My Dog Ate Burnt Wood What Should I Do?

Dogs eat the strangest things at times! Some dogs will eat twigs and sticks, while others even try to eat burnt wood out of the fireplace! But what happens if a dog eats burnt wood?

Has your dog eaten burnt wood? Are you worried the burnt wood will make your dog sick? If so, you’ve come to the right place. We understand it can be scary when your dog eats something he shouldn’t have.

We’ve put together some information about burnt wood and whether it can make a dog sick. Let’s get started!

What is Burnt Wood?

Burnt wood, also called charred wood, is wood that hasn’t completely burned. The wood still resembles wood but has a blackened appearance. Charring may result from burning wood in a fireplace, fire pit, or a woodstove. It can also happen naturally due to forest fires.

What happens if a dog eats burnt wood? Can charred wood make a dog sick?

Burnt Wood & Dogs

Unfortunately, burnt wood can make a dog sick. The problem is the wood has become brittle and dry. This may make it splinter easily when touched or chewed. It’s possible a dog could accidentally swallow a piece of the burnt wood. This could cause choking or worse.

If a dog swallows a piece of burnt wood, the wood can then become lodged in the dog’s throat, causing him to choke. Another serious hazard is if the burnt wood piece becomes lodged anywhere in the dog’s digestive tract. This can cause an intestinal obstruction. Both of these conditions can be life-threatening if not treated quickly.

Symptoms of Burnt Wood Ingestion in Dogs

You may notice these symptoms if your dog has eaten burnt wood:

• Constipation
• Excessive drooling
• Burping/excessive flatulence
• Abdominal pain & swelling
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

These are signs of an intestinal blockage, and you must call the vet immediately. This is a life-threatening emergency.

If your dog starts to choke, cough, or have difficulty breathing, a piece of the burnt wood could be caught in his airways. Call the vet immediately.

Call the vet and let them know what’s happened and the symptoms your dog is having. Then let the vet know what time this happened. If your dog has the symptoms listed above, then the vet will want to see him right away. However, don’t wait to see if your dog’s symptoms improve or worsen. He needs medical treatment ASAP. His life depends on it.