Are Highlighters Toxic to Dogs? What To Do If Your Pup Decides To Snack on Stationery

So your doggo got into your office supplies and now you’re freaking out because they’ve munched on a highlighter? First, take a deep breath. As a fellow pet parent who’s had their share of “my dog ate something weird” moments, I totally understand your concern. Let’s talk about whether highlighters are toxic to dogs and exactly what you should do next.

The Quick Answer: Are Highlighters Toxic to Dogs?

Most highlighters contain non-toxic ink, but that doesn’t mean they’re completely safe. While the ink itself usually isn’t harmful enough to cause serious poisoning, other parts of the highlighter could pose different risks to your furry friend.

What Are Highlighters Made Of?

To understand the potential danger, we need to know what’s in these colorful writing tools:

1. Outer casing – Usually made of plastic
2. Inner component – Contains a sponge or similar material
3. Ink – The colorful stuff that makes highlighting possible

The Ink Inside Highlighters

The good news is that the sponge inside a highlighter typically contains only a small amount of ink. This limited quantity means the chemicals aren’t likely to be enough to make your dog seriously ill.

However, there’s a but here (isn’t there always?) While many highlighters use non-toxic ink, some contain fluorescent dye that gives them their vivid color These might include substances like

• Fluorescein
• Pyronines
• Rhodamines

These highlighters may also contain solvents like alcohols or glycols that help the dye flow smoothly. These solvents can be toxic to dogs if consumed in larger amounts.

The Real Danger: Plastic Parts

Honestly, I’m more worried about the plastic casing than the ink! If your dog chewed up and swallowed pieces of the highlighter’s outer shell, that’s potentially more dangerous than the ink itself.

Plastic pieces can cause:

• Choking hazards
• Damage to the digestive tract
• Intestinal blockages (which can be life-threatening!)

Signs Your Dog May Have Eaten a Highlighter

If you didn’t catch your pup in the act but suspect they’ve been nibbling on office supplies, watch for these symptoms:

• Drooling more than usual
• Pawing at their mouth
• Vomiting
• Changes in stool (diarrhea or constipation)
• Decreased appetite
• Lethargy or unusual behavior

Warning Signs of Intestinal Blockage

If your dog has swallowed plastic pieces from the highlighter casing, keep an eye out for these more serious symptoms that could indicate an intestinal blockage:

• Lethargy
• Constipation
• Abdominal pain & swelling
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea
• Excessive drooling

These symptoms might not appear immediately after your dog eats the highlighter. If you notice any of these signs, call your vet right away as this could be a life-threatening emergency.

What To Do If Your Dog Ate a Highlighter

Step 1: Stay Calm

First things first, don’t panic! Your dog needs you to think clearly. Take a deep breath and remember that most dogs who eat weird stuff end up totally fine.

Step 2: Assess the Situation

• Try to figure out how much of the highlighter was eaten
• Look for pieces and reassemble them like a puzzle to see what’s missing
• Note if the cap, body, or ink reservoir was consumed
• Check if your dog is showing any immediate symptoms

Step 3: Check Your Dog’s Mouth

Take a quick look in your dog’s mouth for

• Any pieces of highlighter that might be stuck
• Cuts or injuries from chewing on plastic
• Ink stains (this can help confirm they actually bit into the ink part)

Step 4: Clean Up Any Remaining Pieces

Make sure you gather any remaining highlighter parts so your dog doesn’t go back for seconds!

Step 5: Do NOT Induce Vomiting

This is super important! Don’t try to make your dog throw up unless your vet specifically tells you to do so. Inducing vomiting incorrectly can cause more harm.

Step 6: Call Your Veterinarian

This is the most important step. Call your vet and provide them with details:

• What type of highlighter it was
• How much was eaten (your best guess)
• When it happened
• Any symptoms your dog is showing

Your vet will give you guidance based on your specific situation. They might:

• Ask you to monitor your dog at home
• Request you bring your dog in for examination
• Advise emergency treatment if needed

When to Seek Immediate Veterinary Care

Don’t wait to call the vet if your dog is showing:

• Difficulty breathing
• Severe vomiting or diarrhea
• Signs of pain
• Unusual lethargy
• Changes in gum color (pale, blue, or bright red)

What Will Happen at the Vet?

If your vet wants to see your dog, here’s what might happen:

1. Physical examination – The vet will check your dog’s vital signs and look for signs of distress or pain.

2. Lab work – They might run tests to check for infection or other health issues.

3. Induced vomiting – If it’s been only 1-2 hours since ingestion, the vet might try to make your dog vomit to bring up the highlighter pieces.

4. X-rays – If they suspect your dog swallowed large pieces, they’ll likely take x-rays to look for blockages.

5. Treatment plan – Depending on what they find, treatment could range from monitoring to surgery for removing blockages.

Treatment for Intestinal Blockage

If your vet confirms your dog has an intestinal blockage from swallowing highlighter parts, treatment may include:

• IV fluids to keep your dog hydrated
• Medication to manage pain and nausea
• Surgery to remove the blockage

The good news is that with prompt medical attention, most dogs recover fully from eating foreign objects.

Prevention: Keeping Your Dog Safe from Office Supplies

Let’s be real – the best way to handle this situation is to prevent it from happening again! Here are some tips to keep your pup away from your stationery:

• Store all office supplies in closed drawers or containers
• Use dog-proof storage solutions if your dog is particularly determined
• Keep backpacks, purses, and work bags off the floor
• Create a dedicated dog-free workspace
• Provide plenty of appropriate chew toys as alternatives

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all highlighter brands equally safe (or unsafe)?

Most major brands use similar materials, but there can be differences in ink formulations. Generally, name-brand highlighters from companies like Sharpie, Stabilo, and Bic tend to use non-toxic inks.

What if my dog only licked the highlighter ink but didn’t eat any plastic?

If your dog only licked or got a small amount of ink on their tongue, they’ll likely be fine. Just monitor them for any unusual behavior and make sure they have access to fresh water.

How long does it take for symptoms to appear?

Symptoms from ink toxicity might appear within a few hours, while symptoms of an intestinal blockage could take 24-72 hours to become apparent.

Will my dog’s poop be colorful after eating a highlighter?

Possibly! Don’t be shocked if you see some colorful poop in the following days. This can actually be helpful as it confirms the highlighter is passing through their system.

Conclusion: Don’t Highlight This Experience

While most highlighters aren’t severely toxic to dogs, they’re definitely not meant to be dog treats! The main concerns are the potential for intestinal blockage from plastic pieces and possible mild toxicity from certain ink components.

When in doubt, always check with your vet. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to our furry family members. And maybe keep those office supplies locked away a bit better next time (I know I had to learn this lesson the hard way!).

Remember, your pup isn’t being bad – they’re just exploring the world with their mouth, which unfortunately includes your stationery supplies. We love them anyway, right?

Stay pawsitive, and keep those highlighters out of reach!