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Many humans enjoy chewing gum! Gum is a great way to freshen your breath, and it helps work off nervous energy. But sometimes people are careless about where they leave their gum. Some also aren’t careful about where they throw their gum away after chewing it. You’ve probably stepped in someone’s chewed gum at some point! But what happens if a dog eats gum?
Has your dog eaten gum? Are you worried the gum will make your dog sick? If so, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve understand it can be scary when your dog eats something like this.
We’ve put together information about gum and whether it can make your dog sick. Let’s get started!
What is Gum?
Did you know that chewing gum has been around since ancient times? Back in the day, gum was made of natural substances. Gum was chewed for the pleasure of chewing without any nutritional benefits.
Today, gum is made of synthetic materials that include flavorings. Some commercially prepared gum contains sugar, while others are made with artificial sweeteners.
Gum can be a healthy habit, which surprises many people. That’s because gum stimulates the mouth to make saliva. The saliva works to buffer teeth from erosion and decay. And it can reduce bacteria and acid buildup on teeth. Chewing gum can also reduce the symptoms of acid reflux.
While gum can be healthy for humans, what happens if a dog eats gum?
Gum & Dogs
Unfortunately, gum can pose a health hazard to dogs. One of the first considerations is whether the gum your dog ate contains xylitol. Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that’s highly toxic to dogs and can cause death. Other artificial sweeteners won’t cause a problem.
However, another problem is that the gum could cause an intestinal blockage in the dog. One piece of gum may not cause a problem; however, if your dog has eaten an entire pack of gum or more, intestinal blockage can occur.
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Ask a Vet Live NowSymptoms of Gum Ingestion in Dogs
You may notice these symptoms if your dog has eaten gum with xylitol:
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Lack of coordination
- Weakness
- Pale gums
- Trouble breathing
- Lethargy
- Seizures
- Coma
If your dog shows any of these symptoms, call the vet immediately. This is an emergency.
You may notice these symptoms if gum has caused an intestinal blockage in your dog:
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain & swelling
- Dehydration
- Restlessness
If your dog shows any of these symptoms, call the vet immediately. This is an emergency.
Treatment of Gum Ingestion in Dogs
Treatment of gum ingestion depends on your dog’s symptoms. If the vet determines your dog has been poisoned by xylitol, they will work to decontaminate your dog’s system and treat any symptoms as they arise.
In case of an intestinal blockage, the vet may need to perform emergency surgery to remove the gum.
Dogs that receive prompt medical treatment have the best prognosis. So, it’s important to ensure your dog doesn’t eat gum. That may mean watching what he’s sniffing at on walks and keeping gum out of your dog’s reach at home.
Prevention is always the best medicine!
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Kyoko
Kyoko is from a family of 3 and moved to New York with her parents and siblings when she was 13. Kyoko is fond of spending a great amount of time with pets, specifically her beagle Luna and cat Missy. Her boyfriend often complains that she spends too much time giving attention to their animals. Kyoko has written dozens of articles concerning pets and is aiming at owning a pet shop one day!
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