
Jump to section
Manufactured firelogs come in many shapes and sizes. They are designed to be both easier to ignite and longer lasting than firewood and can come in handy in a number of situations. They are not meant to be chewed on or eaten. Because of the way they are compacted it is quite common for the ingested portions of the firelog to become impacted and cause blockages and damage to the gastrointestinal system. Some of the adhesives used are also toxic and additives such as metals, nutshells, and fruit pits may be crushed into the log.
Manufactured firelogs are not meant to be ingested and can cause health problems ranging from mild to severe if chewed on or eaten by our pets. Toxicity to the wood and additives, as well as risk of obstruction are just two of the dangers presented to dogs.
Firestarter Logs Poisoning Average Cost
From 33 quotes ranging from $200 - $800
Average Cost
$350
Firestarter logs can cause problems in multiple ways, leading to a variety of symptoms. If your pet has eaten any part of a firestarter log and is exhibiting any of the following symptoms an immediate call to the veterinarian should be made, and depending on the severity of symptoms and the amount ingested, an emergency visit may also be required.
Types
There are fire starter type logs on the market that are made differently than the traditional “Duraflame” type fire starter log. These fire logs have some unique properties.
Pressed wood without glue
Pressed paper
Coffee log
Top
Blockage
Wood Toxicity
Other Additives
Top
If you suspect your dog has ingested all or part of a fire log it is imperative to contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. Depending on the amount ingested, the type of log, and the severity of the symptoms your veterinarian may be able to give you instructions over the phone, but more often than not will need to see your dog to perform a physical examination. If you have any portion of the fire log that has not been ingested bring that with you to the veterinarian’s office as well as any packaging. Urine, stools, and vomitus will probably be tested as well in order to expose underlying diseases and toxins such as tremorgenic mycotoxins from molds or toxicity from metals or woods in the log. Further testing will depend on the results of the testing and the signs that are presenting. If there are signs of blockages x-ray or ultrasound imaging may be required to locate the obstructions within the patient’s gastrointestinal system.
Top
Treatment will depend on how the manufactured fire log has affected your pet and how long it has been since ingestion. If ingested recently enough, your veterinarian may opt to encourage your dog to vomit to avoid future blockages or absorption of any toxins. If there was only a small amount ingested or if the symptoms are not severe your veterinarian may be able to give you home treatment instructions over the phone. These are likely to include an over the counter bulk-producing laxative to be included with meals for a few days. Several low-protein, low-fat, high-fiber meals per day are often suggested to speed healing with any sort of gastrointestinal injury and may be recommended in this case as well.
Supportive treatment will be given for any crisis symptoms. This could include IV fluids for dehydration and medications may be prescribed to alleviate specific symptoms. These medications may be given either by an intramuscular injection or intravenously and could include any combination of laxatives, anti-nausea, or pain management treatments.
Top
Keeping the recuperating patient in a calm and quiet environment and making sure that he or she completes the full measure of any recommended or prescribed medications will help encourage recovery. Medications such as laxatives, stomach protectants, and antacids may be prescribed to combat the symptoms, and your dog is likely to need more frequent trips to relieve themselves than they normally would. Your canine companion will likely need a follow-up appointment if any symptoms presented even if a visit to the vet was not initially required. This is to ensure that there are no remaining issues that may not have obvious outward signs.
Top
*Wag! may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. Items are sold by the retailer, not Wag!.
Firestarter Logs Poisoning Average Cost
From 33 quotes ranging from $200 - $800
Average Cost
$350
Top
Ask a Vet
Lab/pit
8weeks
Unknown severity
0 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
My friends 8 week old puppies ate fire starter. What do I do?
Sept. 26, 2020
Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I apologize for the delay in my reply, this venue is not set up for urgent emails. I hope that the puppy is okay, and that you were able to seek emergency veterinary care if needed.
Oct. 19, 2020
Was this experience helpful?
Dallas
Golden Retreiver
4 Years
Fair severity
4 found helpful
Fair severity
Has Symptoms
My 75# golden retriever apparently ingested about a half of a duraflame firestarter log about six hours ago. He is showing no signs of ill effects. He ate his dinner and was playing with the other dogs. What should I watch for?
Nov. 5, 2017
Dallas' Owner
4 Recommendations
There are no toxic ingredients in Duraflame firestarter logs but the ingredients may cause an intestinal obstruction if eaten in a large enough quantity. I would keep an eye on Dallas for signs of intestinal obstruction and visit your Veterinarian if you notice any symptoms on this page. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM www.petpoisonhelpline.com/poison/firestarter-logs/ www.duraflame.com/safety-tips/pet-safety
Nov. 5, 2017
WE discovered an obliterated mini starter log in a big area of our carpet and we gave puppy (almost year old) a bit of yogurt daily for three days to help him pass what he ate....mostly he just shredded it) he did vomit once but he's a very hairy cocker so hairballs are occasional too.
March 7, 2018
Angelia B.
Was this experience helpful?
Nash
Bernese Mountain Dog
11 Months
Mild severity
0 found helpful
Mild severity
Has Symptoms
Hello. About 1pm our Bernese Mt. dog ate about 1/2 (5oz) of a Duraflame Stix Multiuse Firestarter . He seems fine. I called the vet who referred me to a pet poison center. He seems fine right now. That is where were at now. Right now he is just taking a nap. There does not seem to be any problems so far.
Simba
Pit Bull Mix with lab
6 Years
Fair severity
1 found helpful
Fair severity
Has Symptoms
I am not sure how long ago today (12/25/2019) he chewed into a Duraflame fire starter log but he rushed to the four to go potty, my wife and I cleaned up what they chewed which was mostly the wrapping paper he serves fine not but there were teeth marks in the log...
Mazi
Yorkshire Terrier
3 Months
Mild severity
0 found helpful
Mild severity
Has Symptoms
My yorkie is 3 months old and about an hour ago ate a Tacomalog fire started he was shakey for awhile then went to sleep about 20 30 minutes ago he threw up what looked like the fire starter but is still shakey he is sleep now and his breathing seems to be fine what should I do
Firestarter Logs Poisoning Average Cost
From 33 quotes ranging from $200 - $800
Average Cost
$350
About Wag!
© 2020 Wag Labs, Inc. All rights reserved.
About Wag!
© 2020 Wag Labs, Inc. All rights reserved.
Security