My Dog Ate a Cotton Ball What Should I Do?

Dogs eat all kinds of things, including many things they shouldn’t! Does your fur baby have a penchant for almost anything he finds? If so, you’re not alone. This is a common problem that many pet parents deal with. Dogs have even been known to try a cotton ball or two!

Dogs Eating Foreign Objects

Why do dogs eat such strange things? Because they’re dogs! Dogs are highly curious by nature. As a result, they use their mouths to explore their surroundings or things they find. For instance, if you’ve accidentally dropped a cotton ball on the floor, your fur baby may wander over and see if this is a tasty morsel of some kind! He doesn’t know and wouldn’t like to pass up any snack or treat that falls on the floor.

Dogs have been known to eat socks and other clothing, rocks, candy wrappers, paper, tissues, sticks, bones, and more. Some of these items will cause no problem and will pass through the dog’s digestive tract without any harm. However, some of these items can cause problems. Large objects, objects with unusual shapes, or sharp items can all cause problems.

What to Do If Your Dog Ate a Cotton Ball

If your fur baby has eaten just one cotton ball, chances are he will be OK. If the cotton ball didn’t cause your dog to choke or cause breathing issues, then he should be OK. Cotton balls are very soft and easy to crumple, meaning they should just pass through your fur baby’s digestive tract OK.

In these cases, it’s always a good idea to watch your dog for any signs or symptoms he’s having a problem. The symptoms to watch for include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Lethargy
• Drooling (excessively)
• Painful, swollen abdomen

If your dog shows any of these symptoms, then it’s best to go ahead and call the vet immediately. Your fur baby could have developed a stomach issue or could have developed an intestinal blockage.

On the other hand, if your dog appears to be acting normally, do watch for any signs he’s not feeling well. Also watch your dog’s poo for the next couple of days to see if the cotton ball passes through without problem. You’ll see the cotton in your dog’s poo, but keep in mind the cotton ball will look different. It won’t look the same as when it went in!

As always, if you have any concerns or worries, then be sure to call your vet right away. They’ll have the best advice on what you need to do for your fur baby.