Dogs love to test our patience by ingesting all sorts of bizarre things they shouldn’t, and aluminum foil is actually a pretty common one, particularly if it has been used to wrap up some delicious leftovers. If your dog has managed to eat a sheet of this shiny metal wrap, you’ll no doubt be pretty worried and want to know what to do next.
The good news is that, in most cases, your dog will be fine, and the foil will pass through their body without causing any major issues. However, this will depend greatly on the size of your dog, how much foil they’ve eaten, and whether or not luck is on your side.
If your dog has eaten aluminum foil, the most sensible first step is to get in touch with your vet for advice specific to your dog and situation. In the article below, we’ll discuss the possible issues that ingesting foil may have on your dog’s digestive system, so you’ll know what to be looking out for.
What Happens if Your Dog Eats Aluminum Foil?
Aluminum, or aluminium, is the most abundant metal element in the Earth’s crust, but due to its chemical structure, it does not appear in its metallic form in nature. A process of electrolysis turns pure metallic aluminum into the malleable, moldable sheets we know so well. It is not a heavy metal and does not pose any risks of toxicity if ingested, but it can still cause some issues.
In most cases, the main consequence of eating this foil will be some shiny poop in a day or two. However, aluminum foil can cause some problems, particularly if:
Your Dog Ate a Large Amount of Foil
It would be unusual for a dog to sit down to a hearty meal of foil, but if they have eaten a large enough amount or a ball of foil, it could cause a partial or complete blockage in the gastrointestinal tract. Even if the foil doesn’t get completely stuck, it may cause damage to the lining of the esophagus or intestine as it travels through, resulting in bleeding, vomiting, or diarrhea.
There Was Anything Toxic Inside the Foil
Sometimes we’re so worried about the foil itself that we forget to consider what (if anything) was wrapped inside it. There are plenty of foods we regularly eat that are toxic to dogs (eg., chocolate, onions, and grapes) or fatty foods that could cause gastrointestinal upset or pancreatitis. And if the food inside the foil had gone bad, there’s the added risk of food poisoning.
If Your Dog Regularly Eats Foil
Dogs can sometimes develop strange compulsions for eating certain items, a condition known as pica. If your dog is making a habit out of eating aluminum foil, even small amounts can start to accumulate inside the stomach, building up like a snowball to form a bezoar, a solid mass of foil, food, fur, and other material, that can cause an obstruction when it passes into the intestines.
If you think your dog may be suffering from pica, make a list of your dog’s normal food (and non-food) and make an appointment to discuss this with your vet.
My Dog Ate Aluminum Foil, What Should I Do?
The first thing to do is get in touch with your vet. They may recommend monitoring your dog at home or bringing them in for an examination, depending on the size and health of your dog, and how much foil they have eaten.
If we are dealing with quite a small amount of foil, this will likely pass through uneventfully over the next 2-3 days. You will need to keep a close eye on your dog over this period, watching out for any signs of discomfort, nausea, or obstruction.
Signs of an esophageal obstruction
- Regurgitation (food/water expelled without abdominal effort)
- Difficulty swallowing
- Exaggerated swallowing
- Drooling
- Gagging/coughing
Signs of a gastric (stomach) or intestinal obstruction
- Inappetence
- Abdominal discomfort or pain
- Rigid abdomen
- Vomiting
- Drooling
- Passing no or very small amounts of feces
- Panting
- Dehydration – tacky gums, prolonged skin tent
Call your vet immediately if you see any of these signs.
Because aluminum foil can be sharp, your dog may experience some discomfort and difficulty when passing it. A very small amount of blood or straining wouldn’t be unusual, but if your dog is straining a lot or passing more than a few drops of blood, they need to be seen by a vet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Will My Dog Need Surgery?
If your dog develops an obstruction, surgery will likely be needed. Your vet will take some X-rays to determine where the obstruction is located and how best to approach it. If the object is far enough down the digestive tract, sometimes, giving intravenous fluids and lubricating medications will allow it to pass, but abdominal surgery is usually the best way to remove an intestinal blockage.
Should I Make My Dog Vomit?
You should never attempt to make your dog vomit at home unless specifically instructed to by your vet. Often, making a dog vomit an object can cause more harm than good, so wait until you speak with your vet before taking any action.
Should I Feed My Dog?
Do not give them anything to eat until you have spoken to your vet.
If your dog is bright and well and the plan is to monitor them at home, feeding them little and often can help to keep their intestines moving, as well as let us know if their appetite is normal.
Final Thoughts
While most dogs will be more interested in the food contained in aluminum foil, some will be in such a rush that they’ll eat the whole lot—foil and all. And, there will always be those that enjoy munching on strange things.
Fortunately, aluminum foil is non-toxic, and being quite soft, it will usually pass through the digestive tract fairly readily. However, if your dog has consumed a large amount of aluminum foil, there were any toxic food items or spoiled food inside the foil, or they are developing a habit of eating it, you should contact your vet for an appointment.
Call your vet if:
- Your dog has eaten a large amount of aluminum foil.
- There was any food in the foil that might be toxic to your dog. If you’re not sure, it’s better to check with the vet.
- Your dog stops eating or drinking.
- Your dog starts vomiting.
- Your dog seems depressed or lethargic.
- Your dog’s abdomen seems to be in pain or uncomfortable or looks bloated.
- There is blood in the stool that persists for more than 24 hours, or if the amount of blood is increasing.
In most cases, your dog will be fine, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Featured Image Credit: Pixel-Shot, Shutterstock
