What Happens If Your Dog Eats Gum?

What Happens If Your Dog Eats Gum?

You’re walking your dog in the park when you see it snatch a piece of gum from the ground and swallow it. You start to panic, wondering what will happen to your furry friend. Will the gum make him sick? Will it cause a blockage in his intestines?

The good news is that most dogs will be able to pass a piece of gum without any problems. However, there are a few things you should keep an eye on if your dog eats gum.

In this article, we’ll discuss what happens when dogs eat gum, the risks involved, and what you should do if your dog swallows a piece of gum.

What Happens If Dog Eats Gum?

| Symptom | Cause | Treatment |
|—|—|—|
| Vomiting | Gum can block the esophagus, causing irritation and vomiting. | Induce vomiting if the gum was ingested within the past 2 hours. |
| Diarrhea | Gum can cause diarrhea by irritating the stomach and intestines. | Give your dog plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. |
| Constipation | Gum can stick to the fur in your dog’s digestive tract, causing constipation. | Feed your dog a diet of soft, easily digestible foods. |
| Gas | Gum can cause gas in your dog by fermenting in the stomach. | Give your dog probiotics to help break down the gum. |

null

What Happens If Dog Eats Gum?

Chewing gum is a common treat for humans, but it can be dangerous for dogs. Gum can cause a number of problems for dogs, including:

• Gastrointestinal obstruction. Gum can be a choking hazard for dogs, and it can also block their intestines. If your dog eats gum, it’s important to watch for signs of gastrointestinal obstruction, such as vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
• Dental problems. Gum can stick to your dog’s teeth and gums, and it can also damage their teeth. If your dog eats gum regularly, it can lead to cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems.
• Toxicity. Some types of gum contain xylitol, which is a sugar alcohol that is toxic to dogs. Xylitol can cause low blood sugar, seizures, and liver damage in dogs.

If you think your dog has eaten gum, it’s important to call your veterinarian immediately. Your veterinarian will be able to assess the situation and recommend the best course of action.

How to Prevent Dogs from Eating Gum

The best way to prevent your dog from eating gum is to keep it out of reach. This means putting gum away in a safe place where your dog can’t get to it, and being careful not to drop gum on the floor. You can also train your dog not to eat gum by using positive reinforcement. When your dog sees you chewing gum, give him a treat or praise him. This will help him to associate gum with something positive, and he’ll be less likely to try to eat it.

If you’re concerned that your dog may be able to get to gum, you can also use bitter apple spray or other deterrents to keep him away from it. Bitter apple spray is a safe and effective way to discourage dogs from chewing on objects, and it can be used on furniture, shoes, and other items that your dog may be tempted to chew.

What to Do if Your Dog Eats Gum

If you think your dog has eaten gum, it’s important to call your veterinarian immediately. Your veterinarian will be able to assess the situation and recommend the best course of action.

In the meantime, here are a few things you can do at home:

• Watch for signs of gastrointestinal obstruction. These signs can include vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. If your dog is showing any of these signs, it’s important to take him to the veterinarian immediately.
• Try to induce vomiting. If your dog has eaten gum within the past two hours, you can try to induce vomiting. To do this, give your dog one teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide per pound of body weight. Be sure to follow the directions on the hydrogen peroxide bottle carefully.
• Administer activated charcoal. Activated charcoal can help to bind to the gum and prevent it from being absorbed into your dog’s bloodstream. To do this, give your dog one gram of activated charcoal per pound of body weight. Be sure to follow the directions on the activated charcoal package carefully.
• Monitor your dog for symptoms. Keep an eye on your dog for signs of gastrointestinal obstruction, xylitol poisoning, or other problems. If your dog develops any symptoms, take him to the veterinarian immediately.

Gum can be dangerous for dogs, so it’s important to take steps to prevent your dog from eating it. If you think your dog has eaten gum, it’s important to call your veterinarian immediately. Your veterinarian will be able to assess the situation and recommend the best course of action.

What Happens If a Dog Eats Gum?

• Q: Can gum be harmful to dogs?
• A: Yes, gum can be harmful to dogs. Gum can cause a number of problems for dogs, including:
• Gastrointestinal problems: Gum can cause blockages in the digestive tract, which can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
• Dental problems: Gum can stick to teeth and cause cavities and gum disease.
• Toxicity: Some types of gum contain xylitol, which is a sugar alcohol that is toxic to dogs. Xylitol can cause low blood sugar, seizures, and liver failure.

• Q: What should I do if my dog eats gum?
• A: If you think your dog has eaten gum, you should call your veterinarian immediately. Your veterinarian will be able to assess the situation and recommend the best course of action.

• Q: How can I prevent my dog from eating gum?
• A: There are a few things you can do to prevent your dog from eating gum:
• Keep gum out of reach of your dog. This means putting gum in a safe place where your dog can’t get to it, and being careful not to drop gum on the floor.
• Train your dog not to eat gum. You can teach your dog the “leave it” command, which will help them to avoid eating things they shouldn’t.
• Talk to your children about the dangers of gum. Make sure your children know that they should not give gum to dogs, and that they should keep their own gum in a safe place.

Additional Resources

• [American Kennel Club: Gum](https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/canine-first-aid/gum/)
• [PetMD: Gum](https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/can-gum-be-harmful-dogs)
• [The Humane Society of the United States: Gum](https://www.humanesociety.org/animals/dogs/tips/gum-dogs)

  if your dog eats gum, it is important to contact your veterinarian immediately. While most dogs will pass gum without any problems, some dogs may experience complications, such as a blockage in their digestive tract. By knowing what to look for and taking action quickly, you can help keep your dog safe.

Here are some key takeaways from this article:

• Gum is a choking hazard for dogs.
• Gum can cause a blockage in your dog’s digestive tract.
• Symptoms of a gum blockage include vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation.
• If you think your dog has eaten gum, contact your veterinarian immediately.