Dog Ate Drywall: Will They Get Sick + What to Do

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Dog Ate Drywall

If you’re a dog owner, you know that dogs can get into anything and everything. From eating shoes to chewing on furniture, dogs can cause quite a bit of damage. But what happens when your dog eats drywall? Is it toxic? Will they get sick?

Drywall is a common household material used for walls and ceilings. While it’s not toxic to dogs, it can cause some health issues if ingested.

In the sections below, explore what happens when a dog eats drywall and what you should do if it happens to your canine pal.

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Key Takeaways

  • Drywall is not toxic to dogs, but it can cause health issues if ingested.
  • Symptoms of drywall ingestion include vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
  • It’s important to monitor your dog closely and seek veterinary care if necessary.

What Happens When a Dog Eats Drywall

dog ate drywall

If your dog has eaten drywall, you may be wondering what happens next. In most cases, dogs won’t get sick from eating drywall.

The drywall itself, also called gypsum or sheetrock, is non-toxic and is just gypsum compressed into sheets.

However, dogs can get sick with respiratory issues or intestinal blockages. Since drywall is dusty, this dust is inhaled.

When a dog eats drywall, they may experience some side effects. Most dogs won’t swallow enough drywall to cause any serious problems, but they may eat enough to cause a headache.

Larger pieces of sheetrock can block a dog’s breathing passages, causing choking. Additionally, if your dog inhales too much drywall dust, they may experience respiratory issues such as coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing.

If your dog has eaten drywall, it’s important to monitor their behavior and watch for signs of illness. If your dog shows any signs of respiratory distress or gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting or diarrhea, contact your veterinarian immediately. They may recommend bringing your dog in for an exam or providing treatment at home.

Identifying Symptoms of Drywall Ingestion

If you suspect that your dog has ingested drywall, it’s important to look out for any symptoms that may indicate an issue. Here are the physical and behavioral symptoms to watch for:

Physical Symptoms

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Abdominal pain
  • Loss of appetite
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Foaming at the mouth
  • Blood in stool or vomit

Behavioral Changes

  • Lethargy
  • Restlessness
  • Agitation
  • Excessive drooling
  • Pawing at mouth or throat
  • Refusal to eat or drink
  • Hiding or avoiding contact

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to take action immediately. Contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital and provide them with as much information as possible about your dog’s symptoms and the amount of drywall they may have ingested.

It’s important to note that not all dogs will exhibit symptoms after ingesting drywall, and some may only experience mild discomfort or digestive upset.

However, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and seek veterinary care if you suspect your dog has ingested any non-food item.

In the next section, we’ll discuss what steps you should take if you suspect your dog has ingested drywall.

What to Do if Your Dog Ate Drywall

what to do if your dog ate drywall

If you suspect that your dog has eaten drywall, it is important to take action immediately. Here are some steps you can take to ensure your dog’s safety:

  1. Assess the situation. If your dog has only eaten a small amount of drywall, they may not experience any serious symptoms. However, if they have eaten a large amount or if you suspect that they have eaten drywall that contains asbestos, you should contact your veterinarian immediately.
  2. Watch for symptoms. Keep an eye on your dog for the next few hours to see if they exhibit any symptoms of distress. Some common symptoms of drywall ingestion in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and loss of appetite.
  3. Call your veterinarian. If your dog is exhibiting any symptoms of distress, you should contact your veterinarian right away. They may recommend that you bring your dog in for an examination or provide you with instructions on how to care for your dog at home.
  4. Provide supportive care. If your dog is experiencing mild symptoms, you can provide supportive care at home. This may include withholding food and water for a few hours, feeding your dog a bland diet, and monitoring their symptoms closely.
  5. Prevent future incidents. To prevent your dog from eating drywall in the future, make sure to keep any drywall or other construction materials out of their reach. You may also want to consider using a bitter spray or other deterrent to discourage your dog from chewing on inappropriate objects.

Remember, if you are ever unsure about your dog’s health or safety, it is always best to err on the side of caution and contact your veterinarian right away.

Should You Call the Vet if Your Dog Eats Drywall?

should you call the vet if your dog eats drywall

If you suspect that your dog has eaten drywall, you may be wondering if you need to call the vet. The answer is that it depends on the situation. Here are some factors to consider:

Amount of Drywall Ingested

If your dog only ate a small amount of drywall, they may not experience any adverse effects. However, if they ate a large amount, they may develop respiratory or digestive issues. As a general rule, if your dog eats more than a few small pieces of drywall, it’s a good idea to call your vet.

Symptoms

If your dog is showing symptoms of illness after eating drywall, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or difficulty breathing, you should call your vet right away. These symptoms could be a sign of a serious problem that requires immediate attention.

Size of Your Dog

Smaller dogs are more at risk of developing complications from eating drywall. This is because their smaller digestive systems are less able to handle foreign objects. If you have a small dog and they’ve eaten drywall, it’s a good idea to call your vet.

Your Dog’s Health

If your dog has preexisting health conditions, they may be more at risk of developing complications from eating drywall. If your dog has a history of respiratory or digestive issues, it’s a good idea to call your vet.

Preventing Future Incidents

Dog-Proofing the House

To prevent your dog from eating drywall in the future, you should consider dog-proofing your house. Here are some tips to help you get started:

  • Store drywall and other construction materials in a secure location that your dog cannot access.
  • Keep your dog in a designated area of the house when you are not home to supervise them.
  • Use baby gates or barriers to block off areas of the house that you do not want your dog to access.
  • Keep electrical cords, shoes, and other tempting items out of your dog’s reach.
  • Provide your dog with plenty of toys and chew items to keep them occupied.

Training Your Dog

Another way to prevent your dog from eating drywall is to train them to behave appropriately. Here are some tips to help you train your dog:

  • Teach your dog the “leave it” command to prevent them from eating things they shouldn’t.
  • Provide your dog with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
  • Use positive reinforcement training techniques to reward good behavior and discourage bad behavior.
  • Consider enrolling your dog in obedience training classes to help them learn basic commands and good behavior.

By following these tips, you can help prevent your dog from eating drywall in the future and ensure that they stay healthy and safe. Remember to always supervise your dog and seek veterinary care if you suspect that they have ingested something harmful.

Jason
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