It is widely recognized that canines, in addition to sustenance, affection, and recreational activities at the park, enjoy chewing objects the most. We frequently observe a dog gnawing on a bone, although they also tend to chew on various hard items since it holds little significance for them.
Regrettably, a dog’s ignorance regarding what it is chomping on can, at times, result in severe repercussions. Likely, the first concern for many dog enthusiasts is the potential harm to the dog’s health, but occasionally the situation can be far more dire than that.
This is starkly illustrated by an incident that transpired in May 2024, when a dog engaged excessively with a phone charger at its residence in Tulsa, Oklahoma, treating it as if it were merely another regular bone.
With no humans present at the time, nobody could “inform” him that the item posed a considerably greater risk than an old bone.
The Critical Moment
Despite the unfortunate occurrence that unfolded after the dog gnawed on the phone charger taking place in May, the Tulsa Fire Department, situated in Tulsa, Oklahoma, did not publicize the video until August 1st.
Nonetheless, the clip rapidly gained significant attention and was disseminated by all renowned media outlets across the nation.
In it, a dog is seen with a phone charger equipped with a lithium-ion battery in its mouth. It then reclines on a mattress and eagerly begins gnawing on it, as another dog lies comfortably on the couch right before the camera.
Yet, after a brief period, their fun is abruptly disrupted when the phone charger detonates. Consequently, the dog releases it from its mouth, and the sparks ignite the mattress.
The two canines manage to retreat to safety, yet their incessant barking does little to resolve the issue. As they realize the predicament is escalating beyond control, they exit the room, and shortly thereafter, the firefighters arrive.
“We responded to a residential fire in May caused by a compromised lithium-ion battery. Although the house sustained considerable damage, their two dogs and cat managed to escape without injury through a dog door,” noted the Tulsa Fire Department in the video caption.
Thankfully, the pets avoided the calamity, but it could have very well been a different outcome had the dog doors not existed. Moreover, one must consider the potential results had someone been asleep in the house – they likely wouldn’t have made it.
Hazards Associated With Lithium-Ion Batteries
The firefighters were prompt in their response and successfully extinguished the flames. The residence incurred significant damage, but fortunately, there were no injuries or casualties.
Given the fact that things could have easily been otherwise, the public information officer of the Tulsa Fire Department, Andy Little, felt it necessary to convey crucial information regarding lithium batteries to the public.
“Lithium-ion batteries are recognized for holding a considerable amount of energy in a compact format; however, when this energy is released uncontrollably, it can produce heat, emit flammable and hazardous gases, and potentially lead to explosions,” stated Little.
He further emphasized that several factors can trigger this, including exposure to extreme heat, overcharging, employing incompatible charging devices, and naturally, physical damage resulting from a dog’s chewing.
However, as dogs lack the awareness to recognize the danger, the responsibility falls upon the owner.
Certainly, the onus is also on all others who must exercise extreme caution with these types of batteries, as incidents of fires caused by them are becoming increasingly frequent.
“Let us collaborate to avert fires related to lithium-ion batteries and ensure the safety of our homes and communities,” concluded Little.