Are glow sticks dangerous for my dog?
The chemical inside a glow stick is DBP, or dibutyl phthalate, and can be clear or any one of a number of neon colors. It has a very bitter taste, which is probably the first thing your dog will notice the minute they bite through the casing.
The good news is that DBP is not considered to be poisonous or toxic if ingested by your dog, although they may be very distressed by the result if they do. However, there a number of veterinarians who have documented toxicological tests that indicate DBP may be responsible for medical issues in younger dogs including:
There are several things that should be taken into account if your dog bites into a glow stick and consumes any of the liquid inside. Bear in mind that how each dog reacts may be different based on breed, size, weight, age, and how much of the chemical the dog has ingested. DBP is considered caustic and the ingestion of it should be taken seriously. Not only that, but 35% hydrogen peroxide (as opposed to 3 to 6% found in the pharmacy) is also contained within the glow stick because the combination of it with the DBP makes the stick glow.
Besides the terrible taste of dibutyl phthalate, it is known to be a possible irritant to the skin and eyes, as is the 35% hydrogen peroxide. There is one more problem that can occur if your dog bites into one of the larger glow sticks. Many of them contain a glass capsule. This capsule contains a chemical that reacts with the liquid in the main area of the glow stick and causes the glow effect. If your dog manages to ingest the glass, this can cause significant complications that may require surgery.
What will happen if my dog chews a glow stick?
Ingesting the outer plastic housing can cause a blockage in your pups throat, stomach, or intestines and the glass can cause severe internal damage. You may not be aware of a blockage right away, but there are other symptoms you should be aware of, including:
Glow stick poisoning can be expensive to treat.
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Causes Of Dibutyl Phthalate Ingestion In Dogs
The cause of dibutyl phthalate ingestion in dogs is consuming the contents of a glow stick or glow jewelry. Dibutyl phthalate is the main chemical used inside of glow sticks and glow jewelry, and while it’s not considered to be toxic to dogs, ingesting it can produce a highly bitter taste that can upset a dog and bring on symptoms.
While the chemical isn’t necessarily poisonous to dogs, in some cases of younger canines ingesting the substance, it has brought about harm to the kidneys, reproductive organs, and liver.
How Toxic Is the Inside of a Glow Stick? – Dear Blocko #27
Around this time of year, glow sticks are a cause for concern. Sold during Bonfire Night and Halloween celebrations, these tubes made of pliable soft plastic (easily chewed through by a playful dog or cat) contain a liquid that glows in the dark.
Although the chemicals inside these items are of low toxicity, they are irritant and can cause pain. The main component of this oily liquid is dibutyl phthalate, which has a highly unpleasant taste and even a small amount in a cat or dog’s mouth will cause immediate hypersalivation, frothing and foaming, along with possible hyperactivity and aggressive behaviour. The liquid can also cause irritation to the skin and eyes.
Where ingestion has occurred, we would recommend oral fluids. If the chemicals have entered the eye, irrigate thoroughly with water or saline, stain with fluorescein and treat supportively. For dermal exposure the skin should be washed with warm soapy water and a topical steroid cream used to treat any irritation if required.
Another hazard related to this time of year is fireworks. VPIS receives on average 10 cases a year of dogs ingesting fireworks, usually occurring between October and January.
Fireworks can contain a wide variety of different chemicals but in most cases the exact composition of ingested fireworks is unknown. The 6 main components are:
For Fun Snaps and sparklers clinical effects tend to be limited to gastrointestinal upset; other types of fireworks may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort and ataxia, although most animals remain asymptomatic.
However the presence of components such as phosphorus, barium and arsenic can cause more serious toxicity (for details on a phosphorus toxicity case, click here).
For more halloween/ bonfire night hazards in cats, visit the ICC’s Keeping Cats Safe campaign website here