Is Glitter Glue Harmful to Pets?

Pets can be very inquisitive animals, getting into or nibbling on things to learn about their environment. Glue is a common household product found in nearly every home. Glitter glue, craft glue, wood glue, super glue and gorilla glue are all items that can pose a threat to animals. Keeping your pets from eating harmful household products such as glue can be tough, but knowing what to do if your animal does ingest something harmful can give you peace of mind and ensure your pet stays happy and healthy.

  1. Glue Effects

    • The side effects of your pet ingesting glue can be fatal.

      Glue itself isn't necessarily toxic to animals, but its potential side effects are. Depending on the kind of pet you have, its size and the amount of glue it ingests, the side effects of glue can range from digestive upset to death. Many glues contain diphenylmethane diisocyanate, a chemical that expands in a moist, warm environment before solidifying. If an animal ingests this chemical, the diphenylmethane diisocyanate will expand and soon harden into a solid mass inside your pets gastrointestinal tract and stomach.

    Pet Symptoms

    • Watch for unusual behavior or symptoms if your pet ingests glue.

      Look for unusual behavior in your pet if it ingests glue. Symptoms can include drooling, not eating or drinking, vomiting, lethargy or a swollen stomach. Different animals might react to glue's side effects in different ways. Call a veterinarian right away if your pet ingests glue and let him know if your pet experiences any unusual behavior. Your veterinarian most likely will recommend that you and your pet visit him.

    Treatment

    • Surgery is the only way to remove a solidified mass blocking your pet's tract.

      Even a small hardened glue mass can block a pet's gastrointestinal tract and stomach. If your pet is able to pass the mass, your veterinarian might prescribe medicine to make your pet more comfortable while doing so. If the mass is blocking the gastrointestinal tract, your veterinarian will recommend surgery to remove the mass.

    Prevention

    • Keep glue away from your pets and out of their reach.

      Diphenylmethane diisocyanate is not always listed on glue labels, so keep your pets away from all glue to be safe. Keep glue products somewhere your pets can't reach them and put them away immediately whenever you're finished using them.