargy after ingestion. These require urgent evaluation.

• Prevent repeat foil ingestion by keeping things picked up and being vigilant about taking trash out regularly before your dog can get into it.

While most minor cases of dogs eating foil can be managed at home, it’s always a good idea to touch base with your vet for guidance. They can help assess any risks specific to your dog and whether any diagnostic tests or treatment are recommended. Don’t hesitate to call if you have any concerns after the incident.

Long-Term Risks of Dogs Eating Foil

For dogs that seem prone to seeking out and ingesting foil regularly, there are some additional long-term risks to be aware of:

• Gastrointestinal obstruction – Repeatedly eating small pieces of foil over time raises the risk of a blockage or obstruction forming at some point.

• Nutritional deficiencies – Cravings for non-food items can sometimes indicate a deficiency in minerals like iron, zinc, or copper. Have your vet evaluate their diet.

• Underlying medical issue – Persistent unusual eating behaviors may be a sign of an underlying medical problem such as diabetes, Cushing’s disease, or gastrointestinal disease.

• Attention seeking – Some dogs eat weird things to get attention from their owners. Make sure they have enough stimulation and don’t inadvertently reward the behavior.

• Stress or anxiety – Dogs experiencing stress, boredom, or anxiety may be more likely to develop odd eating habits like foil chewing or swallowing. Consider their environment and routine.

If your dog seems fixated on foil and consumes it regularly, have your vet examine them to rule out any medical issues. Also work on management and training to try to limit their access to foil and redirect the behavior. In many cases, the underlying cause can be identified and addressed.

When to Rush to the Vet

While most cases of dogs eating foil can be monitored at home, there are some emergency situations where you’ll want to seek veterinary care immediately. Get to the vet right away if you notice any of the following after your dog eats foil:

• Repeated vomiting or signs of an obstruction like gagging or retching

• Little to no appetite for more than 24 hours

• Abdominal pain – crying, whimpering, sensitive to touch

• Lethargy, weakness or collapse

• No bowel movements for more than 24 hours; straining to pass stool

• Dark tarry stools or blood in vomit

• Abdominal swelling or bloating

These signs could indicate a blockage or perforation warranting urgent veterinary treatment. Don’t wait “to see if they improve” which could allow things to progress to a life-threatening emergency. Get them evaluated right away.

Prevention Is Key

To help keep your dog safe, the best medicine is prevention. Try these proactive measures to foil-proof your home:

• Keep counters cleared of everything, not just food. Foil, plastic, yeast dough, and medications should be kept out of reach.

• Take the trash out promptly after meals, don’t let bags sit accessible to your dog. Use cans with tight fitting lids.

• Never leave foil unattended on low tables or the floor. Roll it up and return it to a drawer promptly after use.

• If they have a habit of stealing foil, keep rolls up high or closed away in cabinets.

• Correct and redirect with a firm “no” when you catch them nosing around foil. Don’t chase or yell which can become a game.

• Make sure they have appropriate chew toys to satisfy their curiosity and chewing drive. Rotating new toys helps keep them interested.

• Consider crating your dog when you’re unable to supervise them closely. It keeps them safe and out of trouble.

Staying vigilant in your home is the best way to keep foil and other inedibles away from your dog in the first place. Stop the problem before it starts. But should your dog ever get ahold of foil, now you know what to watch for and when to call your vet. With quick action, the vast majority of dogs recover just fine.