16 Poor Animals Who Ran Out Of Luck And Got Stuck While Eating

We’ve all been there—you feel so hungry that you’d do practically anything for a bite of food. It’s hard to control yourself when you’re ravenous, consequences be damned. It’s only after we’ve filled our bellies that we realize we may have been better off being a tad more careful. And our pets are no different!

Our team here at Pictolic has compiled a list of photos that show poor animals that ran out of luck and accidentally got stuck while eating. Scroll down for a big dose of silliness. None of the animals in these pictures were hurt. Keep in mind that if you see an animal seriously stuck and in distress, you may need to gently help it yourself ASAP or ask for professional assistance. The key is not to panic.

Pictolic wanted to know what to keep in mind in case of such an emergency, so we reached out to the PDSA, the UK’s largest veterinary charity. PDSA Vet Nurse Shauna Walsh shed some light on this, and you'll find her expert insights as you read on.

16 PHOTOS

#1 Oh, Hi

#2 At Least He's Stuck Somewhere Tasty

#3 I Don't Know How, But He Somehow Got Himself Stuck In A Froot Loops Cereal Box

The PDSA is a vet charity that operates 48 pet hospitals all across the UK, provided 2 million veterinary treatments in 2022, and saved the lives of 141,000 pets with life-threatening conditions. PDSA Vet Nurse Walsh had a lot to tell Bored Panda about what owners can do to prevent their pets from getting stuck in food containers, and how to react if our curious companions do end up requiring a helping hand.

"The world is fascinating for our pets. It is full of lovely things to sniff, taste and explore, but there are plenty of general household items which can pose hidden dangers to our pets that we may not be aware of," she told Bored Panda.

"The tasty scraps left at the bottom of tins and jars can be irresistible to pets, but sometimes getting in is much easier than getting out again! It’s all too easy for a tongue or paw to get trapped, and removing the container can result in injuries such as cuts as well. Getting stuck could even be life-threatening to your pet if their breathing and oxygen supply are affected. Always keep food containers stored well out of paws’ reach—in a cupboard or safely in a closed bin when empty," she suggested.

#4 Brigand Got His Head Stuck Into The (Freeze-Dried Chicken) Treat Jar And Now He Looks Like A Demon And Omg I'm Dying

#5 So, My Dad Recently Got A New Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder

#6 This Gentleman Was Apprehended Today While Committing A Burglary Of A Vending Machine At Pine Ridge High School

Walsh highlighted the importance of staying calm, cool, and collected during an emergency. "If your pet gets a container trapped on them, it can be hard not to panic. Just as with any accident, it’s important to try to stay calm, assess the situation, give your pet any necessary first aid, and call your vet. It’s helpful to remember the acronym: ‘Dr. ABCs’ 

• Danger—keep yourself and others around you safe.
• Response—check if your pet responds to their name or touch.
• Airway—is their airway clear?
• Breathing—are they breathing?
• Circulation—do they have a pulse or heartbeat?
• Send—someone to ask for help!

#7 This Dummy Got His Head Stuck In An Acorn (I Removed It)

#8 Dutch Police Dog Gets Stuck In A Yogurt Pot

#9 Someone Got Their Head Stuck While Trying To Sneak Some More Food. Caught Red-Handed

The PDSA Vet Nurse explained that in an emergency, our pets may feel frightened and react differently than normal. For instance, if they're uncomfortable or in pain, they may even bite.

"Try to keep your voice as calm as possible and make slow, gentle movements to reassure them. If your pet is stuck, stay calm and gently try to remove the container. You may need to use a lubricant like butter or cooking oil, but be careful near their eyes and mouth. If you can’t remove the container safely, call your vet for advice," Walsh shared.

"While some pets may feel whatever they found in the container is worth the trauma, many will be distressed by the experience of getting stuck—each pet is an individual so it’s important to factor in their individual needs to help calm them down. Once safe and free from a container, some pets may wish to retreat to their ‘safe space’ to have some time alone to decompress; others may seek out comfort and attention from you."

#10 So You're Stuck, Eh?

#11 We Never Claimed He Was Smart

#12 Rabbit In A Glass

The expert noted that it's important to allow our pets to do whatever they need to help them calm down after such a fright. "Learning about your pet’s body language will help you understand what they are trying to tell you."

The PDSA has created a free Pet First Aid guide to help pet owners in case of emergency, however, Walsh pointed out that it's "always best to seek vet advice should an accident or injury happen."

#13 This Dummy Got Her Head Stuck In A Bag Of Cheese-Its

#14 Came Into The Room To My Puppy Just Sitting Completely Still With His Head Stuck

#15 Goofy Likes Getting Himself Stuck In The Fridge

Poorly-designed food and item containers can trap animals that are way too hungry and eager. Oh, getting your mouth right next to the delicious food might be no problem. But because of the materials or the way the openings of the containers are shaped, your pets might have a bit of a difficult time getting their heads and the rest of their bodies out.

Ideally, any food containers that you have around the house won’t have openings large enough for your pets to squeeze into. However, some animals are more flexible and petite than others, so they might find their way inside no matter how many precautions you take. Now, there are three main approaches here, and it all depends on the unique situation you’ve got on your hands.

First of all, you could try to coax your beloved floor out of the container with toys, compliments, and promises of even more delicious food. If the situation isn’t too dire, the animal should be able to work its way out of the tight spot with their own body while you keep hold of the container. If they’re considerably distressed, talk to them, soothe them, and keep them from panicking.

#16 My Little Rocket Scientist Got A Planter Stuck To Her Head Trying To Drink Rainwater. All While Having Just Drank From Her Big Fresh Bowl In The House