Dogs will eat the strangest things sometimes! For instance, consider Ziploc bags. Why on earth would a dog eat a Ziploc bag? The probability is that the bag contained some food, or food remnants that smelled highly inviting to your fur baby.
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So, he may have dug the bag out of the waste basket to try and eat what was inside. Or maybe he was licking off the food remnants and happened to swallow the bag in the process. It can happen! But is this dangerous for your dog?
Ziploc Bags Can Be Dangerous for Dogs
Plastic food storage bags can cause some medical problems for dogs including:
Note: if your dog has swallowed a plastic Ziploc bag, then do not induce vomiting, unless directed to do so by your vet.
Choking hazard: the first concern is that the bag could cause your fur baby to choke. If he’s swallowed the bag, and then begins to gag, retch, cough, or have difficulty breathing, the bag could be caught in his throat. There’s also the possibility the bag could be blocking his airways. In this case, if you open your dog’s mouth and see the bag, try to pull it out. If you can get it out, then your canine companion should be OK. If not, then you’ll have to call the vet right away.
Intestinal blockage: in some cases, the bag may go down without a problem. However, later, your dog may show symptoms of an intestinal blockage. If so, then you’ll need to call the vet right away as this is a medical emergency. Symptoms of intestinal blockage can include vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling, lethargy, loss of appetite, bloated or swollen abdomen, painful abdomen, and constipation. You must call the vet—your dog will need treatment right away if he has this condition.
Can a Ziploc Bag Naturally Pass Through a Dog’s Digestive Tract?
Yes, it is possible for a Ziploc bag to pass your dog’s digestive tract safely. However, it does depend on the size of your dog. For instance, if a large dog such as a Great Dane ate the bag, it may come out in his poo without any trouble. On the other hand, a small dog such as a Chihuahua could have a serious problem. The Ziploc could become lodged in his much smaller digestive system, leading to serious complications.
One of the main problems with a Ziploc bag is the “zipper” closure at the top. This part of the bag is much harder and could easily cause tears in the dog’s digestive system. However, the Ziploc could also become stuck due to the “zipper” opening.
In other cases, if the bag goes down without any problem, then you’ll need to monitor your dog over the next few hours. It’s possible the bag will go all the way through your canine companion’s digestive system with no problem. In this case, your dog may pass the bag is in his poop within 24-48 hours (it may take a few days in some cases). You’ll need to check your fur baby’s poop every day until you see the bag pass. If you don’t find the bag in his poop after 1-3 days, then it’s a good idea to call the vet.
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Ask a Vet Live NowWhat to Do If Your Dog Eats a Ziploc Bag
Do not induce vomiting unless the vet instructs you to do so. Doing so could cause more harm to your dog. This is especially the case with the “zippered” edge of the Ziploc bag, which is made of harder material than the bag.
The first thing is to stay calm. Remaining calm helps you pay attention to what’s happening with your fur baby, and it also keeps him calm.
Next, check your dog. Does he have any pieces of the bag in his mouth? Do you see parts of the bag on the floor? If not, he’s probably eaten the entire bag. This is information the vet needs to know.
Now, check your dog’s condition. Is he showing any symptoms? Is he behaving normally? Note this information and then call the vet immediately.
To avoid your fur baby eating a Ziploc bag, it’s best to have a waste basket that is dog-proof. Food and food remnants in a plastic storage bag are way too tempting and could have horrible consequences for your dog. So, keep trash where your dog can’t get at it.
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Kim
Kim is a talented author, who loves animals especially dogs. She engaged in writing books and articles relating to animals a decade ago. Kim resides in Chicago with her husband and son. The family is the proud owner of a dog and a parrot (Jack and Lily). Kim wanted more than these two pets, but her husband put his foot down... She often visits elementary schools to talk to the kids about what she learned about pets and how they could learn from them.
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