Expandable Glues Like Gorilla Glue Can Be Deadly for Pets — Vet Safety Guide 2025 🧪🐾

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc, Ask A Vet Blog
Published: July 7, 2025

Some pet hazards are obvious—but expandable glue? It might seem harmless on your workbench, but if your dog swallows it, the consequences can be deadly. 🧪🐶

This article covers the hidden danger of polyurethane-based glues (like Gorilla Glue™) and what you must do if your pet gets into them. ❗

🧴 Why Is Expandable Glue Dangerous for Pets?

These glues often contain diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI), which causes the product to foam, expand, and harden when exposed to moisture—like the warm, wet environment of a dog’s stomach. 🧪

☠️ Dangers:

• 📏 Expands to fill the stomach
• 🧱 Hardens into a solid, non-digestible mass
• 🚫 Can’t be vomited up—blocks stomach and intestines
• 💥 May cause internal bleeding or stomach rupture if untreated

📦 Where Is MDI Found?

• 🪵 Gorilla Glue™, Elmer’s Glue-All Max®, and other wood adhesives
• 🧊 Winterized toilets and plumbing
• 🏀 Bases of portable basketball hoops
• 🖨️ Printer inks and some eye masks
• ❄️ Snow globes and some latex paints

⚠️ Symptoms of Glue Ingestion

• 🤮 Vomiting (may be bloody)
• 🐾 Abdominal swelling or pain
• 🥱 Lethargy or loss of appetite

🕒 Symptoms may appear within 15 minutes or up to 20 hours later.

🚫 DO NOT Induce Vomiting

Trying to make your pet throw up can make things worse. The glue could expand in the esophagus or be aspirated into the lungs—both serious complications.

🆘 What to Do If Your Pet Ingests Expandable Glue

• 🚑 Seek veterinary help immediately
• 📦 Bring the glue container or product label
• 🩺 Your vet will likely take X-rays to confirm a blockage
• 🔪 Surgery is the only treatment—the glue must be removed from the stomach

🧪 Even a Small Amount Can Be Dangerous

While a few drops may only cause mild GI upset, you won’t know how much was ingested without medical help. It’s best to treat all cases as urgent. 🕔

✅ Prevent Glue Ingestion

• 🔒 Keep all glues securely stored and out of pet reach
• 🧹 Clean up spills right away—even dried glue can attract dogs
• 👁️ Supervise curious pets around DIY or garage areas

📞 Poison Control & Emergency Contacts

• 📱 ASPCA Animal Poison Control: 888-426-4435 (fee applies)
• 📞 HomeAgain Emergency Medical Hotline: 888-466-3242 (free for registered microchips)

📱 Ask A Vet Can Help

Worried your dog may have swallowed glue or another toxin? Don’t wait—early action saves lives.

📲 Download the Ask A Vet app to get real-time help from a licensed vet and know exactly what to do next. 🐶🧪

✅ Glue Safety Summary

• ✔ Glues like Gorilla Glue™ expand and harden in the stomach
• ✔ Even small amounts can be dangerous
• ✔ DO NOT induce vomiting—go straight to the vet
• ✔ Store all adhesives securely
• ✔ Know poison control numbers and act fast

Expandable glue ingestion is 100% preventable. With secure storage and quick response, you can keep your curious pup safe. 🐾🧴

Visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet app to get answers when every minute matters. 📱🩺