Dogs are humans’ best friends, and most dog owners are happy around their canine friends. Dog owners increase their happiness levels and spend time playing with dogs as it reduces stress. Dogs are not only good for our mental health, but they are also a source of physical activity for humans around them.
But dogs are always fond of playing, they are energetic and want to do something every second. We humans can’t match their energy, and to be honest, we can’t play with them for the whole day and night.
That’s why dog owners are looking for different ways to make their canine friends happy and comfortable, even when they can’t play with them. One of the self-playing options is Orbeez. Many canine parents love to give these colorful beads to their furry friends.
But before allowing dogs to play with Orbeez, every pet owner must consider the dog’s safety. Therefore, it is a common question in every dog owner’s mind: are Orbeez toxic to dogs? Let’s first find out the answer to this question.
What is Orbeez?
Orbeez are small, playful, and colorful beads that are used in a variety of ways. These beads look like water crystals; therefore, they are also known as water beads and water crystals. It is a playful toy you can use for your pet to play with.
First, these beads are small, and when we place them in water, they start to grow and reach up to 100 times bigger than their original size. Orbeez is made of highly absorbent polymer, and most people use them and say that they are nontoxic for pets and kids.
Can Dogs Eat Orbeez?
When I hear the question, can dogs eat Orbeez? I don’t only answer but also want to share my canine friend’s experience as a dog owner with you. Does my pet love Orbeez or not? Yes, it is.
These colorful and absorbent beads act as sensory play and are available in many homes for kids, just like my home. My Snowy, who is a Samoyed breed dog, loves to play among colorful things. He gets too attracted to these water beads.
Once he swallowed and started choking, I took him to the Veterinarian, and he made him vomit all the beads. The doctor said that it could have been very dangerous for Snowy if he had drunk the water because the pearls had already absorbed moisture from his digestive system and had also increased in size.
Thus, regarding pets, especially dogs, it is important to think about safety first while giving your pet access to these beads. That’s why we are thinking of answering your question about whether can dogs eat Orbeez. The simple answer is no; they can’t eat Orbeez. Dogs do eat Orbeez, but they shouldn’t. These tiny beads expand and can reach up to 100 times bigger than their original size. In case dogs ingest Orbeez, these beads absorb moisture from the animal’s digestive tract. Moreover, according to Dr. Schmidt, an Expert and Associate Veterinarian, beads expand when dogs drink water, leading to obstruction or gastrointestinal issues.
Ingesting Orbeez by dogs is not a good habit as it causes many life-threatening symptoms in dogs. So, a dog owner should take it seriously, keep the Orbeez away from dogs, and give them some safe chewable toys other than Orbeez, like Shark Dog Toys. Contact the Veterinarian if your dog accidentally ingests Orbeez before it expands in its digestive tract and causes any serious issues.
Are Orbeez toxic to dogs?
It is important to note that Orbeez is non-toxic but a potential risk for your canine friend. So, keeping them away from dogs is recommended to prevent accidental ingestion.
Dogs are curious creatures by nature. They want to explore new and colorful things. These small, colorful beads attract your pet if you give them a choice to play with them. So, keep them away from their reach, especially away from the access of small puppies and young dogs.
It can be tragic to see your furry friend die in front of you. The same happened to Sarah Haverly when her 2-year-old Chihuahua mix, Ellie Belly, ate up hundreds of floral water beads. Coby Richter, the surgeon at DoveLewis Emergency Animal Hospital in Portland, first made Ellie throw up beads and remove the remaining by surgery. She recovered and is now doing great.
As responsible dog owners, we must ensure the safety and well-being of our furry companions. You can share every exciting experience with them, but it may be tempting. We must remember that canines have different dietary needs, desires, and digestive systems than humans.
It’s good if you stick to a balanced and nutritious diet, which gets approval from your pet’s veterinarian. You can also avoid feeding your dog any foods or objects that may risk their health.
Potential Risks of Feeding Your Dog Orbeez
As a dog owner, we must know the potential risks of feeding your dog Orbeez. It is non-toxic, but if your pet ingests it, it can be life-threatening because of some obvious reasons. Let’s know other risk factors of dogs eating Orbeez.
The Risks of Ingesting Orbeez
Orbeez are made from absorbent polymers that swell up and double to their original size when they come in contact with water. If your pet ingests Orbeez, these beads absorb all the moisture in the digestive tract, expand their size, and cause choking or obstruction. Moreover, it also causes gastrointestinal illness.
It can cause various symptoms, including diarrhea, breathing issues, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Young dogs and puppies experience choking hazards by ingesting Orbeez.
One answer to your question: Are Orbeez toxic to dogs is that it is also logged in the throat or windpipe of the dog. It causes respiratory distress that leads to death.
The risk to dog’s health increases if we place Orbeez open in access to dogs. Avoid placing Orbeez in the reach of dogs.
Are Water Beads Toxic To Dogs? Potential Risks
Feeding your dog Orbeez brings the biggest risk which is gastrointestinal obstruction and choking. But you cannot deny other risks that are given below:
Intestinal perforation
Suppose a dog ingests a large amount of Orbeez. In that case, the dog is at a greater risk of peritonitis, which is a life-threatening condition. These beads could perforate the dog’s intestinal wall, leading to this severe dog condition.
