You’d be surprised at the things that dogs choose to eat or chew on! Has your dog ever chewed on or eaten an eraser? If so, then you’re not alone!
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Some dogs mistake erasers for a chew toy. That’s easy enough to do. The eraser is rubbery like a chew toy but doesn’t include a bell or squeaky noise maker inside. You can’t blame your fur baby for the mistake.
What are Erasers Made of?
Most erasers are made from synthetic rubber, but they can also be made of plastic, vinyl, or another gummy material. These are definitely not digestible materials; however, they are not toxic, and most can pass through the digestive system without causing any problems.
You may even notice bits of undigested eraser within 24 hours of your dog eating it. If you see this, that’s great news! It mostly likely indicates everything will be OK. However, if the eraser or parts of the eraser don’t come out after about three days, then your fur baby will need to be checked by the vet.
Small Dogs vs Large Dogs & Erasers
There can be a difference between a small dog or a large dog swallowing an eraser. If the pieces are small, and your small fur baby has eaten the pieces, there’s a chance the eraser could cause a bowel obstruction. The same pieces, eaten by a larger dog, probably will just pass on through with no problem.
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Ask a Vet Live NowEraser – Chocking Hazard
Another possible issue for large or small dogs is that the eraser could be come stuck in their throat. In this case, your fur baby will have trouble breathing. He may show symptoms such as gagging, etc. This is a life-threatening medical condition. Call the vet ASAP.
Signs of an Intestinal Blockage
You’ll need to watch for these signs and symptoms of an intestinal blockage, if the eraser hasn’t passed through your fur baby’s digestive tract within a day or so:
- Vomiting
- Weakness, lethargy
- Abdominal pain, and possibly swelling
- Loss of appetite
- Dehydration
- Bloating
If your pup is having any of these symptoms, or others that are causing you to worry, then be sure to call the vet immediately. An intestinal blockage can be a life-threatening issue, which may require surgery to remove the eraser or erasers parts.
In most cases your fur baby should be OK, as long as he’s not choking or gagging. This indicates the eraser has passed on through. Just watch for the eraser to come out sometime in the next 24 hours. If it doesn’t, then it’s a good idea to call the vet and get their advice.
Tom
Tom has always loved to write since he was little - he wanted to be either a writer or a veterinary doctor, but he ended up being a professional writer while most of his works are based on animals. He was born in San Francisco but later moved to Texas to continue his job as a writer. He graduated from the University of San Francisco where he studied biotechnology. He is happily married and a soon to be father!
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