Tampon-eating is actually a pretty common problem among dogs. Tampons with plastic applicators or those in paper are more likely to cause significant blockage in your dog's tummy. If your pet ate just a single tampon within a couple of hours of seeing your DVM, then vomiting may resolve the issue through your veterinarian may opt to perform an x-ray first. Hes fine, with no odd sounds and moving/eating/drinking normally. At-home methods of inducing emesis (vomiting) are unreliable and may just cause further tummy upset to your dog. There are a few factors to consider when determining the level of danger your dog is in. As we mentioned earlier, what happens if a dog eats a plastic bag or a dog eats plastic toy? Tampons can be a choking hazard for some dogs when vomiting, so inducing vomiting at your vet is the safest option. You might be unaware that the dog has eaten plastic if it was small, you might only observe this in his stool later. You can try to make him vomit by giving him 3 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide orally. It is always easier to prevent an occurrence than to deal with it after the fact. Well talk about the actions you should take based on your dogs symptoms in the next section. So your dog has found something more creative to eat whats a doggie parent to do now? Your email address will not be published. If I see her chewing them I tell her to spit it out and she does. Your furbaby has just eaten a tampon, and youre wondering when to call your veterinarian. No money for vet Im hoping hes ok, Howd did your boy go? Unfortunately, surgery might occur if you don't know the size of the plastic the dog swallowed; almost certain if it was a big piece, that will be the next option. A vet once advised to feed them Vaseline sandwiches to lube tbeir insides and help the passing. It will be easier for your dog to pass the plastic through his digestive tract and out with his feces. Lastly, you can opt to put used tampons in a plastic, zipped bag when you put them in the trash can. Or maybe you prefer the Q&A format to absorb the above information. That way, you know what to look for in case your dog eats plastic. Im broke. Intestinal blockage can be fatal, so your pet should be treated by your veterinarian as soon as possible. This may be just temporary, or a sign of illness. Is your dog a compulsive chewer, or does he suffer from eating behavior? I am going to give him some oil and pray til Monday unless I notice problems. Why is he doing this ? How Much Aspirin Should Dogs Take? Yes, eating plastic can kill a dog, even a healthy dog. Thank you, How did that turn out for your dog. So, your dogs airway may become either partially or completely blocked as he chokes on a tampon. Many dogs enjoy chewing and eating paper and cotton products (the toilet paper roll is a favorite), and tampons are no exception. Is Mac and Cheese Safe for Dogs? Periods are not the problem. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[120,600],'expertanimal_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_4',166,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-expertanimal_com-medrectangle-4-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[120,600],'expertanimal_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_5',166,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-expertanimal_com-medrectangle-4-0_1');.medrectangle-4-multi-166{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:15px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:15px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:600px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}You may be interested: Can you give dogs aspirin? Frontline Vs Advantix: What Woof Is The Difference? While the small plastic piece may pose a choking hazard, it will most likely pass through your dogs digestive tract. If the event occurs outside of normal business hours, contact and emergency vet. Quick action can increase your pets chances of full recovery. Conversely, if your dog eats an unused tampon, it may cause a blockage requiring surgery to remove it. Without meaning to sound disgusting, if used these items can seem even more intriguing to a dogs nose! A used tampon can also lead to digestive upset and blockages, even if the risk is slightly less due to it already having expanded somewhat. Then join our exclusive club! This is typically seen during the winter. Remember that if your dog has a blockage, he will likely need surgery. Once youve determined what your dog has swallowed, and your vet has decided it is safe, they can help you induce vomiting. Because of the shape, material, and the fact that they have a string on them, tampons are very easy for your dog to choke on. My Dog Ate a Bee and Seems Fine What Should I Do? You must contact a veterinarian as soon as you discover your pet has consumed this product. My 13 yr old very healthy and spirited English Shepherd had a ruptured anal gland that required oral steroids ergo HUGE appetite increase. Some organic brands do the same, and label their packaging with descriptions of 'plant-based plastic applicators'. You or anybody else mustn't try all kinds of methods to get your dog to vomit this is something the vet must do. Even if youre not sure, and your dog seems okay, its always best to call your vet and see what they advise. You are lucky that he passed socks, thongs and a dishrag, I have also removed all of these surgically from dogs intestinal tracts. This is why it is important to only use trash cans with a securely closing lid that cannot be easily opened such as the iTouchless stainless electronic garbage can. dog will end up with stitches and wearing a cone, Does Dog Treat Training Really Work: The Evidence, Best Dog Bed For German Shepherd Puppies, Adults And Seniors. This is known as a blockage or