Dog Ate Chalk? Here’s What You Need to Know

Zack Keithy, our author, is a certified veterinarian technician (UC Blue Ash) for over 6 years (contact him here). The articles written here are based on his expertise and experience, combined with a review by our expert vet reviewers including Dr M. Tarantino. Learn more about us here.

Have you ever caught your furry friend munching on something they shouldn’t be?

If you’re a dog owner, you know how curious and mischievous they can be.

While some items may be harmless, others can cause serious health issues.

One such example is chalk. Yes, you read that right – chalk!

If you’re reading this, chances are you noticed your dog ate chalk, and you’re worried about the potential consequences.

Don’t panic just yet!

In this blog post, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about what happens when a dog eats chalk, the risks involved, and what you can do to keep your pet safe.

Why Did My Dog Eat Chalk?

Like many households with kids, we often have chalk lying around.

While we usually keep it stored away from our furry friend, sometimes our curious pup manages to get its paws on it.

The worst part? There have been times when our pet has taken a nibble or two before we could catch them. 

Chalk is so bland and unappetizing, so why on earth will my dog choose to eat it? 

It turns out that there are several reasons why dogs might be drawn to eating chalk.

For starters, have you ever seen a puppy explore the world around them? They are so curious and love to put anything and everything in their mouths just to get a taste. 

But even older dogs can develop a sudden interest in chalk.

Maybe it’s the strange smell or texture that intrigues them.

Or maybe they’re just bored and looking for something new to chew on.

And then there’s the possibility of underlying health issues that may lead to your pet eating chalk.

For example, dogs may be lacking important vitamins and minerals in their diet, which can lead them to crave non-food items, and chalk is just one of them. 

Hungry for more knowledge? Read this too: My Dog Sounds Like He Has a Hairball:  What Do I Do?  

What is in Chalk?

Have you ever wondered what ingredients are in that colorful stick of chalk your kids love to play with?

Well, chalk is mostly made up of a mineral called calcium carbonate, which comes from rocks and shells. 

Some chalk brands may contain a soft mineral called gypsum, which is often used in construction.

While gypsum isn’t poisonous to animals, too much of it can cause some problems in the tummy.

Another ingredient to look out for is talc.

Talc is used in many products like makeup and medicine, and your dog should definitely not be eating it.

You may also find that some types of chalk contain binders, pigments, colorants, and preservatives.

These ingredients help to give the chalk its vibrant colors and make it last longer, though not all chalk has them.

Doggy says, you might be keen to read this too: My dog ate wood, now what?

Is Chalk Toxic to Dogs?

Now, let’s get to the question on every pet parent’s mind: can chalk hurt my furry friend?

You will be relieved to know that the primary ingredient in most chalk, calcium carbonate, is not toxic to dogs in small amounts. So, if your pup manages to eat a small piece of chalk, there’s no need to worry.

However, some types of chalk may contain gypsum or talc.

These ingredients can cause digestive issues when eaten in large amounts. Although these ingredients aren’t necessarily toxic, they can still lead to discomfort for your dog.

Chalk may also contain other ingredients which are added to give the chalk its unique texture and appearance.

These additives are generally safe for humans to use, but when it comes to your dog, it’s best to avoid them.

Risks Associated with Eating Chalk

Uh-oh, so you think your pup has gotten into some chalk?

Sure, it’s not a total disaster, but it’s still important to be aware of the possible risks.

Here’s what you should keep in mind:

Choking hazard

If your furry friend chomps down on a big chunk of chalk, it could pose a choking risk.

Chalk is dry and can be hard to swallow, especially for smaller dogs.

Blockage

Eating chalk could cause blockages in your pet’s intestines, which can be really serious.

If your pet exhibits any signs of an intestinal blockage, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive drooling, you should take your pet to the vet AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

Digestive issues

The calcium carbonate in chalk can be tough for your pet’s tummy to handle and again, may cause vomiting or diarrhea and even change the look of its bowel movements.

Irritation

The dust from chalk can irritate your pet’s eyes, nose, and throat.

I once had a box of chalk spill all over my dog and he was sneezing up a storm!

If your dog manages to eat chalk, don’t beat yourself up about it.

Accidents happen, and you can’t keep an eye on your fur babies all day.

Let’s just focus on what you should do next.

What Should I Do If My Dog Ate Chalk?

Stay calm but act quickly.

Here are the steps you can take:

First, let’s assess the situation.

Was it just a little bit of chalk? If so, then your dog should be fine. Chalk is non-toxic and typically rounded, so it should pass through the digestive tract with no problems.

But if your pup ate more than a little bit of chalk, then it’s time to take action.

Has your dog been showing any signs of choking or respiratory issues?

If so, check your dog’s mouth to see if there are any pieces stuck.

If you see something stuck in its throat, DO NOT try to take it out yourself, and definitely do not use any tool to get it out.

In such a case, it’s time to call the vet.

They’ll be able to give you advice on what to do next, which might include inducing vomiting using 3% hydrogen peroxide or taking your dog to emergency vet services for an endoscopy.

Symptoms of Chalk Indigestion

While eating small amounts of chalk is usually harmless, it’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to our pets.

Just keep an eye on your furry pal and be on the lookout for these signs if they’ve eaten a lot:

• Vomiting 
• Diarrhea
• Change in appetite
• Lethargy
• Toilet troubles 
• Stomach blockage
• Bloating

Still worried about your pet? Give your vet a call, or try using an online vet service.

It’s better to be safe than sorry!

Don’t worry about sounding like an overly concerned pet owner – your vet is always there to help you and your furry companion stay healthy.

Doggy says, consider reading this too: Dog ate a popsicle stick

How To Prevent My Dog From Eating Chalk?

To lessen the risk of your pet eating chalk again, you should take some precautions such as:

1. Keeping chalk out of reach: Ensure that chalk is stored in a place that is not easily accessible to your dog.
2. Use dog-friendly chew toys: Provide your dog with appropriate chew toys to satisfy their chewing needs.
3. Train your dog: Train your dog with basic commands such as “leave it” or “drop it” to discourage them from eating things they shouldn’t.
4. Supervise your dog: Always keep an eye on your dog, especially when they are playing or exploring outside.
5. Keep your home clean: Regularly clean your home and yard to prevent your dog from finding and eating chalk or other harmful objects.

By taking these preventative measures, you can reduce the risk of your dog ingesting chalk and other harmful substances, which can lead to serious health issues.

Doggy says, consider reading this too: My dog ate a Reese’s cup

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

In Conclusion: My Dog Ate Chalk

You can rest easy as chalk is generally quite harmless to your dog.

What you should do is monitor its behavior and ensure that non-food items be kept out of its reach!

Like this article? Check out these other ones too:

• Dog ate cricket?
• Dog ate glitter?
• Can dogs eat hush puppies?