Polyurethane glue has become a must-have supply for the do-it-yourself home improvement crowd. The ASPCA advises pet owners, however, to be cautious when using it to make minor repairs around the home. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center has reported a huge increase in the number of poisoning cases involving polyurethane glue.
Since 2005, the Animal Poison Control Center has had more than 135 cases in which companion animals suffered blockages caused by the expanding properties of polyurethane glue, attributed to the ingredient diphenylmethane diisocyantate. When ingested, glues containing this ingredient expand and solidify, causing masses in the stomach. The 135 cases reported since 2005 represent an increase of more than 740 percent in expanding glue cases since 2002.
“Any number of factors could be contributing to the increase, including the growing popularity of do-it-yourself projects or the increased use of this type of adhesive,” says Dr. Steven Hansen, senior vice president for the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. “Whatever the reason, due to the rising number of cases, the importance of alerting companion animal owners to the dangers of expanding polyurethane glue products is clear.”
Pet owners are cautioned to keep pets out of the way of home improvement projects and to completely clean up the work area after completing a project. Store polyurethane glues in a spot inaccessible to your pet. If your cat or dog does ingest some of the glue, call your emergency veterinarian or the Anima Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) for assistance.