Remember the dog who almost set our house on fire by climbing onto the stovetop and accidentally turning on the burner? Well, that’s the same pup who managed to gobble up a pound of chocolate fudge, some fertilizer, and may have even ingested two sewing needles, mistaking a pin cushion for a toy. Now we can add butane to the list.
I swear, we pride ourselves on being responsible pet owners. Yet, this dog has an uncanny knack for getting into mischief. Read more about how to keep your dogs from counter surfing.
Here is what to do when you dog ingests butane, including the immediate steps and understanding the risks to your pet.
Immediate Steps to Take If Your Dog Gets Into Butane
Discovering that your beloved dog has ingested butane can be a terrifying experience for any pet owner. Butane, a hydrocarbon found in lighter fluid and some types of aerosol products, poses significant health risks to dogs when ingested or inhaled. Understanding the scientific aspects of butane and knowing the immediate steps to take can be crucial in ensuring the safety and health of your furry friend.
If you suspect that your dog has ingested butane, immediate action is critical:
- Do Not Induce Vomiting: Unlike some cases of ingestion, do not attempt to make your dog vomit. Due to butane’s rapid evaporation into gas, inducing vomiting can increase the risk of aspiration, leading to severe respiratory issues.
- Ventilate the Area: If the ingestion occurred indoors, open windows and doors to reduce the concentration of butane in the air, minimizing the risk of inhalation both for you and your pet.
- Contact Veterinarian Immediately: Time is of the essence. Contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary clinic right away. Inform them of the situation, including any symptoms your dog is displaying and the approximate amount of butane ingested if known.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: As an additional resource, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) can be contacted at (888) 426-4435. They can provide guidance and may advise on necessary steps before reaching veterinary care. Please note, there may be a fee for this service.
We discovered that our dog had managed to get into an unopened package of Thermacell Multi-Insect Repellent Refills. These refills contain fuel cartridges fueled by butane that is used to heat the insecticide and keep mosquitos at bay.
Butane is Dangerous to Dogs: Here’s Why
Butane is a simple hydrocarbon, a compound made up of carbon and hydrogen atoms, with the chemical formula C4H10. It is commonly used as a fuel, propellant, and refrigerant. Butane is highly volatile, meaning it evaporates quickly at room temperature, turning into gas. This property makes butane useful in various applications but also poses a risk if ingested or inhaled by dogs.
When a dog ingests butane, the substance doesn’t remain in its liquid form for long. Inside the warmer environment of a dog’s stomach, butane quickly turns into gas, expanding rapidly. This rapid expansion can cause significant gastrointestinal distress, including vomiting, bloating, and potential rupture of the gastrointestinal tract. Moreover, butane’s chemical properties allow it to be quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, leading to potential nervous system depression, respiratory difficulty, and in severe cases, organ failure.
ASPCA Poison Control to the Rescue
Upon returning home one Saturday evening, we were surprised to find that one of our dogs had torn into the Thermacell refills. Nearby, we discovered a small pool of vomit. However, we couldn’t determine which dog had gotten to the butane cartridge (though we suspected), but it was evident that one of them had, as an empty cartridge lay beside the vomit.
I immediately called ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to ASPCA Poison Control. They’re experienced and understanding. The person I spoke to remained calm and provided valuable assistance. She efficiently identified the item the dogs had ingested. After a brief hold, she consulted with a veterinarian, ensuring thorough guidance.
Below are the risks and symptoms I was told to look for in the next 12 hours.
Understanding the Risks and Symptoms
Being aware of the symptoms can help you act quickly. Symptoms of butane ingestion or inhalation in dogs include:
- Vomiting
- Drooling
- Pawing at face
- Difficulty breathing
- Lethargy or depression
- Abdominal pain or bloating
- Loss of coordination
- Seizures
- Frostbite
The severity of symptoms can vary based on the amount of butane ingested and the size of the dog. Small dogs are at a higher risk due to their smaller body size.
The ingestion of butane by dogs is a serious and potentially life-threatening situation that requires immediate veterinary attention. Understanding the risks associated with butane, recognizing the symptoms of ingestion, and knowing the immediate steps to take can help ensure the best possible outcome for your pet. Remember, prevention is always the best approach, but in case of an emergency, acting swiftly and efficiently can save your dog’s life.
We’re Your New Best Friends
Hi, we’re Megan and Wendy your midlife besties! Join us on Patreon every Monday where we’re talking everyday life, pop culture, and more!
You can also find us on “Girls Gone Hallmark” on Tuesdays and Thursdays where we review new and fan-favorite Hallmark movies and ask the question: Did you see that?