Dogs are certainly known for their mischievous ways! A common thing that dogs can ingest is a tampon. If this has happened to your furry friend, it can certainly be worrying. In this blog post, we will discuss what to do if you happen to be in this situation!
Why Do Dogs Eat Tampons?
There are several reasons why dogs may eat tampons. The most likely reason is simply that they may mistake the tampon for a toy or a treat – both of which are generally fun to chew on!
What Happens When a Dog Eats a Tampon?
When a dog eats a tampon, the worst case scenario would be either the dog choking on it, or it causing a blockage in the digestive system. The tampon can become stuck in the windpipe, stomach or intestines – causing choking (in the case of the windpipe), or pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. If left untreated, an intestinal blockage can be a life-threatening condition!
What to Do if Your Dog Eats a Tampon
If you suspect that your dog has eaten a tampon, here are the steps you should take:
1. Stay Calm
It is natural to feel stressed when your dog eats something they shouldn’t. However, it is important to remain calm – to avoid stressing your dog! Take a deep breath and try to stay focused.
| Cat insurance from From | Dog insurance from | Coverage | Contribution | Own risk | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
€8.46 | €12.11 | €3.250 — €6.000 | 10% — 50% | €0 — €150 per year |
View |
|
€14.05 | €17.77 | €3.000 — €6.000 | 20% | €30 — €50 per year |
View |
|
€12.16 | €17.42 | €3.000 — €5.000 | 20% — 50% | €0 — €250 per year |
View |
|
€13.27 | €20,14 | €3.000 — €6.000 | 20% | none | View |
|
€13.86 | €14.67 | €2.500 — €5.000 | 20% | none | View |
|
€10.56 | €13.14 | €3.500 | 25% | €25 per claim |
View |
2. Determine if Your Dog Actually Ate the Tampon
Sometimes, dogs may only chew on a tampon without actually swallowing it. Do a thorough search of the area to make sure your dog actually ingested the tampons, and didn’t just hide them somewhere.
3. Contact Your Veterinarian
If you are certain that your dog has eaten a tampon, call your veterinarian immediately. They will be able to advise you on what steps to take next. Your veterinarian may 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.
4. Do Not Induce Vomiting Yourself
Inducing vomiting at home is almost never a good idea – and especially in this case. This is because tampons can expand and become lodged in the esophagus or windpipe, causing further complications. Induced vomiting should only be undertaken under veterinary supervision.
5. Monitor Your Dog’s Behavior
Keep a close eye on your dog’s behavior and monitor their bowel movements. If your dog is showing signs of 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 tampon, 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.
Conclusion
If your dog has eaten a tampon, it can be a stressful and worrying experience. However, by staying calm, contacting your veterinarian, and monitoring your dog’s behavior and symptoms, you can help ensure that your dog receives the care they need. Remember, prevention is always the best approach – so make sure to keep tampons and other potentially harmful items out of your dog’s reach, and throw them away in trash bins that have secure lids.
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.
