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Most people love parties, whether it’s just a bash for friends or a birthday celebration. Heck, our dogs love it too because there are plenty of happy people and snacks! Unfortunately, some dogs will go ahead and play with balloons found at parties or even with new, deflated balloons sitting around the house.
Inevitably, a balloon will burst and the dog accidentally ingests a piece. A pet might also swallow pieces of a popped balloon it finds on the ground. Dogs don’t behave like humans. They’ll eat something that many people consider inedible, including balloons.
When your pup eats a piece of a balloon, it might be harmless – providing it’s a small piece. However, it can also be a choking hazard.
My Dog Ate Balloon – What To Do Now?
You should immediately call the vet as soon as you realize that your pet has eaten a balloon. If the vet’s clinic is nearby, we suggest that you take your pet to the clinic directly. Otherwise, you can phone and ask the vet for advice as to what you should do.
Usually, when the dog eats any random object or a balloon that might be harmful, there is a 120-minute time in which you can take your pet to the vet or wait for any other action. But if it has already been more than 2 hours, then you can only wait for your puppy to poop it out.
You should know one more important thing: always talk and take advice from your pet’s vet before instigating vomiting in the pup. Never do this of your own volition!
What Happens If The Dog Digests The Balloon?
After 2 hours following ingestion, the balloon would have reached the intestines. If your dog poops it out, then all’s fine but if not, then you have to watch your dog for the following symptoms:
- Drooling – Usually, they start to salivate shortly after eating the balloon. Drooling might be the sign of some kind of intoxication or if the balloon gets stuck in your pet’s esophagus.
- Vomiting- It is okay if your dog vomits because it means he is ejecting the balloon, and it usually happens a few hours later. Although, if your dog does not vomit out the balloon and continues vomiting, then it could be a bad sign.
- Loss of Appetite – Losing appetite is never a good sign with pets. Talk to your dog’s vet regarding this because it is possible the balloon got stuck in the digestive tract, causing a blockage.
- Drowsiness – If you see that your dog is tired, sluggish, or groggy, schedule a vet visit as soon as possible. Lethargy is a worrying symptom and should not be ignored.
- Stomach Ache – If your pup is having abdominal pains, it might be because of an infection in his stomach or the balloon is stuck inside his intestine resulting in discomfort and stomach ache.
Sometimes your dog might not show any signs for days or weeks, and it is a possibility that he is fine and might have expelled the balloon in his stool, and you don’t need to be worried. However, we suggest getting your dog examined and checked-up in a clinic whenever you suspect that he or she has snacked on a balloon.
Pica Condition
Pica is one of the reasons why your dog might eat balloons or any other non-food items. Pica is a psychological condition that creates the need for eating things that are not meant for eating. This condition is found in both humans and animals.
Dogs with Pica often eat weird things because they are triggered by things like:
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Frustration
- Lack of attention
Your pup might not have Pica. Perhaps it’s just curious or playing with the balloon went too far. However, if your dog continues to eat other non-edible items, including soil, then perhaps a vet check is a good idea to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
The Bottom Line
Now that you know all about the risks of pets and balloons, you can take the necessary steps to avoid a tragedy. Always keep balloons out of reach of pets and when you suspect your dog has eaten a balloon, observe their behavior for unusual symptoms. If you notice that your pet feels unwell, schedule a vet visit as soon as possible.