Your Dog Ate Aluminum Foil? Here Is What You Need To Know

As a pet parent, you should know that dogs can’t digest aluminum foil.

Therefore,

If your dog ate aluminum foil, the following tips might be helpful.

My Dog Ate Aluminum Foil- Should I Be Worried?

Aluminum foil of itself is not something that can poison your dog.

However, if your pet has ingested chunks of aluminum foil or in a balled up form, it might have sharp edges, and that can cause an internal injury or a blockage.

tin foil image

Potential Effects

Aluminum foil may have various effects on your pup’s health.

  • Eating foil can become an issue if your dog ingests some in a balled-up form or has eaten chunks of it. The sharp edges can cause internal injuries.
  • Your pup may get lethargic, start vomiting, stop eating or can show other signs of sickness after eating the foil.
  • It can cause a blockage in the dog’s digestive tract.
  • More than the foil itself, the material inside the aluminum foil can cause a health concern for your pooch.

What To Do When Your Dog Eats Tinfoil

How the aluminum is going to affect your pooch depends on the amount ingested and the size of your dog too.

Most times it gets passed out in the dog’s poop without causing any problem but, for the times it does not, here is what you can do:

  • Give your pet some bread to coat his stomach if you can’t tell how much he has ingested.
  • If he starts vomiting or is in visible distress, take him to a veterinarian immediately.
  • If you see your pet swallow big chunks or a wrapped up aluminum foil, rush him to the veterinarian immediately.
  • You can try to induce vomiting if you’re sure your pooch has eaten a tiny piece of foil.

How to Induce Vomiting?

We encourage you to consult your vet first before triying to induce vomiting.

A mixture of hydrogen peroxide 3% will be needed to make your dog throw up.

The following video will show you how to do it properly.

How to induce vomiting in your dog | Dr Justine Lee

What To Do If My Dog Ate Chocolate Wrapped In Aluminum Foil?

Being a pet parent, you must know that chocolate is toxic for dogs. If your pup eats chocolate wrapped in aluminum foil wrappers, it can cause a serious health emergency.

Just like how much tin foil your pooch has ingested is a major factor in the amount of damage done, the type of chocolate and the quantity also determine how severe your pup’s condition might get.

Depending on its size, eating the wrapper along with the chocolate can make the condition worse and can cause an obstruction or persistent vomiting.

Symptoms Of Chocolate Toxicity

Look out for these symptoms that suggest your pup may have chocolate toxicity.

  • Persistent vomiting.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Seizures.
  • Panting.
  • High Heart Rate.
  • Hyperactivity.
  • Increased Urination.

If you have seen your pup eat chocolate, don’t wait for these symptoms to occur as they can take up to 6-12 hours after ingestion depending on the size of your pooch and chocolate type.

Just because your pet seems fine now doesn’t mean that he will not get sick, take him to a veterinarian immediately or induce vomiting.

Remedies For Chocolate Toxicity

You can try to induce vomiting at home. If your pet vomits out the chocolate, the wrapper may pass out in its poop without causing any trouble. But take your pooch for a check-up afterwards anyway.

If that doesn’t work, a visit to your vet may become required.

Depending on how much chocolate your pooch ingested, your veterinarian may perform several methods to induce vomiting.

The vet may also perform a blood test to check the level of toxicity and treat your pooch accordingly.

As for the tin foil wrapping, your vet may conduct an X-ray to see where the foil is collected.

A surgery may be needed in case of ingestion of a lot of wrappers. However, in the case of little ingestion, your pup’s digestive system may need to be lubricated so the aluminum foil pieces can pass through naturally.

What to Do If My Dog Ate Plastic Wrap?

Another one of the many things that your pup should not be eating but ends up eating is a plastic wrap.

Some dogs seem to have pitless stomachs and eat anything and everything in sight like a balled up plastic wrap.

Although, small bits of plastic wrap can pass out in the dog’s poop and you won’t even notice. But, if your pooch is small and has eaten a balled up plastic wrap, it can cause a digestive blockage.

Symptoms to Watch For

Most people tend to roll the plastic wrap in a ball before discarding it, and if your pet likes to go scavenger hunting in the trash, he can eat it. Here are a few symptoms that can indicate something’s not right.

  • Lost appetite.
  • Persistent Vomiting.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Bloating.

In the worst case scenario, your pup may choke when trying to swallow soft plastic and ends up requiring a surgical procedure to have it removed.

Remedies for Plastic Wrap Ingestion

Plastic wrap is a soft plastic and may easily pass through your dog’s digestive tract.

But just to be safe, it is best that you pay a visit to your veterinarian once you get to know or see your pup eat plastic wrap.

