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.
For some reason, there are dogs who seem to be obsessed with chewing and eating zippers, of all things! Why on earth would a dog eat zippers? No one is really certain; however, what happens if a dog eats zippers? Can zippers make a dog sick?
Has your dog eaten a zipper? Are you afraid the zipper will make your dog sick? If so, then you’ve come to the right place. We understand it can be scary when your dog eats something he shouldn’t.
In this article, we’ll take a look at zippers and whether or not they can make your dog sick. Let’s get started!
What is a Zipper?
A zipper is a type of fastener that has two rows of teeth, one set on the right and the other set on the left. The zippers are brought together by a slider that straddles both sides of the zipper to close a garment, bags, pillows, and more. Zippers can be made of metal, fabric, or even plastic.
Zippers are used on a wide range of products, including shoes, luggage, and more. While they’re very useful, what happens if a dog eats zippers?
Zippers & Dogs
Why on earth would a dog eat zippers? There are several reasons, which include boredom, pica, teething (in the case of puppies and young dogs), or even due to separation anxiety.
Some dogs may only chew on the zippers, while others actually eat the zippers. Some dogs seem to be interested only in the teeth of the zipper. Others may eat the entire zipper. It just depends on the dog.
Unfortunately, zippers can be dangerous for dogs. For one thing, if the zippers are sharp, they can cause tears in the mouth, esophagus, or even in the stomach and intestines. In addition, a zipper could also cause a dog to choke. Finally, zippers can also cause a condition called an intestinal blockage. This is a very serious condition that can lead to death if not treated right away.
Review symptoms, medications & behavior to keep your pets healthy with a Vet Online in just minutes.
Ask a Vet Live NowSymptoms of Zipper Ingestion in Dogs
- You may notice these symptoms if your dog eats a zipper:
- Choking/gagging (dog may be unable to breathe—call the vet immediately)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Weakness
- Lethargy
- Lack of appetite
- Dehydration
- Abdominal pain & swelling
If you notice these symptoms in your dog, call the vet immediately. This is an emergency.
In some cases, if your dog has developed an intestinal blockage, the vet may need to perform emergency surgery on your dog. This is necessary to save your dog’s life. The vet removes the blockage and repairs any damage the zipper(s) may have caused in the digestive tract.
The good news is that most dogs have an excellent chance of making a full recovery if they receive prompt medical treatment after eating zippers.
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.
Kim
Kim is a talented author, who loves animals especially dogs. She engaged in writing books and articles relating to animals a decade ago. Kim resides in Chicago with her husband and son. The family is the proud owner of a dog and a parrot (Jack and Lily). Kim wanted more than these two pets, but her husband put his foot down... She often visits elementary schools to talk to the kids about what she learned about pets and how they could learn from them.
Review symptoms, medications & behavior to keep your pets healthy with a Vet Online in just minutes.
Ask a Vet Live Now
