What do you do when your dog eats parchment paper? It may seem like a silly question, but it’s something that pet owners need to be aware of. In this blog post, we will discuss the dangers of parchment paper and what happens when a dog eats it. We will also provide some tips for preventing this from happening in the future.
What Happens if a Dog Eats Parchment Paper?
In general, your dog will be perfectly fine if it eats parchment paper. This happens often if your pup gets ahold of something like a baked good and tries to eat the wrapping along with it. However, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind.
First, parchment paper is made of cellulose fibers, which means it can be a choking hazard for dogs. If your dog eats a large piece of parchment paper, it could choke on it or get an intestinal blockage. This is why it’s important to monitor your dog closely if it is eating parchment paper.
Second, parchment paper is coated with silicone, which can be toxic to dogs if they eat enough of it. While most dogs won’t consume enough silicone to cause toxicity, it’s still something to be aware of.
Finally, some types of parchment paper are treated with chemicals like bleaches or dyes. These chemicals can be toxic to dogs if ingested in large quantities.
Other Minor Symptoms of a Dog Eating Parchment Paper
Here are a couple of other side effects to keep an eye out for if your dog eats parchment paper:
Vomiting
Your dog may immediately vomit up the parchment paper if it’s a large piece or if it’s coated with something that doesn’t agree with your pup’s stomach.
Diarrhea
If your dog ate a small amount of parchment paper, it may experience some diarrhea as its digestive system tries to break down the cellulose fibers. This is usually nothing to worry about and will resolve on its own.
Loss of appetite
If your dog ate a lot of parchment paper or other snacks wrapped in the paper, it will naturally have less of an appetite for the rest of the day. This is normal as long as it doesn’t last more than 24 to 48 hours.
Lethargy
If your dog ate a significant amount of parchment paper, it may start to feel lethargic. This is a sign of toxicity and should be treated as a medical emergency.
Bloating and Gas
If your dog ate a lot of parchment paper, it may start to experience bloating and gas. You may notice that their stomach is firmer than usual and they may be passing more gas than normal. This is usually not a serious condition, but it can be uncomfortable for your dog.
What to Do if My Dog Eats Parchment Paper?
If your dog eats parchment paper, here are some things that you should do:
Monitor Your Dog Very Closely
If your dog has eaten parchment paper, it’s important to monitor them very closely. This means keeping an eye on their breathing, their behavior, and any changes in their appearance.
Dislodge the Parchment Paper
If your dog is choking, perform the Heimlich maneuver and have someone call 911. Monitor your dog’s gums which can indicate a lack of oxygen.
Give Them Some Water
If your dog is showing signs of dehydration, give them some
Remove any remaining pieces of parchment paper from your dog’s mouth or throat.
Give Your Dog Smaller Meals
If your dog is bloated or gassy, feed them smaller meals for the next day or two. This will help to ease their discomfort. You can also rub your dog’s belly to help relieve some of the pressure and pain.
Call Your Vet
If your dog is vomiting, has diarrhea, or is lethargic for more than a few hours, call your veterinarian right away. These are all signs of toxicity and need to be treated as a medical emergency.
How to Discourage Your Dog From Eating Parchment Paper
The best way to keep your dog from eating parchment paper is to supervise them closely when they’re around it. Parchment paper can be tempting for dogs because it often has food residue on it. If you’re baking with parchment paper, make sure to put it out of your dog’s reach.
Keep treats that are safe for your dog on hand to distract them from the parchment paper. If you catch them trying to eat it, give them a treat and praise them so they know that they’re doing the right thing.
You should also keep your trash can out of reach of your dog. Parchment paper often ends up in the trash after it’s been used, so it’s important to keep your dog away from it.
If you have a dog that is prone to eating things that they shouldn’t, consider getting them a Kong toy or another type of puzzle toy. These toys are designed to keep dogs entertained and distracted from things like parchment paper.