Your vet can monitor where the plastic wrap travels to, can give your pup medication, so it passes via defecation or in worst cases, take him into surgery if the object does not move.

If your pooch is in the habit of compulsively chewing on and eating foreign objects, he may need special training to help relieve the stress that causes his anxious behavior. Such a condition may be referred to as Pica.

Conclusion

Ingesting aluminum foil can be harmful to your dog’s health when consumed in a large quantity. The small bits and pieces usually pass out in your pooch’s poop and don’t cause a health concern.

Eating big chunks of tin foil or balled up foil can cause an intestinal obstruction which may require surgery to be removed.

Also, the foods contained within can make things worse for your pup’s health like chocolate poisoning from eating aluminum wrapped chocolate etc.

A trip to the vet’s emergency room or surgery can be traumatic for you and your furry friend. So, avoid such scary situations from happening again.

The safety and health of your pet are your responsibility, make sure that such a situation does not arise. If it has happened once, remember that you may not get so lucky the next time and prevent such situations from happening again as much as you can.

Can You Bring A Dog To The Airport To Pick Someone Up?

As a pet parent, you must like to take your furry friend along with you everywhere you go.

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And most places welcome pups but can you bring your dog to the airport too?

Especially if you are picking up or seeing off a loved one who would be delighted to have the pooch around.

Can You Bring A Dog To The Airport To Pick Someone Up?

Airports rarely allow dogs on the premises unless it’s a service dog accompanying a disabled person, providing support or if the dog is traveling with a passenger.

And even when they do allow them, your pooch must be on a leash at all times or kept in a pet container or a kennel.

 

Why Taking Your Dog To The Airport Is A Bad Idea

Airports don’t allow animals inside simply because it is not a place for them.

There are hundreds of passengers traveling out and coming in, and your pup can get lost in all the hassle.

Also, it may be an inconvenience for others as many people can feel uncomfortable around dogs and might complain to have your pooch removed from the premises.

Moreover, such places are usually loud and crowded. If your pup isn’t used to being at such crazy public places, he might get anxious and start misbehaving.

This could cause an unnecessary scene and trouble for you and your furry friend both.

If your stay is longer than you anticipated, your furry friend may have to answer nature’s call, and since relief areas would be only available for service or traveling dogs, this can be a problem as well.

Policies of Popular Airports

Here are policies of some popular airports regarding animals, these will give you an idea of whether you are allowed to bring your pooch to a specific place or not.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

The Hartsfield-Jackson airport has a pet policy which focuses on animals travelling with passengers and service dogs. An indoor Animal Relief Areas as well as a dog park are available. But it’s not clear what’s the policy regarding dogs hanging out in the arrival lounges.

Denver International Airport

The Denver International, DIA is one of the most pet friendly airports across the US. It offers amazing care services for animals and features state of the art relief areas for pets traveling with passengers. But it also allows dogs to accompany the visitors while dropping off or picking up a passenger and in other public spaces around the DIA. Provided that these are service dogs.

Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport

The Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport offers boarding facilities not just for pets of travelers but others too. But it requires these animals to be kept kenneled while at the premises if they are not service dogs.

Detroit Metro

The Detroit Metro airport has lenient policies for service dogs and pets travelling with the passengers. But it does not allow other animals to hang out in the arrival or departure lounges and other public areas like ticketing keeping the convenience of other passengers in view.

Albany International Airport

The Albany International Airport has a very clear policy against animals being allowed on premises. No animals are allowed on the terminals or other public areas unless they are service dogs or support animals which are there to support disabled individuals or are in pet carriers and kennels.

JFK International

The JFK International is pet friendly. But it requires animals accompanied by visitors to be properly secured in a kennel or on a leash.

Los Angeles International Airport

The Los Angeles International Airport, LAX does not have a clear policy about dogs present at the arrivals or departure lounges. It does however state that all animals must be kept on a leash and preferably inside the kennels at all times.

San Francisco International Airport

The San Francisco International Airport provides relief areas for pets traveling with passengers and service dogs. They also have lodging services but no specific policies on whether they allow pups in the arrival or departure lounge or not.

San Diego International Airport

The San Diego International Airport has a Ready, Pet Go program which lets passengers interact with dogs for relieving stress and creating a friendly and relaxed environment for the travelers. Their policy about allowing pets at the arrival or departure lounge is not clear though.

Philadelphia International Airport

The Philadelphia International Airport has special areas provided for service animals and pets travelling with passengers. It does not state any specific guidelines about other animals hanging out at other public areas.

