Glow Stick Poisoning in Dogs
Key takeaways
Glow stick ingestion is an uncommon, but alarming toxicity that occurs when glow in the dark products such as sticks or jewelry are eaten by a dog.
- Glow in the dark products contain dibutyl phthalate (DBP), which is a mild toxin
- Ingestion causes profuse drooling as well as a stinging sensation when in contact with the skin or eyes; retching or vomiting may also occur
- Most cases are appropriate for home management by gently rinsing the affected area with water and encouraging drinking to remove the bitter taste
- Prognosis is excellent as symptoms resolve within a few hours
- Exposure to DBP is prevented by not using glow jewelry on pet collars, and keeping other glow products out of reach
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A closer look: Glow Stick Poisoning in Dogs
Glow product ingestion is an uncommon and mild toxicity. Prompt treatment at home is required to reduce symptoms, but veterinary attention is rarely necessary.
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Risk factors
In cases where a dog has eaten the plastic casing of a glow in the dark product, there is the potential for a gastrointestinal forgein body causing vomiting, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain. These cases require immediate veterinary attention.
Possible causes
Exposure to DBP is caused by Ingestion of glow in the dark products such as glow sticks, jewelry, and visibility devices intended for use on the outside of clothing.
Main symptoms
Testing and diagnosis
Most cases of DBP exposure do not require veterinary treatment. In severe cases, physical examination combined with a history of ingestion is sufficient for a diagnosis.
Treatment is usually supportive and performed at home by rinsing the contaminated areas of skin with water. If DBP is ingested, then encouraging drinking of water or low-sodium chicken broth is useful to remove the bitter taste.
Steps to Recovery
The prognosis for DBP ingestion is excellent and most cases resolve in minutes to a few hours. Cases where symptoms persist longer warrant veterinary attention.
Prevention
Prevention focuses on limiting exposure of dogs to glow stick products. This includes storing products in inaccessible locations and using LED alternatives when walking dogs in the dark.
Is Glow Stick Poisoning in Dogs common?
Glow stick toxicity is uncommon in dogs, but the occurrence of foreign body obstruction in the GI tract that can happen when the plastic casing is swallowed presents a higher risk to health outcomes.
Typical Treatment
- Dilution of DBP with water
- Pet-safe detergents to remove DBP from the skin
