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My puppy ate color pencils and threw up. Should I take him to the vet?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Male | 11 months and 11 days old | 9 lbs

Last night my puppy ate color pencils. He is acting completely normal and ate dinner. This morning he just threw up fragments of the color pencils. I know they are non toxic but I am worried they may be injuring his insides. Should I rush to the vet or wait it out?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on October 7th, 2017

That was naughty of Obi to eat those pencils! It's good that they are non-toxic, but you are correct they could do some damage to his GI tract. It may be he threw up all the pencils he ate, so I would watch him for now. If he keeps vomiting, stops eating, you see blood in his vomit, stops drinking, he becomes very lethargic, or you notice blood in his feces, then yes I would take him into the vet. I would give him half a slice of whole wheat bread now and one with every meal for the next couple of days. This will form a ball of ingesta around the pencils and hopefully cushion them as they pass through the intestinal tract. I hope this helps!
Vote Icon4Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 23rd, 2019

    If Rocket chewed the pencil he may not have any problems. If he ingested a larger piece or the whole pencil then there might be risk for intestinal obstruction. You should monitor him closely and contact your vet if you see any vomiting, decreased appetite or diarrhea.

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    7Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 5th, 2017

    IT could definitely cause him some problems, especially if he ingested some pieces of pencil before chewing them properly. you will have to monitor him closely in the next 2-3 days, make sure he is not vomiting, not constipated and eating well. if you start seeing any of those signs- you should take him to the vet ASAP.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Susan England-Foster

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 14th, 2017

    A typical pencil is not poisonous but it could cause gastric upset or even an obstruction. At this point I would recommend just keeping a close eye on your dog to watch for vomiting, diarrhea or anorexia. If you notice any vomiting or anorexia I would take the patient to a vet for an abdominal x-ray. Other wise i would not be concerned. hope that helps

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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