Why is it dangerous to pets?
Polyurethane (Gorilla-type) glue reacts with stomach moisture and expands into a solid foam mass that cannot pass — a surgical emergency. This happens with surprisingly small amounts.
Cyanoacrylate (super glue) bonds skin and can glue the mouth or eyelids shut, and white craft glue is mostly low risk but can cause vomiting in large amounts.
Why speed matters
Delaying care significantly worsens outcomes. Some signs appear hours or days later, so "looks fine right now" is not a reason to wait.
Symptoms of glue poisoning
- Vomiting, retching, unable to keep water down
- Bloated, painful abdomen
- Not eating, lethargy, weakness
- Mouth or lips stuck together (super glue)
- Collapse and dehydration as the mass blocks the stomach
What to do right now
- Go to the vet now — expanding glue must be removed surgically and delay makes it worse.
- Tell the vet the exact product type (polyurethane, super glue, craft glue); treatment is completely different.
- Do not induce vomiting — the foam can block the airway on the way up.
- For super glue on skin, use warm soapy water or veterinary advice; never pull bonded skin apart.
If your pet shows any of the signs above, go to the nearest emergency vet now and call ahead.
Sources & further reading
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control — pet poison database & dosage references
- Pet Poison Helpline — toxicology triage guidelines
- Merck Veterinary Manual — toxicology monographs
- Vets Now (UK) — emergency toxicosis guidance