Dehydration
Orbeez are absorbent and absorb water if a dog ingests them. They absorb the dog’s digestive tract’s moisture, leading to dehydration. So, if your dog accidentally eats Orbeez, make it vomit immediately. Once your dog vomits all the Orbeez, give it plenty of water so to avoid dehydration.
Nutritional deficiencies
Some dog pet owners experience that their dog ingests Orbeez regularly. Therefore, they may notice nutritional deficiencies in their pets. These colorful beads have no nutritional benefit or value. Instead, it can displace other nutritious foods in your pet’s diet.
Behavioral issues
Some dogs have behavioral issues, just like eating non-food items like Orbeez. If your dog develops such a condition called pics, they eat and crave nonfood items. It is their behavioral issue that leads to various health problems and requires veterinary attention.
What to Do If Dog Eats Orbeez
Sometimes, while playing with Orbeez, dogs ingest these tiny beads. The first step you should follow is to contact your veterinarian immediately. Orbeeze expands in the digestive tract of the dog and causes gastrointestinal obstruction. It can be life-threatening for dogs. Therefore, you must seek veterinary help ASAP.
A professional veterinarian recommends various treatments depending on the dog’s condition. Sometimes, they may induce vomiting to remove these beads from the dog’s digestive tract. In some cases, like in Ellie Belly, the surgery is necessary to remove Orbeez. Moreover, it’s essential to repair any damage to the intestinal wall.
Preventing Accidental Ingestion
As we know, dogs have different dietary and nutritious needs. Their digestive systems are also different than humans. So, we must care about what our canine friends ingest daily. Choosing a balanced and nutritious diet for your pet dog is best. The veterinarian approves it and avoids such food that causes any type of risk to the dog’s health.
You can prevent dogs from accidentally ingesting Orbeez or any other small object. Keep the objects away from them and store them in a secure place. It may be a closed container or cabinet, and avoid leaving them in an open place in reach of dogs or puppies.
Sometimes, dogs are so attracted to Orbeez, like my Fang, that they show zoomies behavior and may cause harm to them. Help your dog with some interactive toys, Chewable toys, calming collars, puzzle games, training treats, leash/harness, thunder shirts, etc.
Also, read our guide about: Are ringtail cats dangerous to dogs?
FAQs About Are Orbeez Poisonous To Dogs.
Are Orbeez toxic to dogs?
Orbeez can be toxic after ingestion because the chemical used in its making is toxic for dogs. So, keep it away from dogs, especially if your pet has habits of eating non-food items.
What happens if a dog eats Orbeez?
There may be blockage or choking in the digestive tract of dogs. This blockage can be life-threatening, and you may lose your canine friend.
How do I know if my dog has eaten Orbeez?
Your pet may experience vomiting, breathing issues, diarrhea, or lethargy. If a dog owner suspects such symptoms, immediately call the veterinarian.
Are Orbeez dangerous to dogs, especially puppies?
Yes, puppies are more susceptible to Orbeez as they swallow and chew more objects than adult dogs.
Can Orbeez cause harm to a dog’s teeth?
Orbeez is not recommended as a chewable toy for dogs because it sticks to dog teeth and causes major dental issues.
What should I do if my dog eats Orbeez?
The first thing you can do is to call your veterinarian for advice and what should be your next step.
How can I prevent my dog from eating Orbeez?
Keep your pet away from the Orbeez and try different toys for their playing. If these colorful beads are around, dispose of them properly.
Can Orbeez cause dehydration in dogs?
Orbeez causes dehydration in dogs, especially if the dog ingests them. Keep an eye on dogs after ingestion, make them vomit beads, monitor their water intake, and ensure they drink enough water.
Can Orbeez cause diarrhea and vomiting in dogs?
Orbeez can be a cause of diarrhea and vomiting in dogs after ingestion. So keep them away from your pet.
Are there any safe alternatives to Orbeez for dogs to play with?
You can use safe alternatives of Orbeez, such as chew toys or balls.
How long does it take for Orbeez to pass through a dog’s system?
It depends upon individual dog breeds how long it takes to pass through a dog’s system. Consult your pet veterinarian for more information.
Can Orbeez cause internal injuries and allergic reactions in dogs?
If a dog ingests Orbeez, there are fair chances that it can cause internal injuries. Eating Orbeez can be life-threatening. There is no evidence of any allergic reaction in dogs after eating Orbeez.
Can Orbeez cause pancreatitis in dogs?
These tiny beads never cause pancreatitis. Still, dog owners should keep them away from dogs.
Can Orbeez cause liver damage in dogs?
No, Orbeez can never cause liver damage in dogs. But it is toxic after ingestion.
My Verdict On Are Orbeez toxic to dogs
The answer to your question: Are Orbeez toxic to dogs is given in this article in detail. Orbeez are not toxic to dogs, but they can cause a major threat to dogs’ health if your pet ingests them.
They cause gastrointestinal obstruction so they can be dangerous. To make a safe play with Orbeez for your dog, follow the safety tips and have a watchful eye on your furry friend. In this way, you can maintain your pet’s safety around Orbeez.
