closeup of orbeez balls

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

You’ve walked in to find your dog munching on those colorful, squishy balls known as Orbeez – should you be worried? While these vibrant water beads are non-toxic, they can still pose a risk if consumed by pets.

This article aims to give you all the essential information about what might happen when dogs ingest Orbeez and how to respond accordingly. Read on for peace of mind and a safer environment for your furry friend!

Key Takeaways

  • Orbeez are not toxic to dogs, but they can be dangerous if swallowed in large quantities.
  • Swallowing Orbeez can cause choking or blockages in a dog’s digestive system.
  • It is important to keep Orbeez out of reach and provide safe alternatives for chewing and play.
  • If your dog ingests Orbeez, contact a veterinarian immediately for proper guidance and care.

Are Orbeez Water Beads Toxic to Dogs?

Orbeez are not safe for dogs. Orbeez aren’t poisonous, but it’s important to be aware of the danger to your dog if ingested. They absorb water and can potentially expand to over 100 times their original size.

Composition of Orbeez

The main ingredient in Orbeez (also known as water or gel beads) is sodium polyacrylate, a non-toxic polymer that is also used in personal hygiene products. Orbeez also contain water and food-grade coloring. 

Potential dangers of ingestion

Orbeez are not toxic to dogs–but they can still cause harm if your dog swallows them. They may stick in your dog’s throat and make it hard for him to breathe. Orbeez also can expand inside your dog’s stomach after he eats them.

This might cause a blockage in the digestive system of the dog. The blockage is serious and makes it hard for food to pass through the gut. Dogs with a blockage might show signs like pain, vomiting or loss of appetite. A vet needs to see any dog showing these signs right away.

What to Do if Your Dog Has Ingested Orbeez

If your dog eats Orbeez, immediately monitor them for any symptoms and contact a veterinarian for instructions on treatment.

Monitor the dog for symptoms

Watch your dog closely after they eat Orbeez. Look for signs of not feeling well like throwing up, having loose stools, or tiredness. These could indicate your dog may have a blockage in their stomach from the Orbeez.

Also check your dog’s poop for the next two days to make sure everything is normal.

Contact a veterinarian

If you suspect that your dog has eaten Orbeez, it is important to contact a veterinarian right away. They can provide guidance and advice on what steps to take next. Swallowing Orbeez may require medical attention to prevent any potential complications.

The vet will be able to assess the situation and determine the best course of action for your furry friend’s safety and well-being. Remember, it is better to seek professional advice rather than waiting or trying home remedies.

Prompt veterinary care can help prevent any adverse effects from the ingestion of Orbeez.

childs hands holding a scoop of orbeez

Follow vet’s instructions for treatment

If your dog eats Orbeez, it’s important to follow your vet’s instructions for treatment. Here are some steps you may need to take:

  1. Contact a veterinarian: Call your vet immediately after realizing that your dog has ingested Orbeez. They will provide guidance on what to do next.
  2. Monitor the dog for symptoms: Keep a close eye on your dog and watch out for any unusual behavior or signs of distress. Symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, or abdominal pain.
  3. Follow vet’s advice on inducing vomiting: If advised by your vet, they may instruct you on how to safely induce vomiting in your dog. This should only be done under professional guidance.
  4. Offer supportive care: Your vet may recommend giving your dog activated charcoal or other medications to help absorb any toxins from the Orbeez. Follow their instructions carefully.
  5. Avoid home remedies: It’s important not to attempt any home remedies without consulting your vet first. Some substances can be harmful to dogs and may worsen the situation.
  6. Watch for signs of blockage or discomfort: If your dog shows continued symptoms or exhibits signs of intestinal blockage, such as persistent vomiting or changes in bowel movements, contact your vet immediately.
  7. Provide a safe environment: Ensure that all Orbeez are removed from the environment where your dog spends time to prevent further ingestion.