Tampa International Airport

The Tampa International Airport states that animals aren’t allowed inside the building. The only exceptions to this policy are working dogs that are kept on a leash and pets traveling in approved containers only.

Boston Logan Airport

The Boston Logan Airport does not allow dogs inside the building unless they are in a kennel or other approved containers. The exception to this policy is service dogs but they have to be kept on a leash at all times.

Dulles International Airport

The Dulles International Airport allows dogs to hang out at the terminals and other public spaces provided they are on a leash at all times. The pets travelling with passengers and service animals are allowed to use the pet relief areas as well.

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

Phoenix Sky Harbor International does not have a clear pet policy at arrival lounges but it allows all dogs to access its pet relief areas located outside the building regardless of breed, size and whether they are travelling. However, all animals are required to be kept inside kennels or approved containers inside the building with the exception of service dogs.

Newark Liberty Airport

Newark Liberty is considered friendly in terms of providing great relief areas for animals. However, they’re not allowed inside the terminals unless they are inside a kennel. Pups are allowed on a leash only if they are service dogs or travelling dogs while they are going through security checks or using a pet relief area.

McCarran International Airport

McCarran International doesn’t have a clear policy for non-travelling animals. It states however that  service animals must be kept on a leash at all times.

Can You Bring a Dog to Baggage Claim?

While dogs are not allowed inside the buildings, some airports may allow your pup to accompany you in the baggage claim areas since it doesn’t take long. But only if your pup is on a leash or in the kennel and is well behaved. Smaller pups may not be such a problem as you can carry them when necessary but large ones face stricter rules.

Conclusion

Keeping in view the policies of some of the largest and most popular airports, it is safe to say that dogs should not be brought to such places to avoid unnecessary trouble. Rather than being asked to leave the premises or having to leave your pup alone in the car, it’s a good idea to read the policy of the airport you are going to before or even call them up just to be sure.

But, generally it’s better that you leave your pooch at home or in the car if you are not going to be gone for long. You can even get a sitter or drop your furry friend off at a friend’s place while you’re away if you plan ahead of time.

Why Is My Dog Growling At Nothing?

It can be worrying for you to see your dog growling at nothing for no apparent reason.

If only you could read your furry friend’s mind to know what’s bothering him!

What may seem like nothing to you could be something that he can see, smell or hear and is unsettling for him.

Reasons Why Your Dog Is Growling At Nothing?

Dogs have an acute sense of smell and excellent hearing ability.

They can sense when something is not right and are courteous enough to share the information with us with a growl.

It can be something that’s unsettling for them externally, or it could simply be an internal distress like pain.

dog growling at nothing header

Here are some possible reasons for this behavior from your pooch.

Cognitive Dysfunction or Canine Dementia

Certain health problems can cause your dog to stare at a wall or at other objects and start growling. Cognitive dysfunction can be one of those problems, it is like when humans get the Alzheimer’s disease.

Observe if your pup is sleeping more during the day, has become antisocial, experiences shaking, is lethargic, has difficulty navigating doorways, paces or wanders aimlessly and has major behavioral changes. All these are indicators of your pup having a cognitive dysfunction or canine dementia.

Poor Eyesight

This could be a reason especially if your furry friend is getting on in years. Poor eyesight may cause him to see objects or shadows differently that he can feel threatened by.

Another Animal

Your pup can hear and smell other animals in the house before you can. Like a rat in the wall for example.

Observe whether your pooch manifest such behavior at a specific place or if he just does it out of nowhere.

The former may be due to another animal present that he can sense while the lat­ter is most likely because of a health issue.

Better Senses

The most obvious reason is that animals have a superior sense of smell, hearing and can see better in the dark too.

You just can’t see what they can, hear as well as they can or smell as well as animals can either. They can sense a wild animal out in the yard which you may never even see but your pup knows it is there.

Something Supernatural?

While we believe what we can logically prove, it is a common belief that our furry friends see the supernatural or ghosts.

So, you decide whether your veterinarian’s diagnosis is right or if your pup is not too happy about an unwelcome guest in the house!

Related Questions

Here are a few frequently asked related questions.

gleeful pooch

How Can I Deal with the Situation?

First, consider taking this as useful information rather than a bad behavior.

Something is obviously bothering him, and he is choosing to communicate this to you.

You should try to figure out the reason behind such behavior as opposed to just punishing him.

Here are a few ways you can deal with the issue:

Don’t Test Your DOG’s Patience

If your pup is upset with something that you or someone else is doing, make it stop at once. Don’t push your pooch over his tolerance threshold.

Often the growl is a warning that your pet is reaching his bite threshold. Therefore it’s better to leave him alone until he relaxes.

