Dogs are known not only for their love of food, cuddling, and playtime in the park but also for their affinity for chewing various objects. While it’s common to see a dog gnawing on a bone, they’ll often chew on other hard items without discrimination.
However, a dog’s lack of awareness about what they’re chewing can sometimes result in detrimental outcomes. For many dog owners, the primary concern revolves around their pet’s health, but often the implications can be far more severe.
An unfortunate incident serves as a case in point from May 2024, where a dog in Tulsa, Oklahoma, became too engrossed with a phone charger, treating it like any other chew toy.
With no humans nearby, there was no one to inform the dog that this object posed a far greater risk than an old bone.
The Fatal Moment
While this unfortunate incident transpired in May, the Tulsa Fire Department did not release the footage to the public until August 1st.
Nonetheless, the video garnered significant attention and was circulated by numerous major media outlets across the nation.
The video depicts a dog with a phone charger featuring a lithium-ion battery in its mouth. It lies on a mattress and eagerly begins to chew on it, while another dog lounges comfortably on the couch just out of frame.
Suddenly, their playful moment is interrupted as the phone charger detonates. The dog releases it, and as sparks erupt, the mattress ignites.
Despite the chaos, the two dogs managed to escape to safety, but their frantic barking was ineffective in addressing the fire. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, they exited the room just before firefighters arrived.
“We responded to a house fire in May caused by a damaged lithium-ion battery. Fortunately, the home sustained extensive damage, but their two dogs and cat were able to escape through a dog door,” stated the Tulsa Fire Department alongside the video.
Luckily, the animals avoided a potential disaster, which could have easily turned tragic had there not been dog doors. It’s alarming to consider what could have occurred if someone had been asleep in the house — the outcome might have been fatal.
Dangers Of Lithium-Ion Batteries
The firefighters quickly arrived at the scene and successfully put out the fire. Although the home was significantly damaged, there were thankfully no injuries or fatalities.
Even so, since the situation could have easily been worse, Andy Little, a public information officer with the Tulsa Fire Department, took it upon himself to disseminate critical information regarding lithium batteries.
“Lithium-ion batteries can store considerable energy in a compact form; however, uncontrolled energy release can create heat, emit flammable and toxic gases, and potentially cause explosions,” warned Little.
He further explained that factors such as extreme heat exposure, overcharging, using incompatible chargers, and physical damage from a dog chewing can precipitate these dangers.
Ultimately, while dogs may not have the capacity to recognize the hazards they face, the responsibility lies with the owner.
Everyone must exercise vigilance with these batteries, particularly given the increasing prevalence of fires linked to them.
“Let’s collaborate to prevent fires related to lithium-ion batteries and ensure the safety of our homes and communities,” Little concluded.
