Dogs are curious animals and can often get into things they shouldn’t. A particularly unwanted item that a dog could ingest is a condom. If your dog has eaten a condom, it can be alarming and stressful. In this blog post, we will discuss what to do if your dog eats a condom – and when to worry.
Why Do Dogs Eat Condoms?
Dogs may eat condoms for a variety of reasons. They may mistake them for a toy or a treat, or chew on a condom as a result of natural chewing desire, anxiety, or boredom.
What Happens When a Dog Eats a Condom?
If a dog eats a condom, the worst case would be that it causes a blockage in their digestive system. The condom can become stuck in the stomach or intestines – causing pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. If left untreated, the blockage can lead to more serious, life-threatening health problems such as intestinal perforation.
What to Do if Your Dog Eats a Condom
If you suspect that your dog has eaten a condom, it is important to act quickly. Here are the steps you should take:
1. Stay Calm
It is natural to feel anxious or upset when your dog eats something they shouldn’t. However, it is important to remain calm to avoid stressing your dog further. Take a deep breath and try to stay focused.
2. Determine if Your Dog Actually Ate the Condom
Sometimes, dogs may only chew on a condom without actually swallowing it. Check the area thoroughly, and make sure your dog didn’t just chew (but not ingest) the condom.
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3. Contact Your Veterinarian
If you are certain that your dog has eaten the condom, call your veterinarian immediately. They will be able to advise you on what steps to take next. If your dog has eaten the condom within the last few hours, they might advise you to visit the clinic in order to induce vomiting there. They ask you to monitor your dog’s behavior and symptoms for a period of time, or may recommend that you bring your dog in for an examination. It should be noted that the larger your dog, the smaller the chance that the condom will get stuck.
4. Do Not Induce Vomiting Yourself
Making a dog vomit that has eaten a condom is not always the right choice – and especially not at home without veterinary supervision. This is because condoms can expand and become lodged in the esophagus, causing further complications. The decision to make a dog vomit or not depends on the specifics of each case.
5. Monitor Your Dog’s Behavior
In all cases, if your dog has eaten a condom you must keep a close eye on your dog’s behavior and monitor their bowel movements. If your dog is showing any signs of lethargy, vomiting, abdominal pain or discomfort, or if they are not passing stool or passing bloody stool – contact your veterinarian immediately.
When to Worry
If your dog has eaten a condom, it is important to monitor their behavior and symptoms for any signs of distress. Here are some signs that you should be aware of:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Difficulty passing stool or passing bloody stool
- Lethargy or weakness
- Unusual behavior
If your dog exhibits any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately. They will be able to determine if your dog requires treatment and what steps should be taken next.
Preventing Your Dog From Eating Condoms
Prevention is always the best approach when it comes to keeping your dog safe. Here are some tips for preventing your dog from eating condoms:
1. Keep Condoms Out of Reach
Make sure to store condoms in a place that is out of your dog’s reach. This can be a drawer, cabinet, or high shelf.
2. Dispose of Condoms Properly
Make sure to dispose of condoms in a secure trash can that your dog cannot access
If you have any concerns about your dog eating a condom anything uncommon, do get in touch. We have a team of expert vets on hand to help. Book a slot with one of them today.
