Do you keep a pumice stone in the bathroom? If so, you’re not alone. Many of us keep a pumice stone to keep our skin nice and smooth. But what happens if your dog eats a pumice stone? Can a pumice stone make your dog sick?
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In this article, we’ll take a look at what a pumice stone is and whether or not it can make your canine companion sick. Let’s get started!
What is a Pumice Stone?
A pumice stone is a very interesting piece of rock. For one thing, it’s full of holes and can float! For another, pumice stone is made from volcanic rock, which is made of rough-textured volcanic glass. This interesting rock is created when super-heated, extremely pressurized rock is ejected from a volcano. As the rock is ejected, it cools and depressurizes rapidly, forming bubbles in the stone. These bubbles eventually “freeze” in the rock, forming the holes that are common in pumice stones.
Pumice stones are very abrasive, which makes them wonderful for many uses. They’re often used as a personal care product, which works to remove dead skin, calluses, and skin. They’re also used in beauty shops for pedicures, and pumice is sometimes used in hand cleaners. There are many other uses, too!
While pumice stones can be great for removing dead skin and more, what happens if your dog eats a pumice stone?
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Pumice Stone & Dogs
Needless to say, pumice stone is not good for dogs. When dogs chew on pumice stones, they may accidentally hurt their teeth and the tissues in their mouths. The mouth sores can become infected, too.
Another problem is if the dog swallows pumice stone. A little pumice stone probably won’t hurt your dog. However, if he eats half or more of a pumice stone, then it’s possible the material could form a blockage in his intestines. This is called an intestinal blockage, and if left untreated, it can lead to death.
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Ask a Vet Live NowSymptoms of an Intestinal Blockage in Dogs
You may notice these symptoms if your dog has eaten pumice stone and developed an intestinal blockage:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain & swelling
- Dehydration
- Lack of appetite
- Lethargy
If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, then call the vet immediately. This is a life-threatening medical emergency.
Treatment of an Intestinal Blockage in Dogs
At the vet’s, they will perform a complete physical exam of your dog. The vet may also order lab work and x-rays. The x-rays are to help show where the pumice stone is located and if it’s created a blockage or not.
If there’s a blockage, your fur baby may require emergency surgery. The good news is that when treated promptly, dogs who have had this surgery will go on to make a complete recovery!
Julie
Julie is a graduate of the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, where she studied Animal science. Though contrary to the opinion of her parents she was meant to study pharmacy, but she was in love with animals especially cats. Julie currently works in an animal research institute (NGO) in California and loves spending quality time with her little cat. She has the passion for making research about animals, how they survive, their way of life among others and publishes it. Julie is also happily married with two kids.
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