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Dogs eat the strangest things at times! Some dogs will chew 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, it is possible for burnt wood to 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.
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Ask a Vet Live NowSymptoms of Burnt Wood Ingestion in Dogs
While many dogs may be ok after chewing on burnt wood, you may notice these symptoms if your dog has eaten it :
- Constipation
- Excessive drooling
- Burping/excessive flatulence
- Abdominal pain and/or 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.
Connect with a verified veterinarian in minutes. Licensed vets are available 24/7 to answer your questions. No need to worry about your furry family member.
Rebecca MacMillan, BVetMed BSAVA PGCertSAM MRCVS
This article has been reviewed and approved by an independent Veterinarian: Rebecca is a companion animal vet who has always had a passion for writing and client communication. Since her graduation from the Royal Veterinary college in 2009 she has gained a wealth of experience in first opinion small animal practice, in both clinical and managerial roles. She currently works in the South West and deals with a variety of routine and emergency appointments, but particularly enjoys medicine cases. Outside of work and writing, she enjoys spending time with her family, including her bouncy flat coated retriever George!
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