bowel obstruction, which can rapidly become life-threatening. If a tampon causes a blockage, the intestines continue to try to move along, causing bruising and inflammation, which can even lead to perforation of the intestines in severe cases. The vet will probably also recommend that your dog is kept quiet and calm for a few days afterward this will allow his body to rest and recuperate. A recent analysis by Greenpeace Laboratories has revealed the extent of this greenwashing in the tampon industry. You can consider a covered trash can or one that you have to press down with your foot to successfully open. Choking prevents air from leaving your dogs lungs, therefore you must treat it very away. In general, unused tampons are typically smaller but may swell up a lot inside, whereas used tampons are larger to start with, but should not swell much more. If your furbaby gulps down a tampon, you should contact your DVM, no matter whether the tampon was used or unused. They ate the tampon over 4 hours ago Things get a bit more complicated if your dog ate the tampon longer than 4 hours ago. Dogs are very clever and can get into places that you would not think they are capable of. Lots of tampon companies sell tampons that use plastic applicators. Hi Rachel, You need to take your dog to the vet. He ate his breakfast this morning but he did not pass out any trace of plastic bag. Depending on the size and type of plastic object that your dog ate, the situation may or may not be urgent. To remove a bowel obstruction, your veterinary surgeon will need to put your dog under a general anesthetic. The best course of action is to call your veterinarian if your pooch eats a tampon. Intestinal blockage can be fatal if left untreated. Tampons can cause significant inflammation of your pets intestines or even cause a blockage. Includes 12 light, 12 regular and 12 super absorbency unscented organic tampons with bio-based plastic applicator ; 100% organically grown cotton; bio-based plastic applicator with smooth finish for added comfort ; Free of rayon and chlorine ; Provides up to 8 hours of protection ; Tampon expands to fit your body, helping to prevent leakage Will he be ok? This will allow your pet to get the medical treatment they need and give them the best chance of making a speedy recovery. Your dog may pass plastic, but that is not always the case. Will he be ok ? Dog Tail Docking: 5 Dangers of This Procedure (Based on Science). What nutrients is he missing ? Maybe it might even be necessary to adjust how you give your dog water and food for a few days or weeks, particularly if the dog has suffered damage to his intestines. But if you don't know what to do, it can be hazardous for a dog to throw up if you have not induced the regurgitation properly according to the vet's instructions. We vacuumed up, I checked mouth but I am afraid of sliver getting into his digestive wall. My handle to a plastic 14qt bucket for water is completely gone!! Many dogs still have difficulties, so keeping an eye on them is the most critical thing you can do. My dog ate one of those wrappers that the capsels of nqquil come in and it didnt have the meds in it thank god but Im worried that she wont be OK she had puked but its very late and we have no money to take her in what should I do please write back asap. The cost to remove your dog's bowel obstruction depends on the situation. During play, the dog might have accidentally swallowed the tampons. Hepper is reader-supported. While tampons are soft outside of the applicator, if your dog ate a tampon that is still in the wrapper or applicator, the plastic around the tampon could present an internal cut and tear risk. My Doberman ate the plastic that lays under raw chicken. This varies based on the size and shape of the object. If your dog swallows any plastic objects, he has to excrete them. An unused tampon inside a plastic or cardboard . This is why its essential that you get your dog seen as soon as you suspect a problemthe more damaged the gut is, the more complex the surgerywhich means itll carry higher risks. Dogs do not consider the long-term ramifications of eating things that they are not supposed to, and they are also very curious animals by nature. Your Dog Ate Plastic? Take notes so you can give the vet as much information as possible. Anything that your pet eats that isnt part of a balanced, regular diet could be considered dangeroustampons included. What Should I Do if My Dog Ate Wax Paper? Digestive blockage Digestive blockage can also occur if your dog swallowed a tampon. Best wishes, Lucy. Your emergency actions will differ depending on when your dog ate plastic, what type and size of plastic item your dog has eaten, and how they are acting. If the plastic causes a blockage, your dog will need surgery. 20 Most Expensive Dog Breeds in the World (With Pictures), The latest veterinarians' answers to questions from our database, How to Treat Sebaceous Cysts on Cats Step-by-Step. If not removed, a tampon can obstruct the outflow of the stomach. Those costs should include all exams and the surgery, including the anesthesia hospitalization and operating room use. But either way, you should contact your vet straight away. Then, they engage in that behavior obsessively to calm themselves. This ensures that even if your dog does get into the trash, they have a decreased probability of getting into a zippered plastic bag as well. Another thought is to wonder if monitoring them to see if it passes is an option. There are lots of chances to intervene and prevent this dangerous progression of events from happening. This will cause damage to the gut wall. what. It makes for some pretty funny reading! Your DVM will also place your pet on IV fluids to maintain sufficient hydration of their intestines to support the tampons movement