My dog chewed up a bunch of wooden matches and swallowed the heads, should I be freaking out?

This afternoon while I was cleaning up, I discovered that my dog got into a box of wooden matches and ended up chewing them up, swallowing a few of the heads. I’m quite nervous because I’ve heard certain chemicals can be harmful to pets. Should I be worried about this affecting her health, and do I need to take her to the vet immediately?

Answer

Your dog has chewed on a box of wooden matches, swallowing some of the heads, which may contain potentially harmful chemicals.

  • Monitor your dog for any signs of illness.
  • If your dog shows symptoms, consider contacting a vet.
  • Matches may contain chemicals that require attention if ingested.

Wooden matches can contain chemicals such as potassium chlorate, which, if ingested in large amounts, could potentially be toxic to dogs. It's important to watch for any signs of distress such as vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy. If your dog displays any of these symptoms, it would be prudent to consult with a veterinarian to ensure your pet’s safety.

Book a consultation with a licensed vet at Dial A Vet for just $49 AUD if you're unsure or symptoms are getting worse.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What symptoms should I look out for?

    Look for vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or any change in behavior. If your dog exhibits these symptoms, contact a veterinarian.

  • Can wooden matches be toxic to dogs?

    Yes, because wooden matches contain chemicals like potassium chlorate, which can be harmful if ingested in significant quantities.

  • What should I do if my dog is showing symptoms?

    If symptoms appear, it's important to reach out to a veterinarian as soon as possible to get professional guidance on how to proceed.

Next available appointment

Loading…