Preventing Dogs from Consuming Orbeez

To prevent dogs from consuming Orbeez, keep them out of reach and supervise playtime with toys containing Orbeez. Provide safe alternatives for chewing and play to redirect their attention.

Keep Orbeez out of reach

To ensure the safety of your furry friend, it’s important to keep Orbeez out of reach. While Orbeez are not toxic to dogs, they can pose a choking hazard and potentially cause intestinal blockages if ingested.

By keeping Orbeez stored in a secure location where your dog cannot access them, you can prevent any accidental ingestion. This simple precaution will help protect your dog from potential health complications and give you peace of mind knowing that they are safe from harm.

Supervise playtime with toys containing Orbeez

When your dog is playing with toys that contain Orbeez, it’s important to supervise them closely. This will help you prevent any accidental ingestion of the Orbeez beads. Remember, if a dog eats Orbeez, there is a risk of gastrointestinal obstruction.

So, by keeping an eye on your furry friend during playtime, you can ensure their safety and avoid any potential health issues.

Provide safe alternatives for chewing and play

To keep your dog safe and entertained, it’s important to provide them with safe alternatives for chewing and play. Here are some options:

  1. Kong toys: These durable rubber toys can be stuffed with treats or peanut butter to keep your dog occupied and satisfy their chewing instincts.
  2. Chew bones: Opt for natural, long-lasting chew bones made from materials like rawhide or nylon. Make sure to choose an appropriate size for your dog.
  3. Interactive puzzle toys: These toys challenge your dog’s problem-solving skills and provide mental stimulation. They often have hidden compartments where you can hide treats or kibble for your pup to find.
  4. Rope toys: These knotted ropes are great for interactive play and can also help clean your dog’s teeth as they chew on them.
  5. Dog-friendly plush toys: Look for plush toys specifically designed for dogs, with reinforced stitching and no small parts that could be easily swallowed.
dog running with kong toy

Conclusion

Orbeez water beads are generally non-toxic to dogs. However, they can still be dangerous if swallowed in large quantities and may cause choking or blockages in the digestive system.

It’s important to keep Orbeez out of your dog’s reach and provide safe alternatives for chewing and play. If you suspect your dog has ingested Orbeez, contact your veterinarian immediately for proper guidance and care.

Prevention is key to keeping our furry friends safe from potential risks associated with Orbeez ingestion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if a dog eats Orbeez water beads?

If a dog eats Orbeez, the colorful beads can swell up in their stomach. They may grow to more than 100 times their volume and cause blockages in the digestive system.

Are Orbeez toxic or poisonous to dogs?

Although Orbeez aren’t toxic or poisonous to dogs, they can still lead to serious health problems if ingested like vomiting and abdominal pain.

Does my dog need help if it ate many Orbeez?

Yes! If you think your dog ate many Orbeez or shows symptoms such as vomiting, take your dog to the vet for care as soon as possible.

Can dogs choke on these polymer based water beads?

There’s a risk that your pet could choke on these polymer-based balls since they expand when placed in water and become lodged in the intestine.

Can any harm come if a dog has swallowed only one bead?

While swallowing one bead might not be life-threatening, there is still danger for dogs because even a single bead can expand over 100 times its original size once exposed to water inside of the body leading some issues with digestion.

How should I handle this situation if I think my dog has ingested an Orbee?

Important action must be taken immediately after suspecting your pet has swallowed an orbee including seeking veterinary care quickly so that treatment protocols can begin promptly.

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Written by Tom Cashman

I have grown up with pets for almost fifty years. My family has strong ties to the animal shelter community in Chicago. Currently I have two cats: an orange tabby named Zelda, and a gray mixed named Zander. Like all of my pets, they were adopted from a local animal shelter. Pet Zone represents my passion for sharing with the pet community.

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Are Orbeez Toxic to Dogs?

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One Comment

  1. Good information. It’s so scary and I had no idea that Orbeez Water Beads can expand. I will be passing this information on to friends who have pets.