Are Crayons Toxic To Dogs?

Let’s paint the world red! Crayons are a perfect way to color your drawings or have fun with your children.

However, suppose you leave them on the floor, and your dog decides to pick and eat them up. In that case, what will happen to your dog? You will likely worry about the safety and health of your dog. Well, you do not have to burden yourself with unanswered questions. This article explores whether or not crayons are toxic to dogs.

Can Dogs Eat Crayons, And Why?

Dogs can eat crayons, mainly out of curiosity. While these crayons are neither edible, flavored, or with a unique scent, dogs will likely want to try them in their mouths. Their curiosity overrides their love for crayons. As long as something is chewable and has a taste, your dog will want to try it. Besides, crayons have a toy-like appearance, making them perfect for playful dogs.

Suppose you have a puppy whose teeth have started growing. In that case, this teething puppy will use crayons to soothe its dental discomfort. Their bright colors could also spike the interest of any puppy. However, it is advisable to keep these crayons out of the reach of your puppies. Offering them chewable toys will be an excellent solution in that case.

In other instances, the dog could be fighting a medical condition. You’ll need to visit an experienced vet if this problem persists. One such condition is Pica, which increases the urge to eat metal, plastic, dirt, and other foreign materials. Various issues cause Pica, including anxiety, frustration, stress, and underlying medical conditions.

Are Crayons Toxic?

Crayons are made from waxes, including carnauba, bees, and paraffin. Synthetic wax-like materials will also come in handy. Processing these crayons requires melting the waxes, adding dry color, and mixing them until they are consistent. None of the material used in making crayons is toxic. For this reason, crayons are not harmful to your dog when taken in small amounts.

However, a significant increase in the number of consumed crayons can be harmful. Your dog will likely suffer ill health. For instance, you’ll expect stomach upsets and pain. Drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea will also suffice in this case. In addition, consuming many crayons contributes to esophagus blockage, stomach blockage, and intestinal obstruction.

In extreme cases, surgeries will be necessary to remove the obstruction. An experienced vet will assess the situation and take the required remedial procedures. However, this is only considered the last resort.

Symptoms to Watch Out For

Various signs can help you tell whether or not the dog has consumed crayons. The following symptoms will suffice.

• Constant vomiting and nausea
• Excess salivation
• Improper or lack of bowel movements
• Foul gas
• Appetite loss
• Diarrhea
• Digestive discomfort

Suppose these symptoms become consistent; there will be no harm in consulting with a professional. You could also set up an appointment to establish the best solution.

Dog-Proofing Is Vital

Some say prevention is better than cure. In this case, it is true. Dog-proofing your property is an excellent prevention measure when dealing with curious dogs. It will minimize access to crayons, among other inedible substances, and deter wrong behavior among the pets.

You’ll consider different measures when dog-proofing your home. Usually, it would be best to start with keeping the floors clean. This process requires you to remove every tempting object on the surface, ensuring that your puppy has nothing to nibble on. You will also secure all the bins and containers, preferably with tight-fitting lids. Remove all loose crayons on reachable surfaces.

Investing in a baby gate is essential when dog-proofing your home. This gate will help separate your dog from art and crayons. However, it would be best to aim at a pretty robust, durable, and lockable gate in this pursuit.

Lastly, secure your trash, art, and crayons. Minimizing access to these elements will ensure that your dog is not exposed to any issue in the long run. You might also have to empty your dumpster more frequently. A locking lid is also a perfect solution to securing your trash.

Emotional Support Helps

Dogs develop Pica out of frustration, boredom, anxiety, and stress. You’ll need to avoid these emotional disturbances if your dog is to survive for a long time. Minimizing stress, lethargy, and frustration will help prevent Pica. In turn, you will no longer need to worry about your dog eating crayons, dirt, plastic, or fecal matter.

What Happens If My Dog Eats Crayons?

Accidents happen. You could easily take all the preventive measures you know, but your dog gains access to crayons somehow. Be prepared for such instances.

First, ensure that you do not make your dog sick. Please do not provide any foods, medication, or fluids that you have no idea how they work. Instead, reach out to a vet and explain the condition. This move is necessary whether or not your dog looks okay.

Your vet will help assess the dog and ascertain the best solution. Sometimes, the vet might require you to monitor the dog for a little longer. You’ll need to watch out for dietary and appetite changes, diarrhea, vomiting, and strange bowel movements.

The vet might suggest different medications and treatments to ensure that your dog is healthy and strong again. However, in extreme cases, a surgical operation will be inevitable. This surgery will help remove the ingested crayons, ensuring that the dog is comfortable yet again. However, you’ll need to nurse the dog back to its health. During this period, minimize access to crayons and inedible substances.

Will my Dog Be Okay After Eating Crayon?

It is not your fault. There is no reason to worry. Your dog will be okay, even after eating crayons. However, you might need the services of a vet if the amount of crayons eaten is significantly high. The vet will prescribe the best medication, including surgery if necessary.

In conclusion, crayons are not toxic to dogs. Yet, they can cause significant health complications if consumed in large quantities. The instances above show how or why dogs eat crayons. You also learn preventive measures, which you must prioritize.

Further Reading:

• Why Do Dogs Eat Grass? Here’s An Explanation
• Dog Ate Silica Gel? Do this ASAP
• Ask The Experts: Can Pool Water Make My Dog Sick?
• My Dog Ate Cardboard! What Next?
• My Dog Ate a Dryer Sheet. What’s the Best Course of Action?
• My Dog Ate a Bird, Will It be Okay?