throughout their intestinal tract. If your veterinarian feels that your pooch should be able to pass the tampon on their own, then repeated radiographs may be needed to monitor its passage. Save yourself stress, anxiety, money by ensuring at all times that plastic never becomes part of his diet! They might also recommend monitoring the movement of the tampon through the intestine in the hospital. Take him to the vet for evaluation and x-rays to determine what is causing his symptoms as soon as possible. Edele is currently working in clinical practice while studying towards Advanced Practitioner status with the RCVS in the UK. Also, keep a look out for the tampon applicator in their stool. This is especially true if the object poses a choking hazard, which tampons do. If a dog ate tampon, the symptoms exhibited will vary depending on where it is located. If your dog ate a tampon, you'll want to do everything in your power to avoid a repeat experienceand subsequently, a repeat vet bill. Plant-based plastic applicators. Vomiting/Attempting to vomit: One of the most common signs of a blockage or tummy upset is vomiting or continually attempting to vomit despite your dogs stomach is empty. Your vet may need to use an x-ray or endoscope to find out what object has been swallowed. 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My dog ate bits of bubble wrap! Next, we will go over what you should do if you find that your dog has swallowed a tampon and who to contact for help. And including anything laying around within reach. Many people notice that their dogs need toys to chew when they are teething. Once in a dog's digestive system, the tampon will absorb gastric juices used for digestion. The severity of the condition is determined by numerous aspects, but whether your dog ate a used or unused tampon, you should consult a veterinarian right once. Veterinarians may also use ultrasound to look for problems, which gives a smaller picture but can be more accurate in detecting objects. While pet parenting has many rewards, it can also be stressfulespecially when your furry friend gets their paws on something they're not supposed to. Because of the size and form of a tampon, your pet may be at risk of choking. Any foreign object can create a blockage in a dogs digestive tract. Hello If your dog ate a tampon and it passes out of the stomach into the gut, it may scrape along the lining of the guts, causing pain and bloody diarrhea. Send love and prayers our way please. Keep a close eye on your pup to observe any changes or new symptoms emerging. Is plastic wrap passable or do I need to get him checked out? Often mistakenly lumped together with worm infections such as tapeworms, roundworms, whipworms, hookworms, and others because of its name, ringworm is dogs isnt actually caused by worms instead, it is fungal infections. Tampons are notorious for causing obstructions in dogs. Think about the function of a tampon, its designed to expand in the body and absorb fluid, so if your pooch eats one, it does its job and can expand to cause a blockage in your dogs intestines. Theres also a chance that a tampon in your dogs body will cause internal cuts and tears. Small plastic objects, such as plastic candy wrappers or soda bottle caps without sharp edges, may pass through a dog's digestive system with little or no stomach irritation. If your pooch eats either a used or unused tampon, the complications that can occur range from a mild tummy upset to a serious medical emergency requiring surgery. This means that sometimes interpreting these images is not straightforward, especially in the early stages of an obstruction. Your DVM may be able to induce vomiting if your pup ate the tampon within just a few hours and avoid surgery. An ingested plastic object that cannot be passed smoothly has the potential to cause any of the following health hazards in a dog. Feel free to discuss the risks of leaving the tampon with your vettheyll be happy to explain why they recommend what they do. Or it may turn urgent in a matter of time. Rspecially if they are not given high-quality hay. She may need some special training to help relieve the stress that induces the anxious behavior. Along with this, make sure that tampons are secured away or high enough up so that your pet cannot reach them if they get into the bathroom. The Natracare applicator has a rounded tip for easy insertion. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. My Dog Ate Plastic and Seems Fine What Should I Do? If the blockage is partial, then your dog might live up to three or four weeks without treatment. However, if your dog ate a tampon they can still die from the complications of bowel obstruction even if surgery is undertaken. Owners post pictures of their pets with a sign stating what embarrassing or funny object theyve eaten or chewed up. 5 Health Benefits and 4 Risks, Review: ValueBull Dog Chews Collagen Sticks & Yak Chews, Giveaway: Walkee Paws Dog Boots ($65+ Value), Hydrocortisone Cream for Dogs: What Is It and How to Use It Safely, Maryland Pet Stores, Dog Parks, Grooming, And More, damage his insides and his digestive system, Dog Harnesses: The Ultimate Buyers Guide, Hearing Loss In My Dog And What To Do: An Informative Guide, Happy Tail Syndrome Can Be Painful for Dogs Heres How to Prevent It, Coughing, Gagging and Choking in Dogs: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments, Pale Gums in Dogs: What It Means and What to Do, Ringworm in Dogs: Prevention and Treatment, Dog Sitting Tips: Beginners Guide For Pet Sitters. He is 28 pounds. Tampons with plastic applicators or those in paper are more likely to cause significant blockage in your dogs tummy. Many tampon applicators are made from petroleum-based plastic or plant-based plastics. My Dog Ate Tampon Applicator What Should I Do?