Hazards of Plastic for Animals

Look around your house and take inventory of everything that is made of plastic. You will find cups, pencils, twist tie covers, pop bottles, milk bottles, disposable dishes, toys, your favorite pair of glasses, food jars and much more. Today, people rely heavily on plastics; they are everywhere and often become irresistible chew toys for your loyal pet or explorable objects for wild animals.

Domestic Animals

• Keep them safe.

  Many times dogs and cats like to bat around and chew on plastic items. If a dog or cat ingests plastic, the plastic can become lodged in the throat. If you are quick thinking and know how to perform the Heimlich Maneuver on your animal, you might be lucky. Some people have managed to reach down the trachea (throat) and pull the object out of the airway, but this can be a dangerous maneuver that can lodge the item more tightly. If you can, quickly get your animal to the vet for emergency treatment.

  Cats, especially young cats, are very playful animals and are drawn to small enclosed areas such as bags. They love to hide in them and pounce on the unwary passerby. This is fine if the bag is paper, but a plastic bag can suffocate your cat. Avoid suffocation by putting bags into areas that are closed off from your pets. Or better yet, tie each bag into a knot before putting it out of reach.

  Other domestic animals are also susceptible to being harmed by plastic. Young children often "play" with their fish by dropping objects into the tank. Small beads, if mistaken as food, can lead to illness or death. Birds are notorious for chewing and will chew on and sometimes ingest plastic. An avian vet may be able to remove the object if caught in time.

Other Dangers

• Some plastic items can develop sharp edges when chewed that will act as knives in the digestive tract of your animal. This can lead to cuts of the esophagus, stomach and intestines. You might notice blood in your animal's stool or signs of tenderness in the belly. Immediately get your animal to the vet. The vet will x-ray your pet and if possible, surgically remove the item.

  Likewise, a small plastic toy or a chunk of a chewed milk bottle can obstruct the digestive tract. If your animal shows sign of pain in the abdominal region or strains to make a bowel movement but cannot, again, take him to the vet. They will x-ray your animal and surgically remove the obstruction if possible.

In the Wild

• Animals in the wild can also be harmed by plastic "trash." They may ingest plastic wrap that tastes good because it once covered food; this can lead to choking or blockage. Young animals stick their heads through pop can rings. Over time, as the animal grows, this leads to strangulation or the inability to swallow food. Fishing filament can find its way around a bird's legs, leading to death or loss of limb. There are many ways that plastic can harm animals in the wild. The only way to prevent these unfortunate accidents is to be responsible and clean up your garbage. Recycle plastic bags, and cut pop can rings into small pieces before discarding.