Observe Why Your Furry Friend is UPSET

Analyze what may have upset your dog. Is he bothered because he senses another animal or when you take something away from him?

When you know the cause of this behavior you can deal with it better.

Provide Necessary Medication

If these sounds have been found out to be due to a health condition, get your pet the medical help he needs.

Get Your Pet into a Training Program

Sometimes the aggressive behavior cannot be dealt with on your own, which is why you should get your dog into a training program that makes him calmer with training exercises.

Reduce Stressors

Stress and fear can cause aggression in your pooch. Observe what bothers your pet in your environment and surroundings then try to remove those items to reduce his stress triggers.

barking

Why Do Dogs Bark at Nothing?

Your pup’s sudden barking  can be due to various causes. The reason may be frustration or barking as a means of warning.

You can figure out which may be the case with these reasons.

Frustration

Your pup can be frustrated with something that is making him bark. For example to warn a nearby animal to stay away, territorial bark or to tell you about something that your senses are not strong enough to detect.

Attention

This can be rather easy to understand as your pooch will be barking while looking at you. Pay attention to what may be the cause of your pup’s barking.Maybe he is trying to warn you about a danger. Like you left your toaster on in the kitchen and forgot, your furry friend can pick up the slightest burning smell and warn you before an electrical short circuit starts a fire.

Social Barking

You may not be able to see another dog nearby but your furry friend has superior senses.

Your pet may be greeting a friend passing by with a bark.If your house has a backyard or a porch that leads to a trail or road where other animals walk and play. Your pooch can be able to pick up familiar scents and communicate with his friends with a bark.

Wild Animals

Dogs are very territorial and have an amazing hearing ability. They can sense wild animals lurking around the house and rats or squirrels living inside the house walls.If you find your pooch barking at a blank wall, maybe he can sense a rodent inside.

Health Problems

Behavioral changes can also be caused by health conditions. Even if your pup was calm before, he can start he can start acting differently out of nowhere because he is in pain.

How Can I Deal with Unexplained Dog Barking?

Dogs communicate through barks and growls. You must firstly learn to tell the difference between a friendly bark and an unexplained bark.

If your pup is apparently barking for no apparent reason, here are a few ways you can deal with it.

White Noise

If your pooch starts barking at night, maybe he can hear faint noises that are bothering him. These sounds are not really a problem during the day as various familiar sounds in a home tune them out but at night your pet’s superior hearing ability catches it all.White noise is the best way to deal with the issue of your pooch’s unexplained barking at night. Just turn on a fan at a low setting that will faint out these sounds and help everyone sleep peacefully.

Increase Exercise

Pups that are frustrated and anxious by nature tend to get triggered easily and start barking. You can rectify this behavior by making your furry friend do calming exercises that stimulate his mind.It does not mean you have to sit your pooch down and play chess with him. Just take him out for a quick walk or a short play session every day which can reduce barking significantly.

Ignore Attention Barking 

Sometimes dogs bark when they are bored, hungry or just for the sake of your attention. Just like dealing with kids, such behavior should not be encouraged.

You can deal with it by not looking your pooch directly in the eye and ignore attention barking until he stops. Also it is better to ignore than punishing or scolding him.

Conclusion

Despite what horror movies have taught you, to see your dog growling at nothing shouldn’t be very alarming. It doesn’t mean that there is a ghost lurking around in your house. So rather than looking for a new house, figure out the reason behind your pup’s aggressive behavior.

This behavior is a way of communication that your pet uses to let you know that all is not well in his doggy world.

Or it is simply the fact that your furry friend has more advanced senses than humans do and he is seeing, hearing or smelling something that you cannot which is causing the discomfort.

Can You Put Baby Powder On Dogs?

Many pet parents and sitters wonder if putting baby powder on dogs is safe.

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This question is asked a lot, especially during the winter months, when you don’t want your furry friend to fall sick after a bath but would like to get rid of the bad odor.

Can I Put Baby Powder On My Dog?

Baby powder can be used as a substitute for dry shampoo to freshen up dogs when baths are not a possibility.

How to Use It?

You can’t just shake the bottle onto your dog like you would when changing a baby’s diaper. Here is how you should use it instead.

  • Stand away from your pooch and rub a small quantity of the powder on your hands, so the pooch can’t inhale it by accident. The amount that you will be needing depends on your pet’s coat, thicker fur may require more.
  • Rub your hands over your pet and through his fur.
  • Make sure you don’t see powder on his fur as that would mean you have used too much. Just use enough to give him a fresh scent.
  • You can also brush it through your pup’s hair.
  • Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes so it can absorb the excess oil in the fur, before brushing it off.
  • Avoid contact with nose, eyes, ears and mouth.

