Your dog ate plastic? Here’s what to do next

The crunch of your dog chewing something that definitely isn’t kibble can send any pet parent into a panic. If you’ve just realized your dog ate plastic, take a deep breath. It can be a scary situation, but knowing the risks and the right next steps can make all the difference. From plastic bags and wrappers to bottle caps and toys, we’ll walk you through what to watch for and how to handle it.

What happens if a dog eats plastic?

When a dog swallows plastic, the item can pose a few serious threats as it travels through the digestive system. The risks depend on the plastic’s size, shape and type, as well as your dog’s size.

• Choking: A piece of plastic can get lodged in the throat, blocking the airway. This is an immediate, life-threatening emergency.
• Obstruction: This is the most common serious risk. The plastic can get stuck anywhere in the digestive tract, creating a blockage that prevents food and water from passing through. A blockage is a medical emergency that often requires surgery.
• Perforation: If a dog eats sharp plastic, the jagged edges can scrape, cut or puncture the lining of the esophagus, stomach or intestines. This can lead to internal bleeding and a severe abdominal infection.
• Toxicity: While less common than a physical blockage, some plastics contain chemicals that can be harmful. The primary concern is usually the physical damage, but it’s a good reason to prevent your pup from chewing on plastic items that aren’t toys.

Does the type of plastic matter?

Yes, different types of plastic create different levels of risk for dogs. Being able to tell your veterinarian what your dog ingested is incredibly helpful for their assessment.

Soft plastics, like a plastic bag, food wrapper or plastic wrap, tend to bunch up. This can create what’s called a linear foreign body, which can stretch and cinch the intestines, cutting off blood flow.

Hard plastics, such as a plastic bottle cap or pieces from a sturdy toy, are a major blockage risk. Their rigid shape makes them difficult to pass, especially for smaller dogs. A puppy eating plastic is particularly concerning, as their digestive tract is much smaller.

Sharp plastics are often the most dangerous. Pieces from a shattered container or a chewed-up brittle toy carry the dual threat of causing a blockage and perforating the gut wall, which is a critical emergency.

What to do if your dog ate plastic

If you catch your dog in the act or suspect they’ve eaten plastic, it’s important to act quickly and calmly. Follow these 4 steps.

1. Prevent further access. Immediately take your dog away from the area and collect any remaining plastic pieces. This stops them from eating more and helps you figure out how much is missing.
2. Check for choking. Look for signs of distress, like difficulty breathing, frantic pawing at the mouth, or blue-tinged gums. If you believe your dog is choking, seek immediate veterinary help.
3. Gather the details. Try to figure out the type of plastic, how much was eaten, and when it happened. Was it a small piece of plastic or a large one? Was it hard or soft? Having this information ready is key.
4. Call your veterinarian. This is the most important step. Contact your vet or an emergency clinic right away, even if your dog seems fine. Do not try to make your dog vomit unless you are explicitly instructed to by a vet.

Signs and symptoms that your dog ate plastic

Symptoms of a blockage can appear within a few hours or take a few days to develop. If your vet has advised you to monitor your dog at home, keep a close eye out for these red flags.

• Vomiting or retching, especially multiple times. If a dog ate plastic and is throwing up, it’s a major sign of a blockage — not necessarily that they’re getting it out of their system.
• Lethargy or extreme tiredness
• Loss of appetite or refusal to drink water
• Abdominal pain, which might look like whining, a bloated bell or adopting a “praying” position (front legs down, rear end up)
• Changes in bowel movements, like straining to poop with no result or having diarrhea
• Behavioral changes, such as restlessness or becoming withdrawn

If you see any of these signs, it's time to head to the emergency vet. "Some blockages can pass through your pet's GI tract without a problem and others can be a major issue,” says Dr. Aliya McCullough, Fetch’s Chief Veterinary Officer. Always check with your veterinarian or pet poison control if you see your dog eat something they shouldn't have."

How vets treat a dog that ingested plastic

When you get to the clinic, your vet will start with a physical exam. From there, they have several tools to figure out what’s going on and decide on the best treatment.

Diagnostics may include X-rays to look for signs of a blockage (like trapped gas) or an ultrasound to get a better view of the intestines. In some cases, they may use an endoscope — a small camera on a flexible tube — to look inside the stomach.

Depending on the situation, treatment can range from:

• Monitoring: If the plastic was smooth, and your dog is big enough, your vet might suggest a “watch and wait” approach with instructions to check every stool.
• Endoscopic removal: If the object is in the stomach, a vet can sometimes grab it with a tool on the endoscope and pull it out through the mouth, avoiding surgery.
• Surgery: For complete blockages, sharp objects or items that have moved into the intestines, surgery is often necessary to remove the plastic and repair any internal damage.

Keeping your dog safe

The best way to handle this emergency is to prevent it. Dog-proofing your home by securing trash cans, keeping human food and packaging out of reach and supervising your dog with their toys can help keep them safe. Regularly inspect their toys and throw away any that are broken or have splintered plastic pieces.

If you find yourself in this situation, remember that calling your vet is always the right first move. Acting quickly gives your best friend the best chance at a safe and speedy recovery.