Back-to-School: Glue and Marker Safety for Pets
Pet Safety
Backpacks are packed, pencil cases are stocked, and somewhere in the middle of all that new-school-year excitement, a bottle of glue or a marker cap ends up within reach of a curious dog or cat. It happens more often than you'd think — and while some of these products are harmless if chewed on, a few can turn into an emergency quickly.
Here's what every pet parent should know about glues and markers.
3 Glues That Can Be Dangerous for Pets
Expanding polyurethane glues (like Gorilla Glue® and Elmer’s® ProBond) are the most dangerous for pets. These glues react with moisture in your pet's stomach and can expand to several times their original size, forming a hard mass that can't be digested or vomited up. This is a true emergency that typically requires surgery. It's important not to try to induce vomiting at home, since the expanding foam can block the esophagus on the way up.
Cyanoacrylate glues (like Super Glue® and Krazy Glue®) work differently. They dry almost instantly on contact with saliva, which usually means they end up sealing a pet's lips or tongue rather than being swallowed. It's uncomfortable for pets and can irritate the skin or mouth, but it's rarely a major internal threat.
Washable school and craft glues (like Elmer’s®School Glue and Glue Sticks) are the mildest of the bunch. At most, they tend to cause an upset stomach or loose stool. The bigger risk is the plastic packaging — a chewed glue stick casing can become a choking or blockage hazard.
Markers That Also Pose Risks
Standard washable markers and highlighters are non-toxic and usually colored with food-grade dyes. If your pet chews on one, it may stain their mouth and cause a mild upset stomach.
Permanent markers, dry-erase markers, and paint markers contain stronger solvents. Swallowing a little ink usually causes some drooling or mild vomiting. But if your pet manages to get into a large quantity, it can sometimes cause wobbliness or lethargy. Call us immediately if this happens.
Chewed plastic marker casings can be sharp when broken, which means the bigger danger is often physical: cuts inside the mouth or a blockage further down if swallowed.
Signs of Illness to Watch For
If your pet has gotten into glue or markers and you notice any of the following signs, don't wait. Call us or bring your pet in
Repeated vomiting or dry heaving
A firm, swollen, or painful belly
Sudden lethargy or weakness
Not eating or refusing treats
Straining to go to the bathroom, or blood in the stool
Note: If you can, tell us the exact brand and type of glue or marker, and how long ago it happened. This information makes a big difference in how our care team treats your pet.
We're here when you need us.
If your pet gets into school supplies, or anything else they shouldn't have, Emergency Animal Hospital of Collin County is open 24/7 to help.
Emergency Animal Hospital of Collin County 10225 Custer Rd. Plano, TX 75025