Pros for Using It to Clean Your Pup

  • It soaks up the excess oil from hair roots, prolonging the time between baths.
  • It has a very pleasant odor and leaves your pooch smelling nice.
  • It is a quick solution for smelly puppies and great for situations where you can’t give your pet a bath.
  • It is a cheaper alternative to dry bath products.
  • It is easily available everywhere.

Cons for Using It to Clean Dogs

  • This substance can be drying and using it too much or too frequently can cause your pup’s fur to lose its natural oils and luster.
  • Your pet may choke upon inhaling it.
  • It is harmful for your pup if licked or inhaled and can cause health issues.
  • Talc based baby powders (Talcum powder) are especially harmful as they are carcinogenic, cancer causing.
  • The additional scent chemicals can bother your pet especially if he has a respiratory condition.

Related Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions by pet parents.

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Can I Put Baby Powder on my Dog to Kill Fleas?

The most difficult pests to control in a pet’s habitat are fleas. If you observe your dog trying to scratch itself all the time and being uncomfortable take a flea infestation test.

To check whether your furry friend has flea in its fur, wear a white sock on your hand and run it through his hair. If your sock comes out dotted with hopping black specks, your pooch has flea in its fur.

To get rid of the flea you can use commercially available products in the market that address this issue. But baby powder can also be used as an alternative as it suffocates and kills the fleas.

How to Do It?

Here is how you can use this substance to get rid of the flea infestation in your dog’s fur.

  • Dust your pet’s fur lightly with it.
  • Wear rubber gloves and work the substance into the fur.
  • Leave the substance on for a few minutes to work on the fleas.
  • Comb your pup’s fur with a flea comb to clean it up.
  • Put the extracted flea on a white paper towel or surface to see if there is still activity.
  • Repeat the process if you feel it’s necessary or until the flea population is exterminated.
  • Give your pet a bath afterwards and dry him thoroughly.

While you treat your pet to get rid of the fleas. Wash his bedding to get rid of fleas or lightly dust it with baby powder. Leave it on for some time and then shake off or remove the dead fleas off it using a vacuum cleaner.

What About Using It for Itching?

What works for humans does not necessarily work for dogs too. Especially in the case of itching when your pup may be suffering from a seasonal allergy or a skin condition.

In such a case using baby powder to treat the itch may lead to creating more issues than solving one. There are many anti-itch sprays available in the market over-the-counter, which can be used on your furry friend and are much better as they are specifically made for dogs.

Instead of trying to treat him yourself, it is best that you take your dog to a vet who will then examine him and prescribe the necessary medicine for treating the condition.

Can I Use It On My Dog’s Ear Wounds?

Wounds on a dog’s ear no matter how small are known to bleed excessively.

In case your pup suffers an ear injury, and you don’t have access to a first-aid kit, you can use this substance as a substitute for styptic powder to make the bleeding stop .

When using it, make sure that your’not using too much and keep it from coming in contact with your pup’s eyes, mouth and nose. Also, do not use it on deep wounds or burns.

Can Baby Powder Be Used To Treat Heat Rash?

Just like humans, dogs can get heat rashes too when exposed to too much heat. In the areas with hot climates or during summer months, your furry friend is highly likely to develop a rash.

You can treat heat rashes by putting some of this substance on your dog. Carefully apply a small amount on the affected area few times a day.

It’s not a life threatening condition and may go away in a few days. However, if the condition persists or grows, take your pup to see a vet and get him the help he needs.

Instructions

You can go to a vet each time your dog gets a heat rash. Or you can choose to save a few bucks and try a home remedy instead. Here is how.

  • Your pup may lick or scratch the heat rash frequently causing it to become worse. To avoid this, you can make your pup wear an appropriate cone.
  • Apply a small amount of the substance on the heat rash and avoid getting it into his eyes, ears, nose or mouth. Also try not to leave any on the floor that your pooch may lick off later.
  • Repeat the process a few times during the day until the heat rash disappears.
  • If it does not go away and spreads, your pup may have another skin condition and needs professional help.
  • Try getting a mild product that does not have a strong scent or it may bother your pooch.

Conclusion

Putting baby powder on dogs is an effective and economical alternative to many commercially available products traditionally used to treat certain conditions.

It is a fast way to have a pooch smelling fresh and clean without having to go through the whole ordeal of giving your pooch a bath. It can also treat rashes, stop wounds from bleeding and get rid of those wretched fleas.

However, it does not change the fact that this substance is originally meant for human use, which is why it may not be the ideal solution for treating your pup’s related issues. At the end of the day, do whatever is best for your pet and his health.