Puppies are infamous for chewing on almost everything around them. They try to chew on shoes, toys (their own or your kids’ toys), and so much more. And sometimes puppies may chew on something and accidentally swallow it. This can happen when they chew on wood.
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What happens if a puppy eats wood chips? Can the wood chips make the puppy sick? Has your puppy eaten some wood chips? If so, then you’ve come to the right place. It’s scary when puppies eat things they shouldn’t.
In this article, we’ll take a look at wood chips and whether or not they can make a puppy sick. Let’s get started!
What are Wood Chips?
Wood chips may be from a piece of wood used for construction, parts of a branch, or even some of those wood chips that are sometimes used in gardens.
It’s common for puppies to chew on wood and other things. This is because a puppy uses his mouth to explore his big, wide world.
So, what happens if a puppy ingests wood chips?
Wood Chips & Puppies
Wood chips can be very dangerous for puppies. This is because they can splinter, with the sharp pieces causing damage inside the puppy’s mouth or even puncturing his throat or digestive tract. This can cause pain and very serious infections. What’s more, a wood chip could also become lodged in a puppy’s narrow windpipe, which makes it impossible for the puppy to breathe.
There’s also the danger of the puppy eating several wood chips and these becoming lodged somewhere in his digestive tract. This can cause a condition called an intestinal blockage, which can lead to death if not treated promptly.
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Ask a Vet Live NowSymptoms of an Intestinal Blockage in Puppies
- Swollen, bloated abdomen, with pain
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Fever
- Seizures
- Collapse
If the wood chip has become lodged in the puppy’s throat, then you may notice he’s having difficulty breathing.
If your puppy is showing any of these symptoms, then call the vet immediately. This is a medical emergency.
Treatment for an intestinal blockage may require emergency surgery. However, the good news is that most puppies will go on to make a full recovery if they receive prompt medical care.
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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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