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Last Updated on February 18, 2023
We all know that leaving dogs at home can be a dangerous thing, especially if they are suffering from separation anxiety. When this happens, your poor canine companion might just go about destroying everything that it can see in its path. From tissue rolls to your sandals, nothing is left undestroyed when it comes to dogs. And it can be particularly tricky when it comes to pencils. What happens exactly if the dog eats a pencil? Will it cause the dog harm, or rather, why are people concerned when it comes to dogs eating a pencil?
The Real Reason
Actually, the real reason why people are concerned when it comes to dogs eating a pencil is because of graphite or lead poisoning. As some of you may know (or not), graphite or lead poisoning is a very real thing and can cause death in dogs.
When your dog suffers from lead poisoning, it is when the level of lead is found to be high in the dog’s blood. If this is the case, the lead will damage the dog’s cell and will eventually cause the failure of some of the dog’s internal organs.
But luckily for you, if the dog eats a pencil, you can safely assume that it will not lead to lead poisoning of your dog. This is because most of the pencils nowadays do not contain graphite or lead. This is unless your source of pencil comes from shady sources who are still using lead in their pencil. If not, lead poisoning will not occur if your dog eats a pencil!
What Happens If Dog Eat Pencil
If your dog really eats a pencil, then the only thing that you should be worried about is that there is a possibility of your dog’s internal organs being punctured by the lead. Of course, in some cases, it might cause vomiting and diarrhea in your dog. If this is the case, you should bring your dog to medical attention.
What Can You Do If Your Dog Eats A Pencil
If your dog has ingested a pencil, it is important to take action right away. Here are the steps you should take:
Contact your veterinarian: Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice any symptoms or if you suspect your dog has ingested a pencil. Your vet will be able to advise you on what to do next and whether you need to bring your dog in for treatment.
Monitor your dog: Keep an eye on your dog’s behavior and any symptoms that may develop. If your dog vomits or has diarrhea, you should collect a sample and bring it to your veterinarian for analysis.
Do not induce vomiting: Unlike some other substances, inducing vomiting is not recommended if your dog has ingested a pencil. This is because the sharp edges of the pencil can cause damage to your dog’s throat and esophagus.
Prevent future occurrences: To prevent future occurrences of pencil ingestion, make sure to keep pencils and other small objects out of your dog’s reach. You may also want to consider using pet-safe pens and pencils, which are made from non-toxic materials. (More on this later)
Treatment for Pencil Ingestion
The treatment for pencil ingestion will depend on the severity of your dog’s symptoms and the amount of the pencil ingested. In some cases, your vet may recommend inducing vomiting or performing surgery to remove the pencil. In other cases, your vet may recommend monitoring your dog’s symptoms and providing supportive care.
Preventing Pencil Ingestion
Prevention is key when it comes to pencil ingestion. Here are some tips to help prevent your dog from eating pencils:
- Keep pencils out of reach: Store pencils and other small objects in a secure location that your dog cannot access.
- Use pet-safe pens and pencils: Consider using pens and pencils made from non-toxic materials, which are safe for your dog to chew on.
- Supervise your dog: Supervise your dog when they are around objects that could be harmful to them.
- Keep your dog entertained: Provide your dog with plenty of toys and other objects to keep them entertained and occupied.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if your dog eats a pencil, it is important to take action right away. Contact your veterinarian, monitor your dog’s symptoms, and take steps to prevent future occurrences of pencil ingestion.
